chip.mcbride

Hi All,
I have a Schwinn Paramount MTB that I purchases while stationed in CA in 1996. It has traveled the world with me. We have a rails to trails path nearby that I have been putting the miles in on....I had the bright idea to swap out my old 26x2 tires (vintage piranha pros)(nice and cracked and a tad dry rotted) to some narrower rims from a Specialized donor bike...I'm almost always on pavement anyway....little harder tire, little narrower...that led me to having to adjust the brakes...which was a finicky pain in the rear...and they scream something fierce...like through the frame and into your soul....which I will address later...after a successful ride, I realized the cassette is 7 gears, not the six I had...not that I ever use the largest rear gear...but, I figure I can swap out the gear selector from the newer parts bike too...wrong...it's a combo brake and shifter too...I can swap it all out...I'm fairly handy...and I have a Parks book....frayed cables mean new cables and new cable tubes, and I had to cut the slip on grip off which means new grips...sheesh. Each change has led to a new need...I am learning a lot, and even though I'm a sweaty mess (96 degrees and humid here), I'm enjoying the challenge. My neighbor has observed the sweaty cursing spectacle and said Hey, I know you ride quite a bit and I've seen you working on your bike....I have an older road bike that has been in shed for years...mind taking a look at it.....Sure, why not....Quite the lengthy intro that meandered into a semi-rant...I figure this is the path several here have taken before...you know...just a quick little upgrade.....looking forward to reading more as I frequent the site with my pending questions....

2cam16

Welcome! Would love to see the Paramount when you can post pics.

chip.mcbride

Will do.

daverup 

Welcome Chip!
One thing you might watch out for is "Rule #12 " from,
https://www.velominati.com/

This rule quickly results in bikes filling all available storage spaces, but is followed by many forum members.
The most positive effect I have found from this rule is that you more easily avoid "bike boredom".

Dave

Rage

Howdy!

chip.mcbride

Quite the entertaining read Daverup.....I typed out two responses only to have both deleted and told I can't post URLs...too funny, it appears to count your link as my link when I responded....so, here goes for a 3rd time. I'm too familiar with acquiring more and more items when enjoying a hobby. My hobby room is overflowing with RC aircraft, electric and fuel version....The bike thing has quietly snuck up on me...I have a Linear recumbent and wooden recumbent build in the works....I acquired 3 donor bikes for that build...but somehow those parts have become parts for my Paramount MTB...which has quickly meant more parts needed....and has led to more thoughts of upgrades....maybe a disc brake in the front...and a way to mount a fly rod, as there are numerous fishing holes along the bike path....It appears there really isn't a stopping point and after reading some more posts here, I will be in good company.

daverup 

Haha..
Sounds familiar. Two more posts today, and 5 more tomorrow and you'll be free from the URL and pic attachment restrictions.
Have fun,
Dave

spank226

Had to click on and read your post. I myself am a SMIB (Southern Maryland Inbred) and am now out in San Diego. I used to ride quite regularly along Indian Head Hwy to the gates of the Naval Base there, and I also started a cycling team at a bike shop in Waldorf, long ago at Mike's Bikes, which is loooooooong gone and back before Bike Doctor opened up a shop there (are they even still around?) A few of us came to start doing a regular training ride down on Patuxent Naval Air Station with a team that formed down there, Pax Velo. My team even hosted the MD/DE District Road Race Championships and we also once hosted a 3-day stage race in Charles County that my mom was as of 2 years ago STILL getting annual requests from Charles County Parks and Rec to put it back on the event calendar. We had some GREAT training rides in the early 90's with PAx Velo. One of the Pax Velo members ended up getting stationed at NAS Sig and circumstances followed that had me visiting over there long past my default tourist visa would allow and doing the bike thing there for quite some time.

I'm off the bike for many years lately, but trying to ease back into it but this body just can't seem to find a sustainable means to pedal for very long. San Diego is WAAAAAY hillier than SoMD!

Hope there's still a great group of people in those parts for you to hook up with and ride.

bobokat

Welcome!

StanSeven

Small world. At one time I moved my boat to Solomon’s Island and rode on weekends there. I met some people from Pax Velo and joined. Some great, fast rides and flat terrain. One of the best organized century rides was out of Deale and road all through Calvert County. I still shiver at times thinking about experiences riding across that bridge

chip.mcbride

I separated from the USAF and stayed in the area for the jobs....I travel out to San Diego a few times a year...what a fantastic area to ride...hope you indeed do get back into riding...maybe a recumbent or trike...big money, but much more comfortable...like taking your recliner out for a spin. Bike Doctor is still going strong...they've relocated to a larger shop and since the Rona, they've been swamped...everybody has started buying bikes here...Local Walmart is completely empty of bikes and most accessories.....I haven't looked at riding groups...I really enjoy the trail and the solitude...other than the turkeys, deer, turtles and snakes that are always crossing...