SparkPoints: (6,347)
Fitness Minutes: (5,780)
Posts: 31
5/17/13 9:00 A

Hello the Team,
Joining from western Montana. My husband and I are both cyclists, and he is my best riding buddy too. My hubby is always in better condition than me so faster riding the uphills, especially with the extra weight I've gained in the last few years.

Happy to say SP has helped a lot in that area--YAY--so I'm keeping up better.

This spring and after 20 years of mtn. biking, I bought a new carbon-fiber road bike so I can ride out front and let hubby draft off of ME for a change. This was one of my SP goals and...it has worked! As much as I love riding the dirt, the new bike is fab-u-lous and verrrry aerodynamic.

Looking forward to hearing about the adventures of the team.

SparkPoints: (809)
Fitness Minutes: (340)
Posts: 4
5/13/13 12:21 A

Hi everyone. I used my taxes this year and purchased my first "not pieced together" bike. It is a mountain bike but I will be using it mostly on roads since I am afraid of falling because of soft dirt. I have not ridden since childhood but I have really been enjoying it and am working to get in to better health so that I may ride across America.

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
5/8/13 12:06 P

new members!

current weight: 161.0

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150

SparkPoints: (3,942)
Fitness Minutes: (2,527)
Posts: 8
5/8/13 12:01 P

Hallo everybody! I am an enthusiastic 26yo cyclist who only commutes and rarely does a fun ride (I'm ruthlessly utilitarian with my bike rides!) I had a horrible accident 2 years ago but I recovered quickly from the physical trauma and am only now making it past the emotional garbage (yuck). My reflexes are terrible so I'm not a jumpy, daring cyclist like the spandexy guys you see on the road. However, I am dedicated and MacGuyver-y enough to get things done and count myself as a REAL cyclist!

I have a Schwinn World Tour (I think, I plastered it with stickers and forgot) road bike and live in the city of Chicago which is slowly but surely making its way toward bicycle safety and better roads!

SparkPoints: (9,487)
Fitness Minutes: (13,238)
Posts: 179
5/6/13 11:10 P

I hope to soon own the bike of my dreams: the Biria Easy Boarding 7-speed with a 40 cc frame.

I used to love to ride. Haven't in years. I am now 66 years old, and have an artificial hip.

Is that going to stop me?? NO! I shall just go slowly and be very careful.

I would like to find out how you folks count calories while biking.

I use a FITBIT to track steps every day, but the device doesn't work for biking.

Would love any insights on how to do the calorie counting on a bike.





Edited by: OAKASHANDTHORN at: 5/6/2013 (23:12)

Total SparkPoints: 9,487

	8,500 8,874 9,249 9,624	9,999
SparkPoints Level 10

Posts: 84
4/8/13 11:37 A

Hello all! I used to bike a lot while in college (mostly to and from class) until my bike was stolen. My dad bought me a cheap bike afterwards, which I only rode a few times because it sucked. Fast forward to yesterday and I bought a used Specialized crossroad hybrid that I'm so looking forward to riding! I was able to ride it a little yesterday but now I'm really looking forward to the weekend when I'll really have some time to get out there and get a good ride in.

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
3/28/13 4:33 P

new members! Looking forward to hearing about your rides!

current weight: 161.0

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150

Posts: 6
3/28/13 3:16 P

Hello everyone!

My name is Lis, and I LOVE road cycling:)
However, I live in a town that does not feel the same way. Hah!
My husband I are both bike enthusiasts, and we will be moving to a more biking friendly place very soon!
I'm excited to be a part of this team:)

SparkPoints: (7,306)
Fitness Minutes: (1,294)
Posts: 887
3/27/13 1:04 P

Howdy! Im in Pennsylvania, on the Philly side. My pal Ka_Jun sent me an invite to join up this cool crew. I got my first bike in like 23 years yesterday....just a Genisis Onyx from Wally World....but, I love him! a 29 inch cruiser....and, I has me a helmet to keep my bean from cracking any pavements.

I tried it out in tha store...no casualties or destroyed displays, so, I have that much goin on at least.

I know most all here are fer real hard core riders, so, I at least hope to give some comic relief, hahaha

current weight: 293.0

325 306.25 287.5 268.75

250

Posts: 170
3/26/13 9:46 P

Hi all from northern Illinois. Just recently invested in my first Trek bike- looking forward to tons of trail riding!

SparkPoints: (8,346)
Fitness Minutes: (3,621)
Posts: 707
2/28/13 5:49 P

welcome to the team

Posts: 468
2/28/13 8:38 A

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
2/27/13 3:39 P

to the team!

current weight: 161.0

206 192 178 164

150

Posts: 90
2/27/13 2:02 P

Hi There!

