Conference noted::bicycle

	Since I started this note, I'll be the first to reply.

	I'm Christofer deHahn, Hardware Design Engineer, Electronic Storage
Development in SHR.
	I've done some loaded touring, but my main interest is racing. I've
been licensed for 6 years. I started as a Cat IV with the Mass Bay Road Club
out of Plymouth, Ma. I have been a Cat II for 4 years now, and currently
ride for the Boston Velo Team, sponsored by the Bicycle Exchange in Camb-
ridge, Ma, Basso, and VO Max. My best events are long, fast criteriums with
lots of primes, like Fitchburg.
	I currently own 5 bikes, each of which has it's own purpose.

Basso Gap - Given as part of last year's sponsorship. 54 cm, Campy Super
Record Pro. Great all-around racer.

Fuji Opus III - Given as 1984 sponsorship with MBRC. 55 cm, Suntour Superbe
Pro. Nice stable bike but too slow for me. Fully functional spare bike.

Miyata Team Miyata - Old diehard. One of the last made with Tange tubing.
54 cm, motly group. Refuses to die after many, many crashes. Slow.

Urago Paris-Nice track - Carbon steel track bike, used mostly for winter
fixed gear training. 54 cm, Campy Nuovo Record Piste. Dogsled.

Metro mountain bike - for fun and a good boredom diversion. Made by Cycle-Pro
out of oversized Cro-Mo. Heavy, built like a brick..... 19 inch.

Ted Wojcik custom - My Ferrari in the basement. Built by a very good friend
of mine who has a small side business in Salisbury. Chrome fork and stays,
full Campy titanium Super Record Group. 53.6 cm,Columbus SL, extra heavy
seat stays and other custom touches. 19 lbs with race wheels.

	I don't usually start winter training until after the holiday abuse.
I'm interested in hearing from other racers and tourers. I've been doing
my own work for 18 years, building wheels for 10 years. 

CdH

                                         

	Chris Paulhus, Product Acoustics Group, MLO 8-3
	  Started serious riding in 1980, very active in Nashoba Valley 
	Pedalers (local touring/recreational club). Also active in major
	bike rallys (GEARs, NEAR, etc).
        Bikes:  Lotus Eclair - winter bike.  Only reason I keep it is to
	  	mount the Zzipper fairing so I can ride in comfort down to
		20 deg. F.  Have duplicated Avatar drivetrain on this bike.
		Bummer sling seat (the Avatar spoils you).

		Avatar 2000 recumbent - pride and joy.  This thing lets me
		do long rides (over 30 miles kills my tail on a regular bike).
		I've geared it for hills: 26-42-45 into a 12 to 32 7-speed.

		DeFilece recumbent - training bike for HPV rider. 53 into
		Regina 7 speed.  Tubulars front and rear.

		PC Special - 12 foot long 29" high racing streamliner (under
		construction).  For IHPVA racing.  94" wheelbase, 20" F,
		24" rear tubulars. Kevlar single layer (no composite) shell.

		Denault(?) 3-speed - mounted in training stand with early 
                Racer Mate wind trainer fan attached.  For when the roads are 
                unridable and the fields are un-X-Country ski-able. (My 
                pre-1980 bike.)

	Wish List: Counterpoint Tandem,  Fat Chance ATB.
	
		Glad to answer questions on recumbents and IHPVA activities.

	Reg Burgess, back into riding three years ago after a VERY
	long rest.

	Current bikes:-

	23" Alin (Yes, that IS spelled right, not Alan but a small
custom shop in Croydon, Surrey) circa mid fifties, "pencil stays"
(thin seat stays), BH Airlite hubs laced to tubular rims, rear is 40
spoke threaded both sides for fixed.  GB bars (track bend) stem and
brakes.  Stronglight steel crankset, complete with cotter pins. 
Refinished in about '62, translucent lacquer over nickle over copper,
over DB531, chromed crown, half forks and half rear triangle.  Still
plenty of life left in it, but it DOES need refinishing again and I am
pretty sure the old bike shop has been built over for a freeway, oh
well. Curious, I still have the original set of Blumels fenders (mud
guards) for it.  I rode this bike for two seasons (about 6,000 miles)
of getting restarted.


