Howdy from Gotham City

[FunkyDuck]

Ello there

Recent convert to cycling after reaching 38, realising if I didn't do something to get fitter now I probably never will, also an easier/cheaper way of getting to work and back.

Started about 3 Months ago, 8 miles each way. To be honest, the first 2 weeks I felt like death, death that had been kicked up the arse a few dozen times. As the weeks go on, it gets easier and easier and *shock* actually finding I enjoy it more and more, especially enjoying the stone I've lost. What started out as 45 minutes each way is now 25.

Have signed up for a charity ride in April next year, London to Paris over 4 days. Excited as heck, and quietly bricking it. Totally comitted though.

Have a Marin Muirwoods hybrid bike, bought it 2nd hand as I wanted to make sure I was going to stick to it, but have to say it is a good solid bike I think I will be keeping it for the time being.

Have some questions to ask, so hoping this forum will be the fountain of all knowledge.

So that's hello from me..

Philip

 

[Shaun]

Hello Philip,

Sounds like you're enjoying yourself, and the London-Paris will give you something to work towards (although I'm guessing it'll be a reasonably steady pace?).

Welcome to CycleChat - have a good look around and chat to the natives - they're a friendly and helpful bunch, and don't be frightened to ask - there are no daft questions ... well, okay, maybe a couple ... but feel free to get stuck in.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

[david1701]

welcome, time has come to bring in some distances then

A friend of mine commutes 12 miles each way like a bat out of hell and leaves me standing, long distances and I can take him easy

 

[FunkyDuck]

Thanks for the welcomes..

I am just searching for a decent waterproof/breathable jacket ready for the winter commute, can anyoune recommend something? Nothing too prices as it will no doubt be stuffed at the bottom of my panier most of the time!

Thanks again..

 

[HLaB]

Thanks for the welcomes..

I am just searching for a decent waterproof/breathable jacket ready for the winter commute, can anyoune recommend something? Nothing too pricey as it will no doubt be stuffed at the bottom of my panier most of the time!

Thanks again..

Hiya Phil

Ahh the holy grail, try searching in the Accessories part of the forum or asking there but I can recall a consistent recommended jacket.

 

[dellzeqq]

FD - hello and welcome - keep an eye on the Informal Rides section - there's quite a lot going on.

 

[FunkyDuck]

Off tomorrow for my first real ride for leisure, looking forward to not having to think I need to be at my desk in half an hour. Going on a bit of an urban adventure, nothing major, SE4 to Greenwich, through the foot tunnel then head west onto Embankment over to Putney and back via Oval & Old Kent Road. A friend coming too she is more of a cycler than me, and London promises to be quite warm tomorrow, so may need a pub stop or two!

Wish me luck..

 

[Sittingduck]

Sounds like a nice little route FD! I used to dislike Chelsea Embankment / Grosvenor Rd until they recently re-surfaced it and made it into CS8. It's now a pleasure to cycle along.

Have fun,
SD

 

[FunkyDuck]

It was fun, 30 miles which wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, although really aching lower back the next day, and my knees seem a bit clicky which has never happened before! Had to stop and help a cyclist who had been knocked off his bike by a car, he seemed ok, just a biz dazzed poor chap!