I live in Southern California, and love to ride casually around my neighborhood, like to take it on errands, put my basket on and shop. I also like to pack my bike in the car and take it to ride along the beach. I just really enjoy being out in the sunshine with the breeze in my hair. Plus, it makes me feel good and helps me be fit!

SparkPoints: (8,346)
Fitness Minutes: (3,621)
Posts: 707
2/22/13 12:23 P

welcome saabstory

Posts: 468
2/22/13 2:06 A

Yay Saabstory! Me too. I used to commute daily on my bike, then I found myself outside biking distance to work. Now, finally I am back in a decent distance to try it again, and hope to start when the weather is a bit more cooperative. Hopefully we can keep eachother on top of this!!

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
2/21/13 4:12 P

Welcome, SAABSTORY!

You might find this of interest, in regards to your commuting research.

bikepgh.org/101/

If you have specific questions, I'm sure many of the members here would be more than happy to toss in their $.02.

current weight: 161.0

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150

Posts: 37
2/21/13 3:09 P

Hi, I am new to the spark team but I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge about road cycling mainly. And looking to share my experiences good and bad. Thanks for the invite to the team Ka_Jun.

I used to ride much more, but last year had trouble getting it together and stringing rides together like I had. One of my goals this year is to commute 2 days a week to work by bicycle. So I am also looking for tips on commuting and things like that.

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
2/11/13 3:30 P

Good luck! Get in that saddle time!

current weight: 161.0

206 192 178 164

150

Posts: 468
2/11/13 10:37 A

Hi! Not a new member of the team, but a "renewed" member.
Haven't really been on Spark since 2010. Jumping back in and can't wait.. The last year didn't see much riding on my part ( outside Spin class), so I can't wait to tune up and get peddling this year.

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
2/2/13 5:05 P

Welcome! Nice, got the Specialized hook up! :) I use Plus 3 Network and endomondo. I'm not currently training for an epic, but for a "race" that's around 60 miles, but climbs 11-13 of the hardest hills in town.

If you made a thread for training 200 miles/month, I'm sure some of the folks on here would participate.

current weight: 161.0

206 192 178 164

150

SparkPoints: (1,541)
Fitness Minutes: (5,476)
Posts: 3
1/31/13 12:05 P

Hi everyone,

I'm new to SP and this group. I was an avid trail runner, but have a hip injury from training for Mount Whitney so I am biking now for aerobic activity. I've been road cycling for about 6 months now. I can't believe I put off buying a bike for so long, had no idea I'd love it so much! I had debated for years whether to get a mountain or road bike. (I have an Electra Cruiser fat tire, but that's more of a fun, get around town thing.) My brother works for Specialized, so I finally decided on a Ruby Competitor.

This autumn I worked myself up to 60 mile long rides. The physical therapist had me stop all athletic activity for a period of time, talk about frustrating and depressing! But I'm back on a training plan now: speedwork/intervals 1x/week, hill repeats 1x/week, easy ride 1-2x/week, long ride 1x/week. I also usually strength train with a pro trainer 2x/week, and functional exercise with physical therapist 1x/week.

My goal is to complete the Giro di San Diego Gran Fondo this September. It's a 106 mile ride with 8,100ft elevation gain. The big challenge in this is the Hors Categorie (HC) climb... it's 12.7 miles, 4,209ft gain, 6.3% average grade. I drove up this mountain in a sports car to check it out... after thirty minutes of driving I had to rest my arms at the top. I saw 2 brave cyclists riding up and shouted cheers to them on the way. I need to lose about 40 pounds in order to complete this HC without risk of failure or worse (giving up).

Is there anyone else in the group that is training for an epic ride?
Would anyone be interested in setting a group challenge of something like 200 miles/month?
Anyone use Strava or Runkeeper to track their rides?

[ I know I'm not going to break any land speed records in this race, but that's not the point for me. I like to set large goals for myself, then work like crazy to achieve them. I don't like setting weight loss goals, they seem to have a negative effect on me. I've done this once before, when I set a goal of running a USMC Hard Corps race. I weighed 243 pounds, and told everyone and myself I was going to do it. I realized I needed to train in a disciplined manner, start eating healthy, and take some serious weight off. I complete that race, which was much more rewarding to me than losing the weight. ]

Glad to find you guys!

Jill

SparkPoints: (831)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 6
1/23/13 9:04 P

Thanks, DATMAMA4, exactly what I'm looking for!