	58 cm Motobecane ProLight

	End of season deal at International, november '84.  Vitus 979 
frame, had clinchers and a bar/stem set up that didn't fit me, he 
changed it to tubs on Specialized wheels and Cinelli bars/stem for no 
extra.  I mashed up the back wheel twice on railroad tracks before I 
figured out that jumping technique without a fixed has to be VERY 
different, I still believe that it is possible to jump MUCH further on 
a fixed.  I don't want to defend Vitus frames here, its plenty stiff 
enough for me (180# +) and I am usually accused of grinding too high a 
gear where I should be spinning.  Stock gearing was a 12-18 straight 
Maillard block, I have experimented with a 13-18 and 13-21 CXs but 
like the close spacing around 42x17, 16, 15 of the straight block.


	20 1/2" (I think) Specialized Stump Jumper

	Beginning of season deal at International, April/May '85

	This thing is fun !  And off road it is REALLY HARD WORK !
There are loose dirt climbs that have to be taken fast, have to be
ridden very smoothly, and have to be taken in a low gear.  The net
result is that you put out a lot of energy for a long time, without
the usual road options of changing down, slowing down, or standing up.
BTW, if the ad boasts 12" of ground clearance (at the bottom bracket) 
you still get very wet and dirty in 6 or 7 inches of water with a
seven inch crank. 

	I like to do a little time trialing, hill climbs (Wachussett
and Washington) and reasonably fast club rides (60 - 120 miles).
A believer in fixed gear riding, I think that most riders miss a lot
by limiting themselves to multi speed bikes.  I can, and do, argue 
both sides of the helmet issue.  Fine if you go down and if you hit 
your head, not fine if they impair your vision and/or hearing and 
contribute to the accident that they (almost) save you from.


	Wish_I_hadda:-

	Track frame for spring riding and commuting; with fender eyes,
dyno_lights, carry rack and skinney clinchers.  Don't laugh too hard, 
there are a lot of people out there who could use this combo for a few 
weeks.

	Cyclo-cross bike ?  Wait a minute, that's a REALLY rough game.
		(dirty, too)

	Seven (or more) speed Sturmey Archer free/fixed hub for the
best of n_other worlds, including off-road, where the added control
would help a lot. 


	Reg	(Who will be faster yet,   ...next year)

I'm Kathy Norton, who tries to keep the DEC Bike Club hanging together.
I do lots of kinds of riding, nothing too spectacularly.  I have a round-
trip commute to work of about 50 miles, so that keeps me in shape during
the summer.  I'm also a wimp, so I only do the full distance in good 
weather.  A 50-mile round trip commute also keeps me slow!  In the morning,
I say "Don't push it, you've got a long day ahead."  In the afternoon, I
say "I'm beat, I can't push now."  I guess I'm relatively lazy, too!

I do some occasional long-distance touring, which is one of my favorite types
of riding, especially alone.  There's nothing like being totally independent,
and selfish too, cause riding alone means you can do whatever you want and
go wherever you want whenever you feel like it.  It's also a great way to
meet people, as long as you're reasonably careful.

I enjoy doing some occasional racing.  Actually, after the race I think I
enjoyed myself, but I'm really miserable during the race.  I've decided I
have no fast-twitch muscles, but an over abundance of slow-twitch muscles.
But it's fun to push as hard as possible, and compare myself to other women.

This year I've been doing some winter training on a VETTA wind trainer. 
Gives new meaning to the word BORING!!!!!!!!  But I try to psyche myself up
with a reminder that Reg is going to try and talk me into doing the Mt.
Washington race next year.   Wow!  I can get tired just thinking about that!

I've got 2 bikes - an old Motorbecane Grand Touring that's fantastic for
loaded touring.  That thing can go up any hill, no matter how much stuff
I load on it!  Of course, I have to work that much harder, too.  I've also
got a year-old TREK 700 that's great for commuting to work and for time
trials and other races.  My next purchase will be a Cannondale or Eclipse
bugger for next summer, but that's a whole different story altogether!

	Kathy (Who wishes that one day she'll be able to keep up with Reg.
	       But who seriously doubts that will ever happen, especially
	       if Reg keeps getting faster and faster!)

