Author Topic: New here and just getting into touring  (Read 6254 times)

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Offline MNRider

New here and just getting into touring
« on: July 08, 2012, 09:36:40 pm »
Hello,

Just wanted to say Hi and introduce myself.

I'm 46 years old and was an on again, off again casual cyclist in my late teens and early 20s. After about two decades away from the sport, I got back into it seriously last year as part of my comeback from allowing myself to become quite obese (300 lbs) and suffering some heart problems and weight related injuries. Happy to say I'm 70+ pounds lighter and off all medications with my doctor's blessing.

I've ridden a few centuries (both organized and solo) and participate in organized B group rides from an area bike shop, as well as enjoy a lot of recreational/fitness cycling on the rural highways and paved county roads in my area. While I enjoy the B-level "noncompetitive" group rides, it didn't take long to realize that my interests are more in the line of longer distance riding rather than short and fast. I've got an old aluminum Trek 1400 that is my "road" bike, but even that is equipped with a triple and a more touring height and angle on the stem. My touring bike is a flatbar 1990s Trek 700 Multitrack that I built from the frame up. Between the bikes, I have ridden 2,200 miles so far this year and feel I'm ready for some new challenges. 

I'm very interested in getting into touring and am contemplating some 2-3 day trips around MN. A friend gave me a copy of the Adventure Cycling magazine and the touring community seems to be just what I am looking for.

Dave
Those who say it can't be done should stand aside for those who are doing it

FredHiltz

  • Guest
Re: New here and just getting into touring
« Reply #1 on: July 08, 2012, 10:34:01 pm »
Welcome, Dave. You will find a wealth of information here and on the Adventure Cycling web site. Be sure to check out the How To section.

Fred

Offline Rep

Re: New here and just getting into touring
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2012, 07:20:23 am »
Dave,

Like you I entered the touring world after many years of not riding.  I began with a supported five day tour across Wisconsin and decided I could do this myself.  I now tour self supported throughout the region.  Much of what I know came from this site.  Welcome to the forum.

Bicycling, Brewing & Backgammon...What a life.

Offline staehpj1

Re: New here and just getting into touring
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2012, 07:28:06 am »
Welcome to the touring community.

Offline JHamelman

Re: New here and just getting into touring
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2012, 07:42:17 am »
Hi Dave,

Welcome to touring! As pointed out by others, our site has lots of great info. You also might want to take a look at our Bikeovernights.org (http://bikeovernights.org/) site to get yourself started with a one or two night trip. Also, Minnesota DOT has some bicycle-oriented maps to get you planning: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/maps.html

Best,
.Jennifer.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

Jennifer Hamelman

Adventure Cycling Association
Inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle.
800/755-2453, 406/721-1776 x205
www.adventurecycling.org

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