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tom turner · 07-16-2006, 01:52 AM

Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your son's death while on a bicycle. I can't imagine how painful that was, and is.

My cousin lost her husband, a very avid cyclist, in Tallahassee (my hometown) last year. He was quite well known in the local scene. Someone claimed they didn't see him and they weren't charged.

A month before the 2005 Tour de Georgia another cyclist and TRUMPETER that I knew from Tallahassee flew off the side of a mountain road by Vogel St. Park that the tour went down a month later. This guy LOVED speed though, and was in a crouching position to get more speed when something happened in a curve. He sailed off the road at over 60 mph and hit a tree about 50 feet down. I'd NEVER do something like that, but it was sad going up there, during the Tour de Georgia to the spot where Matt lost his life.

Bicycling is probably one of the most dangerous sports someone can take up as an adult . . . yet also one of the best, for it is low impact and wonderful for aerobics.

My wife and I, both in our 50's also ride road bikes . . . and try to be very careful. Still accidents happen. A big dog darted out in front of my wife two springs ago and her front wheel actually stopped instantly when it hit the dog, causing the bike, along with her still clipped to the petals, to radius 180 degrees forward.

She hit the pavement on the top of her helmet and her wrist had the tendons messed up as the handlebars hit the pavement. She also broke a rib . . . all as we were doing 16mph on a country paved road! That was the end of her cycling that year.

To jmichiel I say this: DO NOT think I'm trying to scare you!!! Take up road biking, it is a GREAT sport, and a wonderful way for an adult to get back in shape! You'll soon discover that the miles will peel away quickly, and you will absolutely love the feeling!

Naturally, get a great "brain bucket!" A helmet should NOT be skimped on. A good bike shop will make sure you are fitted correctly.

ALSO . . . get fitted for a comfortable, quality bike! If you can, spring for at least Shimano 105 gearing and shifters . . . for this can be upgraded later (as it wears out) for either Shimano Ultegra OR the ultimate . . . Dura Ace. Most road bikes will be outfitted with this brand of gearing.

The fit of the bike is sooooo important, as is the weight of the bike and the way you choose to ride. Each five pounds of weight can slow you down several minutes on a moderate climb of just a few miles, so the racers go as light as they can.

HOWEVER . . . for an adult who won't be concerned with racing for wins with the young guns, a slightly less aggressive frame with allow you MUCH more riding comfort even though it is a little heavier of a bike.

Don't worry . . . all decent bike shops can discuss your needs and help you find a bike that's right for you.

I'm still on the heavy side, and in my mid-50's, and LOVE my 2003 Specialized "Sequioa" road bike. It is made for folks who want to ride 100 miles or more and not have the bike kill 'em. The super light road bikes are just made for ultimate lightness and speed and this means a very low riding position, lots of jarring . . . and no comfort.

It is made for more comfort . . . a seat post with GIVE . . . a saddle that's got a little padding . . . a SLIGHTLY more upright ride. These things make a HUGE difference when one is out doing a "century" (a 100 mile road ride event) or a leisurly 25-50 mile ride in the afternoon in the country! I selected one with 105 components, which is perfect for my "speed," and totally upgradable. The weight of the 105 components is only a little more than Ultegra too so it really doesnt' matter . . . to me.

Other makes also offer fine bikes too.

Good luck . . . and BE CAREFUL!

Sincerely,

Tom Turner

PS: I also have a bright, flashing rear bike light . . . and wear bright yellow or bright red jerseys when I ride. It helps the rednecks in their pick-up trucks to see me better out in the country!!!

Have fun . . . I know I do!

07-16-2006, 01:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
tom turner Mezzo Forte User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 788	Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about your son's death while on a bicycle. I can't imagine how painful that was, and is. My cousin lost her husband, a very avid cyclist, in Tallahassee (my hometown) last year. He was quite well known in the local scene. Someone claimed they didn't see him and they weren't charged. A month before the 2005 Tour de Georgia another cyclist and TRUMPETER that I knew from Tallahassee flew off the side of a mountain road by Vogel St. Park that the tour went down a month later. This guy LOVED speed though, and was in a crouching position to get more speed when something happened in a curve. He sailed off the road at over 60 mph and hit a tree about 50 feet down. I'd NEVER do something like that, but it was sad going up there, during the Tour de Georgia to the spot where Matt lost his life. Bicycling is probably one of the most dangerous sports someone can take up as an adult . . . yet also one of the best, for it is low impact and wonderful for aerobics. My wife and I, both in our 50's also ride road bikes . . . and try to be very careful. Still accidents happen. A big dog darted out in front of my wife two springs ago and her front wheel actually stopped instantly when it hit the dog, causing the bike, along with her still clipped to the petals, to radius 180 degrees forward. She hit the pavement on the top of her helmet and her wrist had the tendons messed up as the handlebars hit the pavement. She also broke a rib . . . all as we were doing 16mph on a country paved road! That was the end of her cycling that year. To jmichiel I say this: DO NOT think I'm trying to scare you!!! Take up road biking, it is a GREAT sport, and a wonderful way for an adult to get back in shape! You'll soon discover that the miles will peel away quickly, and you will absolutely love the feeling! Naturally, get a great "brain bucket!" A helmet should NOT be skimped on. A good bike shop will make sure you are fitted correctly. ALSO . . . get fitted for a comfortable, quality bike! If you can, spring for at least Shimano 105 gearing and shifters . . . for this can be upgraded later (as it wears out) for either Shimano Ultegra OR the ultimate . . . Dura Ace. Most road bikes will be outfitted with this brand of gearing. The fit of the bike is sooooo important, as is the weight of the bike and the way you choose to ride. Each five pounds of weight can slow you down several minutes on a moderate climb of just a few miles, so the racers go as light as they can. HOWEVER . . . for an adult who won't be concerned with racing for wins with the young guns, a slightly less aggressive frame with allow you MUCH more riding comfort even though it is a little heavier of a bike. Don't worry . . . all decent bike shops can discuss your needs and help you find a bike that's right for you. I'm still on the heavy side, and in my mid-50's, and LOVE my 2003 Specialized "Sequioa" road bike. It is made for folks who want to ride 100 miles or more and not have the bike kill 'em. The super light road bikes are just made for ultimate lightness and speed and this means a very low riding position, lots of jarring . . . and no comfort. It is made for more comfort . . . a seat post with GIVE . . . a saddle that's got a little padding . . . a SLIGHTLY more upright ride. These things make a HUGE difference when one is out doing a "century" (a 100 mile road ride event) or a leisurly 25-50 mile ride in the afternoon in the country! I selected one with 105 components, which is perfect for my "speed," and totally upgradable. The weight of the 105 components is only a little more than Ultegra too so it really doesnt' matter . . . to me. Other makes also offer fine bikes too. Good luck . . . and BE CAREFUL! Sincerely, Tom Turner PS: I also have a bright, flashing rear bike light . . . and wear bright yellow or bright red jerseys when I ride. It helps the rednecks in their pick-up trucks to see me better out in the country!!! Have fun . . . I know I do!