John Heffernan LKG1-3

I am a beginning biker who is intestered in doing triathlons.  I bought
a Shogun 600 recently.  I live in Concord and like to bike in Lincoln
and Sudbury.  My rides are usually 15 miles week day and 30-40 miles weekends.
I am hoping to commute to work (12 one way) even during the winter (some)
and mpre in thw summer.  I like biking; its a nice change from just running
and I like to swim too.

Tom Porcher, Video Terminals Firmware, Digital Park (Parker Street), Maynard.
                                                    PKO3-1/K90
                                                    DTN 223-4694
                                                    REGINA::PORCHER

I'd have to call myself a fundamental cyclist.  My interests mostly lie in
bicycling for transportation, and for everyone.

Currently, I am Editor of the Fitchburg Cycling Club CHAMOIS, a monthly
newsletter (copies available on request).  I've enjoyed doing the CHAMOIS
this past year, because it keeps me in touch with the Club and I've had
fun playing with the LaTeX document preparation system.

Recently, I've been active with the Fitchburg Cycling Club, as well as
with the L.A.W. State Legislative Committee (which seems to be idling now).

I'm proud to own the following two (2) bicycles:

  - an Eaton "Glider", circa 1974.  This is really a Raleigh Grand Prix,
    manufactured by Raleigh/Caralton, but sold under one of Raleigh's many
    names.  Yes, some of the parts (including the cottered crank arms) are
    still original, but most of the rest of the bicycle has been gradually
    replaced (including the frame).

    This is the bicycle I use for commuting.  It is a sturdy bike that
    takes a lot of abuse.  It also has my 12V generator/battery lighting
    system on it.

    Commuting for me also includes going almost anywhere that's not on
    a Sunday (see below).

  - a Holdsworth "Special", circa 1980.  This is my Sunday bike.  It's
    equipped with a half-step-plus-granny triple, and other equipment
    appropriate for the long tour.  Sundays also include longer tours--
    most overnight camping trips, and trips from Alaska to Florida.


My interest has always been, as the AYH puts it, "traveling under your
own power".  In 1981, Mark Riordan and I traveled from Anchorage, Alaska
to Key West Florida, over a period of 5 months.  It was the trip of a
lifetime.  Since then, I've calmed down a bit and stick to vacation-sized
trips.

I now have a three-month old daughter who will be joining me and my wife
on our Sunday trips.  Like Kathy Norton, the child seat and/or trailer is
about to become part of my equipment.  Hey, there's another idea for a note:
"Cycling with Children"!

        --tom

My name is Mike Morgan and I am a RDC engineer at the plant in Colorado
Springs.  My main interest are riding on mountain trails around Co. Sp. and
one day trips in the semi local areas of Denver, Georgetown and Vail.

I have two bikes:
  1.  A Raleigh Crested Butte, 18 speed and touring capable if need be, and
  2.  A Raleigh Kodiac, also 18 speed and fully loaded for touring.

I don't race because there are lots of old pros out there that will clean
and press my socks for me.  All I have to do is watch for a minute.

I am planning a tour of the Front Range area in the spring though so I have 
to make sure I am in some kinda' shape for it.

Mike... I'll betcha' my hill is bigger than yours.

Dan Halbert, CRA, HLO 2-3/M08

I'm a recreational and sometime-commuting rider. I own two bikes:

1. Trek 620 (1983), with half-step and granny.
2. nameless Azuki (ca. 1970), with lotsa parts replaced. For casual riding.

I was a student in Cambridge in the mid-'70s, and commuted by bike to summer
jobs. Because of this, I own an original Bell helmet with a low serial number.

Then I was in Berkeley and Palo Alto for about 6 years. I commuted, and did
rides in the hills, so my specialty was spinning fast in low gears.

I did a few centuries (all kilometric, I must admit) in CA. N.B.: The Grizzly
Peak Century, in Berkeley, has the best food.

Latest and longest ride was on an organized two-day affair, Seattle to
Portland, 190 miles, but relatively dull. Best story is that I got my first
and only flat one mile from the finish.

New England is great if you're interested in easy interstate biking.

