How many cyclists are out there?

**Pleater** · 2nd October 13, 03:11 PM

I cycle a little these days - it is downhill in every direction from here so I tend to use the bike to go between home and the closest shops, post office and bank which is only slightly sloping. I used to have a racing bike, but I seem to have shrunk so I got a lady's bike with a frame 2 inches smaller and I can manage that - though only having three gears would be a killer if I tried any hills on it. The gears seem to be slow, slower and I could walk faster but that seems to alter going up hills and the top one becomes cardiac infarction alert really quickly. Something to do with my age I think.

I have had a bike most of my life, starting with a red tricycle with a boot on the back. I suspect that it is one reason the medical people think that their blood pressure machines are broken when they use them on me.

I just love it when a new nurse starts to lecture me on the ills being overweight will bring upon me and then finds out I have normal blood pressure and pulse rate - it is actually slightly lower than average when I am not being lectured about my weight...

From my experience a short ride several times a week seems to be most beneficial.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 2nd October 13, 04:57 PM

A SW Missouri cyclist here. But... since highland games always seem to interfere with the MS-150, part of my motivation is lacking. The fair lass and I do plan to ride Missouri's KATY trail each June, though. 240 miles in 5 days on railtrail.

Hang in there. You'll get your stamina back.

Dan

**Stirling McQueen** · 2nd October 13, 05:21 PM

I have ridden on and off for over 30 years. Mostly road riding, though a little mountain biking and a little track riding. Track is the most fun, but alas I no longer live near a velodrome.

Mention was made of buying a good saddle; great advice, consider a Brooks. Possibly a B17 or Team Pro, depending on your riding style. Once they are broken in nothing is more comfortable. That and take your time building up mileage; spin fast rather than turn a big gear, and pedal in circles - not up and down.

Have fun with it.
Peace
Henry+

**cck** · 2nd October 13, 05:34 PM

Since my name was brought up by "Hawk" I think I need to get into the conversation. Like most kids who grew up when their parents weren't chauffeurs, I got around by bike. Then I learned to drive and the bike was forgotten. Thirty-three years ago, totally on a lark, I did a triathlon, dusting off my rarely used $99 bike. I quickly found out it would be more fun if I became more skilled in biking and swimming. Now it is 400 events later and this rather mediocre athlete has had the thrill of competing all around the world. It has been great fun and has kept me in fantastic health. Being involved in 3 sports has its advantages - you can almost always do one of them. Biking I do a couple of times a week, either outdoors (we have a good climate here) or indoors. Occasionally I teach an indoor cycling class when they are hard up for an instructor.

**denmcdough** · 2nd October 13, 05:55 PM

Another cyclist here. I started 30 years ago when my hip went from running. I do enjoy the biking, but I do miss my running. Fortunately, I can still XC ski, also.

I have a 15 pound road bike and a 29" mountain bike, full suspension. I do, probably, 6,000 miles/year. As long as I can keep healthy, I'll be doing it for a long time.

Definitely be aware of traffic when on the roads. As of late, I've been enjoying more time off the road and on the trails.

Bike on>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

**Sammac** · 2nd October 13, 06:07 PM

Yet another cyclist. Funny that the first thread I see is this one. Just got home from riding some local single track. Managed 21 miles before darkness brought me in. I too ride a full suspension bike, do a little racing, not fast but I finish every race. It does help to lose weight and get in shape, plus its fun except when you hit trees!

**madmacs** · 3rd October 13, 09:32 AM

I'll be attempting my first century on the 20th... How hard can it be right..???

Sadly most of my training has been on my 20 year old mountain bike (bridgestone mb5, I think the 5 stands for the weight in tonnes) though my Scott S10 should be back from its tune up friday (featherlight and ultegra here we come)

Considering a season of track next year... Stl has one of the 27 remaining velodromes in the US.

**Southern Breeze** · 3rd October 13, 12:04 PM

I have noticed one thing since I started riding again - where did all these hills come from??

I'm thinking about adding a set of saddle bags, any recommendations?

**mookien** · 3rd October 13, 12:33 PM

If you're set on saddlebags, I can't help you. I use a handlebar bag and a rather large under-the-saddle bag. It is about 10" long, 6" deep, and flares from 5" at the front of the saddle to 6 1/2" at the back. I can carry LOTS of stuff on long day rides (off road), including an accidental bear gun. Fortunately, I have never had to use it, though over the years I have seen two bears - one close up and personal. He was more afraid of me than I was of him, but at least he didn't have to send his biking pants to the cleaners.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 3rd October 13, 07:48 PM

We use Nashbar's daytrekker panniers on the KATY trail. They're smaller than most panniers but you can put a lot of stuff in them. My fair lass also goes to farmer's market using them.