SparkPoints: (26,171)
Fitness Minutes: (11,828)
Posts: 2,123
1/22/13 8:47 P

Welcome, Graham! I'm new-ish to this team, and I've learned an awful lot from everyone here. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

SparkPoints: (831)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 6
1/22/13 8:11 P

Thanks to you both for the welcome!

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
1/22/13 11:57 A

and good luck!

current weight: 161.0

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150

SparkPoints: (8,346)
Fitness Minutes: (3,621)
Posts: 707
1/22/13 3:54 A

GRAHAMDC. welcome to the team

SparkPoints: (831)
Fitness Minutes: (422)
Posts: 6
1/21/13 4:02 P

Hi everyone! My name is Graham, I will be 32 this week and today is my first day on SparkPeople. I have been cycling for about 18 months and was excited to see a cycling forum on here. I ride a Cannondale caad10 and my goal is to lose weight to get healthy, but also to get faster and climb better and ultimately try some racing for fun. I look forward to taking part in team challenges and hopefully supporting each other in reaching goals.

SparkPoints: (8,346)
Fitness Minutes: (3,621)
Posts: 707
12/21/12 11:25 P

hi suzyq, i don't have a towne, but it is a "comfort bike" which will allow you to ride in a more upright position and the crank is moved forward. here is a link to a review of the towne bike on utube by a 400lb man who really enjoys riding his towne.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P6SOe333j8

my advise is to test ride one and if it feel good then buy it.

alec

Posts: 30
12/20/12 2:33 P

Hello everyone!!! I am trying to get myself back in to the swing of riding again I truly miss it! I also have a general question does anyone have an Electra Townie? I am going to check one out today at the bike shop and I just wanna get some feed back. Thanks a bunch!

SparkPoints: (26,171)
Fitness Minutes: (11,828)
Posts: 2,123
12/19/12 5:09 P

Welcome to both MM and Mona!

There are bikers of all shapes, sizes, and skills here. I'm sure you'll find it to be a great place for information and encouragement!

SparkPoints: (2,683)
Fitness Minutes: (1,725)
Posts: 33
12/19/12 11:14 A

Hi im Mona and I'm new to cycling. All I have right now is my husbands mountin bike, which will serve its purpose for now till I can get mine fixed or a road bike. I am just hoping to be able to ride the ? mile bike trail they put in lol

SparkPoints: (9,181)
Fitness Minutes: (6,940)
Posts: 60
12/13/12 11:47 A

Dave, Thanks for the welcome. I am really enjoying this team. A lot of great information that makes me eager for spring which never come early enough in Wisconsin.
MM

Posts: 1,223
12/13/12 8:18 A

Welcome mm!

current weight: 4.0  over

5 2.5 0 -2.5

-5

SparkPoints: (9,181)
Fitness Minutes: (6,940)
Posts: 60
12/11/12 9:31 A

Hi, I was really into road biking about 6 years ago. I enjoyed doing the various fun rides in my area. For the past few years I would take my bike down from the garage wall and take it for a short ride on a state trail a one or two time a year. In August I decided it was time to get in shape and ride again. After a few short rides, I was hooked and longed to be able to ride on a daily basis again.
Right now, I have my bike in a trainer ( I live in Wisconsin 15 inches of snow last weekend). I am riding the bike on the trainer for 30+ minutes 3x a week.
Next summer I plan on doing at least 2 bike vacations and ride my bike to work.
mm

SparkPoints: (26,171)
Fitness Minutes: (11,828)
Posts: 2,123
11/28/12 7:03 P

Welcome, Chris, and welcome to you, also, Valerie!

I'm a new-ish biker, too, and am a little jealous of those of you who have bike parks/trails near you. I can find lots of places to ride, though, but there are always cars somewhere unless I take my trail bike in the woods.

I had an old Diamondback (like 30 years old!) that I rode to death until almost the end of this summer. When I got a new bike, I got a road bike and could NOT believe the difference in speed. Although I'm glad I cut my proverbial teeth on the more difficult bike, I certainly can appreciate riding without struggling so much.

It's getting too cold and soon will be too snowy where I live to bike much longer between now and April, but I'm going to still try and get out there when I can.

Glad to have you here!

SparkPoints: (6,122)
Fitness Minutes: (20,701)
Posts: 70
11/28/12 6:37 P

Howdy everyone,
I am a newbie to road biking. I have been cycling occasionally on a mountain bike but have just bought my first Road Bike this weekend. My husband has been biking for a while and has just persuaded me to do the same. I cycle at a local park which has a 20 mile bike loop, I was able to do it on my mountain bike but was getting frustrated with my speed and pace compared to the road bikers. I just completed my first 20 mile ride this morning on the new bike and loved it, definitely a difference in speed. I'm hoping to improve my speed but also to build my endurance to go for some longer rides. I have recently lost almost 50lbs so i'm looking to use cycling to reach my goal weight (i'm almost there) and also simply for general fitness and pleasure.
Happy cycling!!