--Dan

Hi, my name is Keith Woestehoff and I'm a software engineer in Colorado
Springs. I bought my first bike when I was 28 and immediately fell in love
with riding. Now that I'm close to 37, I'm more into riding than ever
before. My wife and I have 6 bikes which are all used. Mine are:
  1. A Viner Stellar Pro equipped with various light weight components
     which I picked out on a one by one basis. It comes in at just under
     20 lbs. with the racing wheels.
  2. A Raleigh Super Course which was my first bike and was used for racing,
     touring and commuting. Now I only use it for my wind trainer, touring
     and bad weather riding.
  3. A Stumpjumper. This is a new world of cycling.
     
I've been into triathlons for the last 3 years and have been placing in the
top 10 percent in my age group and overall. Cycling is my strongest event.
I usually get in 100-200 miles a week in the summer. The mileage my not appear
that high but the intensity is high and I ride lots of big hills. I belong to
the Rainbow Racing Club which is sponsered by a local bike shop. 
Colorado Springs is a bicycle heaven of sorts with the Olympic Training 
Center, the velodrome, and many great places to ride like the Air Force
Academy where the 86 world championships will be held. I know just about
every good ride or tour in Colorado and would be glad to lend valuable
information to any one who may be coming this way for a bike tour or to
see the world championships.

                               Keep on pounding away,

                                          Keith

Tom Blinn, Large Systems Marketing Technical Support, Marlboro (MRO2).

I grew up riding a Schwinn with a 2-speed transmission, but since then
I've moved up in the world.  Right now, I've got a Motobecane Super
Mirage 10-speed, which I ride a lot around central Mass.  I'm not much
of a spinner, I really like grinding along without moving the muscles
too fast, but I try to cover a fair amount of ground each summer. 
Riding for a couple of hours in the evening is a really nice break from
the activities of the day.  I've been seriously considering riding to 
work (it's only about 4 1/2 miles), and now that there are showers in 
the building, I might start doing it.

I'd like to get a good off-road bike, and try some trail riding.  This 
will probably be a project for next summer.  I'd also like to get into 
bicycle touring, although I don't know if I'm really up to hundreds of 
miles at a time.  One of my fantasies is to go out and do the RAGBRAI as 
a summer vacation.  Otherwise, I'm pretty much into solitary riding.  I 
like to set my own pace, see the sights, take a break when I want to, 
and it's hard to do that in a group.

Tom

Gary E. Miller here. I have only one bike to call my own, a sweetheart tourer
made by TREK. The 1982 version of the 520. Triple crankset with Grampa gearing.
Most people call them Granny gears, but I'm a grampa, and Gramma has her
own bike with *HER* gears on it. My lowest and favorite gear is only 24"!
Needless to say, I do a lot of climbing, simply because I really enjoy 
coasting down the other side. 
I started into biking 3 years ago, when I wanted to something different for
my college class' 25th anniversary. Rode a clunker from Bolton Ma to 
Syracuse NY. Then I was hooked good. 
Looking to something for my 50th birthday this year. 
I like to tour slowly (50-75 miles a day), commute 30 miles daily , as Kathy
says, wimpily, ie when the weather is nice. However, some days when I wimp
out, Kathy hasn't...making me a wimpier wimp than her. Touring is most fun
for me when I'm alone, but I do enjoy an occasional 25-50 miler with my wife.

We're starting to plan a cross country trip, perhaps we'll pull it off in
1987. We'll see.
I enjoy reading all the replies you folks have written in the notesfile.

Somehow, I used to get the feeling that there were only a few bikers around
but I am becoming aware that there are lots of us, and so diverse in our
interests.
		Gary (who only rides to eat ice cream)

Hi all:

I'm Mike Hanauer and work in Corporate Telecommunciations at Parker
Street, Maynard (PKO1).  Since I live in Lexington, don't often make DEC
Bike Club activities. 

Am a year round general cyclist doing lots of club riding and touring
(5000 mi/yr).  Very active with Charles River Wheelmen (V.P.) and would
like to invite you all to our frostbite rides (or warmer arrowed rides)
which are every Sunday.  They sure beat those boring indoor activities
once you give them an honest try, really! 

