queanda

Just got back from first "serious" ride as newbie, 19 miles 1/2 hills and it was EXCELLENTE. oakland bay area, tough hills, great views, serious challenges. just got over a cold, still getting used to clipless pedals, only one water bottle, metal pieces in front brakes, etc. , etc. nonetheless I loved it. great experienced rider helping me along the way. Just sharin and wishin everyone the best!

LowCel 

Welcome to the addiction.

coasting 

it's good to hear the enthusiasm of a new cyclist. i remember that day when i set out on my first serious ride. It felt like such an achievement.

RacerOne

It is fun, isn't it?

coasting 

Let this new guy be a role model for all of you miserable, sour faced oldies. Smile when you ride. It can't hurt you.

max power

pablosnazzy

now THAT is a sweet ride report. don't ever forget that feeling. thanks for sharing your joy with us, i'll think of your post on my next ride.

- max power - your bike has great advice, thanks.

fatslowbiker

that's lance's.

B. Carfree

John Madden would be proud. (For you young 'uns or non-Bay Area folks, JM was a long-time Raiders coach who always called the S.F. Bay Area the Oakland Bay Area.)

I also love the enthusiasm. I grew up riding in those hills. They really are a great place to ride.

rangerdavid

Thanks for posting. I've been riding only about a year and a half and I still look forward to riding each day and miss the days I cannot.

Beaker

Nice job OP, which routes did you ride? I'm east bay too, and love the Oakland hills - so much variety, fantastic scenery and low traffic.

By the way, I thought that the thread title might have something to do with this: https://play.airside.co.uk/products/joy-of-cycling

patentcad

If you're having fun you're doing it wrong. There's no fun in cycling.

surgeonstone

Or as Greg Lemond famously replied when asked when does it stop hurting- " It never stops hurting- you just go faster"

rouleour

Oh precious innocence!...

wens

I live in the wrong place. The weather pundits are calling for freezing rain followed by 2 feet of snow tomorrow.

Blackdays

^Tell me about it sister.

queanda

Hi, I went up behind the zoo, grass valley, past the stables up to skyline, then turned around after getting metal on the brake pads, awesome!

wens

Sister? And I'm not buying it, I suspect it's much ado about nothing.

Beaker

NIce - when you get the itch for a longer loop - ride up Skyline, down the awesome Redwood Rd descent and turn onto Pinehurst and enjoy the ride through the Redwoods in Canyon before the nice little climb up the North of Pinehurst that'll plop you back onto Skyline again.

DRietz

Hey, I'm always looking for new ride partners and I'm just right over in San Leandro. I was planning some rides after every day of finals this coming week if you're at all interested in joining in.

Caracalla.

biking balances my weekends, sunday solo ride for peace and quiet, thinking of the past week and the one ahead, plus the fun of just being alone (at least until some bikers start to tail) and saturdays are for the group where the fun of being with others comes in. it's been good.

BayAreaUser

I am!!.. but i'm too far. =( I've taken a whole week off and I'm dying. =(. Tomorrow i may be able to sneak in a 1 hour ride at 8am before bunkering down for my last final of the semester woo hoo!!! After the 15th, i'll have to ride long and hard to get rid of the 5-7 pounds i've put over the last 2 weeks of reading period. =(

DRietz

I wish I could gain 7pounds in 2weeks. Anyway, let me know if you ever want to go for a ride. I'm planning a nice Redwood loop on Friday the 17th if you care to make the trip. Rain cancels.

thesmoothdome

Maybe that's why you derive all your pleasure from wasting our time here with inane comments. Just saying...

OP, enjoy every second out there!

Bob Dopolina 

Lance sucks.

The OP doesn't.

Great to hear about your passion.

Rinse, repeat.

Tell a friend.