SparkPoints: (2,666)
Fitness Minutes: (1,736)
Posts: 2
11/19/12 2:53 P

Hello team,
My name is Chris and I just got both a Schwinn Voyageur World 21 hybrid and a GT Zum commuter bike. I'm not able to ride to work due to the road situation in Dallas-Fort Worth, but I'm looking forward to riding 20 - 50 miles a week on the trail near my house and with organized rides in town.

SparkPoints: (20,396)
Fitness Minutes: (12,019)
Posts: 573
10/19/12 5:26 P

Welcome Kelly! I know you'll enjoy your new wheels!

current weight: 136.0

145 138.75 132.5 126.25

120

SparkPoints: (8,346)
Fitness Minutes: (3,621)
Posts: 707
10/19/12 1:14 A

hello kelly, welcome to the team. it's great that you can use your bike to commute. i had a chance to do that at a couple of different places where we lived (spokane wa and enid ok) but that was a few years ago, i'm retired now so biking (or triking) is for fun and exercise.

alec

Edited by: KAYAK001 at: 10/19/2012 (01:15)

SparkPoints: (18,770)
Fitness Minutes: (3,442)
Posts: 738
10/19/12 12:56 A

Hi, I am Kelly and I am new here. Just bought a Cannondale Mt Bike for fitness. I have not ridden a bike since I was a kid. I am loving it!

I am going to use it to commute to work as well.

SparkPoints: (8,346)
Fitness Minutes: (3,621)
Posts: 707
10/9/12 11:23 A

i have a sidewinder trike an simply love riding it. we have a lot of steep hills here so i equipped my trike with the factory option electric assist hub motor. i can ride the tike without using the motor (it freewheels) use it as an assist motor, or on the flat/monor hills as a motor trike without peddling. as you can see from my photo, the trike is equipped with a wallkydog leash (strut) to allowm our dog to accompany me on our rides.

alec

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
10/8/12 9:50 P

Congrats on your winter commuting! Layers...

current weight: 161.0

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Posts: 959
10/8/12 4:40 P

Hi all. Hubby and I have taken up riding to his work three days a week on our mountain bikes. We're hoping to be able to continue through the winter months. I understand it can be done with proper dressing. Our ride is almost 14 miles round trip, so I thought I should enjoy a cycling team in the process.

Pounds lost: 7.0

0 8 16 24

32

SparkPoints: (26,171)
Fitness Minutes: (11,828)
Posts: 2,123
10/5/12 3:40 P

Hi from the northernmost part of western PA -- the tip of the chimney, so to speak. I'm new to this team, and fairly new to biking.

My hubby and I rode occasionally during the summer months, and he's been an avid trail raider for years, but I never really got serious about riding until this past summer. I started riding "for real" in April or May and have grown to like it more and more as the months have gone by. I'm not a racer, but am enjoying long rides for recreation and good cardio.

I bought a road bike to replace a 30-year-old bike (you can read about it on my SP blogs if you'd like) and am enjoying the change to a fully-functioning ride. ;) Now that the weather is starting to change, heading for much colder temps and the high quantities of snow we get, I'm trying to fit in as many rides as I can while the roads are still clear. I figure I have about another month or so.

I look forward to gaining knowledge from all of you experienced riders out there!

SparkPoints: (37,832)
Fitness Minutes: (44,061)
Posts: 1,691
9/19/12 5:08 P

current weight: 161.0

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150

SparkPoints: (20,396)
Fitness Minutes: (12,019)
Posts: 573
9/11/12 8:58 P

Hi! I love to ride, but do not do as much as I would like. I have a road bike and a hybrid. A recent diagnosis of osteoporosis has converted much of my cycling and swimming (non-wt-bearing) into walking and running. However, cycling and swimming are my first loves! The adventures of other team members are very appealing and motivating. My schedule is limited. It's just so darn hard to fit everything in!
Thanks for having me on board~

current weight: 136.0

145 138.75 132.5 126.25

120

SparkPoints: (741)
Fitness Minutes: (30)
Posts: 4
9/4/12 1:25 A

Hi. I just bought a tadpole trike. I was a hardcore mountain biker in my youth but a serious injury killed my riding an my weight (along with the depression from not being able to do what I used to do).I decided it was time to take my life back. Just discovered tadpoles and I am so excited to be able to ride again. Any other bent riders here?