Have two bikes, a Univega Nuovo Sport and a Univega Specialissima
touring bike.  I ride the former more often (even with its steel wheels)
since we have known each other longer and have a better relationship. 

For me too, Ice Cream is a true love.  Charter member of Ice Cream 
Anonymous.  Most of the rides I lead go between such establishments.

						Mike

Hello,
	I am Ike Norton, working with the LSI Manufacturing IS group here
in Hudson, MA.  Just started riding this summer with a Fuji Regis.  I took
a trip with my two older boys (14 and 15) along the Erie Canal between
Lockport and Rochester over the summer.  Think it must have been the hottest
day of the year! We tood a break from noon to about 2:30 after 50mi.  That's
only about 80 mi., but it was fun.
	I have been commuting (very wimpily) from home in Shrewsbury (about
12 mi) - how do you avoid hypothermia in this weather?

		Ike

	Hi,

	I'm Tom Cathers and work in Columbus, Ohio as a Software Specialist.

	I started riding 3 years ago for fitness and stress reduction.  I
would classify my style of riding as fast recreational.  During nicer weather
I ride with AYH on weekdays and weekends.  Distances covered are generally
between 30 and 100 miles.

	My winter training consists of some weight training, rollers (for
balance and smoothness) and riding a wind trainer.  BTW, I ride the wind
trainer much more now that I'm set up to read VNOTES while riding.

	I am very interested in learning more about training techniques,
bike maintenance and entry level racing.

I'm Ken MacDonald, up here in Merrimack, NH. I'm a software engineer, 
and occasional bike rider. Have done rather little riding lately, prior
to starting with DEC last April I used to ride to work in Wash. DC, 
about 19 miles r.t. Some winters I rode, some not.

Prior to '75 I spent 3 years as a mechanic in a 10-speed shop (no 
skateboards, thank you) in North Dakota. I did some ABLA (remember 
them?) sanctioned racing there. Upon moving to DC, I entered a few races 
as a Sr. III (now they call 'em Categories, I guess, and have up to IV).
I was alarmed to find that DC area riders couldn't ride a bike straight;
suspect due to mild winters/no rollers..... the ND riders were sure slow 
in the spring, but boy they could ride straight! Anyway I took up a 
series of club 10-mile time trials so I wouldn't have to ride with 
anyone; best times were around 26:45, but that's long gone!

For bikes, in various repair:

A Nishiki Semi-Pro, 25", converted to a street-track bike (clincher 
wheels, front brake, rear fender) - amazing bike, has a 43" wheelbase.

A Wes Mason 25 3/4 " (English frame builder; built later with others as
MKM, and also some club bikes labeled Alpine). Very quick road-racing 
frame, used to time-trial with it. (Quick in the sense that it was quick 
for me compared to other bikes I rode.... I have a problem making ANY 
bike go fast).

A one-of-a kind 25" built by Fred at Alpine Frame Shop in Rockville, MD. 
Built as his personal bike before he owned the Alpine, so it's not 
REALLY an Alpine... this is, BTW, a DIFFERENT Alpine from the ones 
mentioned in the Wes Mason Paragraph... It seems Very Stiff, sprints 
nicely, and I think it would be a nice criterium bike. If I did that.

Hope to take some more time for riding this year, or I'll have to sign 
up with the DEC Bike Club Marine Division (boat anchors).

	Hi,  I just found this notes file.  I'm Bob Kurtz I work in Princeton
N.J.  I'm Field Service Large System Branch Support (remember 36 bit systems).
I'm a recreational rider. I have a 1985 Trek 520 with a biopace of chain
rings.  A member of the PRINCETON FREEWHEELERS.  I normally do a 30-100 mile
ride on weekends, I'm not into racing, I just enjoy riding.
	I found when I was trying to figure new gearing for my bike last
summer that  LOTUS  was a real nice way to compare gearing and then plot
them to see the effects.  I'm on OBIWAN::KURTZ for mail.