Edited by: TIAMAD80 at: 9/4/2012 (01:28)

Posts: 1,133
8/21/12 8:24 A

Veggie & Allie to the team. Happy Riding!

current weight: 125.1

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120

SparkPoints: (6,507)
Fitness Minutes: (5,262)
Posts: 59
8/19/12 10:31 P

Hi Everyone,
I just bought my bike (Trek FX 7.4) about 6 weeks ago and I am hooked. I love my bike and go out for an adventure whenever my schedule allows.

Happy Trails!

SparkPoints: (14,017)
Fitness Minutes: (6,495)
Posts: 20
8/19/12 7:48 P

Hi! My husband and I recently got new bikes - the first ones for either of us in about 15 years. The aim was to take our 8 year old on bike rides on vacation. While hubby is ho hum on biking, I am hooked. I have been riding almost every day this month on vacation and back here at home. Since my 8 year old is a little scary on the roads, I have begun looking into bike trails in our area (NJ) so we can enjoy the sport together safely.

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 2.5 5 7.5

10

SparkPoints: (4,261)
Fitness Minutes: (7,261)
Posts: 34
8/3/12 1:02 P

Used to ride quite a bit back in middle and high school. I even kept it up while I was in the Army. Now I ride almost daily, luckily I can ride at work, and the techniques are coming back to me. Been on the MTB mostly but have picked up an old road bike so I can add some more mileage and have some fun exploring the roads around home.

SparkPoints: (7,270)
Fitness Minutes: (1,004)
Posts: 139
8/1/12 8:14 P

Hi. I used to ride a lot, but a brain injury threw me off and I started packing on the pounds. I couldn't ride because of balance issues so I finally sold my Trek hybrid. I just bought a recumbent trike and I'm loving it. I'm 60 years old, have fibromyalgia, and I've been overdoing it on my bike. All I want to do is ride. Today I'm practicing abstinence from the bike and I HATE IT.


I can't recommend the recumbent trikes more for those who have trouble with a bike or who have never ridden before. I have a TerraTrike Rover 8 speed. It's almost impossible to tip over, you can literally let it walk itself up hills while you just sit and peddle, and, given my arthritic knees, the seat is about the same height as a folding chair. (Some trikes are only a few inches off the ground.) Another good thing about the higher trikes is that you can easily make eye contact with drivers. On big hills, you can even stop and rest or snap a photo. It's like riding a lawn chair. And no sore butt.

And, wherever I go, people stare and yell out, "Cool bike." As we speak, my partner is at the bike shop right now buying one for herself.

Oh, yeah. I live just outside of PDX, the best bike city in the US.



Edited by: SLANDISSTEWARD at: 8/1/2012 (20:17)

Posts: 420
7/28/12 4:28 P

Hi everyone! I'm Emily, 23 years old, and just rediscovered cycling. My husband bought me a bicycle a few weeks ago, and since I'm pretty out of shape, it's tough for me to use. I would really like to get back into cycling regularly. I live in a very hilly area and the hills are the hardest part! I would eventually like to work my way up to 30 miles, which is approximately the distance to Bar le Duc (nearest big town) and back (13 miles each way plus in town riding). It would be awesome to bike there to do my shopping then come back!

current weight: 140.0

145 140.75 136.5 132.25

128

SparkPoints: (22,637)
Fitness Minutes: (14,185)
Posts: 1,206
7/24/12 10:49 P

Hello! I am a 37 yo Bronxite who got into cycling through triathlon. I've been riding for 2 seasons now, and I'm planning some of my first distance rides (a 50-something ride at the North Fork Century on Long Island on Aug 26 and possibly the 75 mile route at the NYC Century on Sept 9) at the end of the summer. I was active with Spark a few years ago, but I've recently started to put some of the weight back on at an alarming rate (lost a job, instantly became more sedentary) and decided it was time to take control. Glad to be here!

Oh, P.S., the post below mine is MY LITTLE SISTER! I had no idea she was on SP, but there she is. Hi Amy!

current weight: 205.3

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180

SparkPoints: (725)
Fitness Minutes: (561)
Posts: 15
7/16/12 9:19 A

Hi all! It is nice to be here!

My name is Amy. I am 26, live in Buffalo and run a fast food restaurant.

I used to ride around a lot on cheap little Wal-Mart bikes in the small town I grew up in, but it never translated into continuing through middle and high schools aside from when I didn't have a car and riding was faster than walking.

My very cycling oriented beau helped reignite my desire to ride, and a couple months ago I got a nice older steel road bike that I absolutely love. I bring the bike out to central NY whenever I visit my beau in Utica where he is starting up a community bike shop.