     I'm John Scales, a software specialist in the San Diego office.
I have been riding for several years, but am currently more interested
in building than riding.  Have built four frames now - two singles and
two tandems.  Both tandems specially designed for adult at the front
with child stoker.  One of the tandems is equipped with a special
"kiddy crank" mounted half way up the seat tube to accomodate my four
year old daughter.  I have two daughters and a typical ride is a family
affair these days.

     If you have ever entertained the idea of building your own frame
I would encourage you to try it.  You do not need massive amounts of
related experience or special tools to get started.  There are a couple
of excellent books available for reference.  I can also supply you with
sources of tubing and other supplies.

     I have been enjoying this notes file a great deal, but there is
one thing I don't understand - what is all this talk about "winter
training"? (Sorry - couldn't resist).

			I'm Jym Dyer.  My Paris Sport is 12 years old and on its
		last legs (wheels?).  I enjoy biking to work, but I think I'd
		enjoy it a lot more if I bought a new bike (something I plan to
		do).
				<_Jym_>

My name is Mike Duggan . I work for field service in Acton. I have been
riding for two years all year round, on a Matsuri 550 my first bike.
My longest ride is the Pan Mass Challange 186 miles, this ride is for 
everyone.Planning to do a few triatholons this summer love long rides.
I'm basicly
a novice when it comes down to building a bike,but want to learn.
I'm glad a notes file got started its about time.

My name is Steve Fuller and work in Acton Nagog. I just saw this
notes file while trying to solve a customer problem (really!).
This biking clique sure seems small, it appears that I know over
half of the respondents here.

I've been riding for about 15 years, starting in my early teens.
Cycling helped put me through school, working in 4 bike ships
over a period of 6 years.  Currently, my wife and I average
about 3000 - 4000 miles per year (buying a house has dampered
my miles!) including a lot of club rides with the Seven Hills
Wheelmen and Nashoba Valley.  I enjoy all distances of rides,
from 10 mile spins after work, occasional time trial, to long
hill climbs.

I've had a lot of experience working on bikes, if anyone needs advise
on what to buy, please send me a mail.

I own two bikes:

A beautiful blue DeRosa with tubulars (I've had better luck with
tubulars than clinchers, these new ultrlite clinchers wear terribly)

and

a modified touring machine that I built myself.  It is built of
531 and has a mix of components.

I don't believe in all this winter riding that "hardcore" cyclists
do around here.  I'd much rather get on my XC skiis and climb
a few mountains in the winter.

    Hi.  I'm Julie Corenzwit.  I live in New Jersey at present.

    I have two bikes.  One is an old (ca. 10 years) Schwinn Le Tour
    general purpose 10 speed.  The other is a Univega Specialissima
    triple crank (low gear 27 ginches) about two years old.  Most
    of my riding has been casual weekend stuff.  Last summer I
    did a loop tour of the California wine country (Sonoma and
    Napa) followed by the Route 1 run to San Diego with two friends.
    We did partly camping and partly motels.  Had a terrific time.
    I'd like to do more touring when I get a nice block of vacation
    saved up again.

    I would have found this notes file a bit sooner if it had been
    converted to VAX Notes.  Will it be converted soon?  Response
    seems a little sluggish with no server.

Ed Fisher, Distributed Information Systems Group, Relational
databases, Rdb/VMS developer, Spitbrook (ZK2), home: Merrimack, NH

Been riding seriously since '82, 3 to 5K mi/yr.  Mostly touring
some club time trials (GS Crono), twice did the Mt Wachusset Hill
Climb. Last year bettered my time by 2 min, going for another 2
this year.

As for touring, did New Hampshire end-to-end in 2 days a few years ago.  I
like to do centuries -- though claiming to do "a lot" is relative.  I've
done 50 rides of 100 or more mi/day in 4 years, several were 200K and 1 was
200mi.  I'd like to do another 200mi or so this year. As for how much time
for the centuries, each year I've gotten about a half hour faster 7:10,
6:35, 6:09, 5:44, will try to break 5:30 this year.  (These times are all
"elapsed" and no-drafts, and admittedly pretty flat.)  One of my favorite
centuries is the "4 Notches and a Pass" ride in the White Mountains.

Have been known to take a bike to DECUS, etc.

No I do not have any centuries in for '86, yet -- but I do have 600 road
(outdoor) miles.  (Ok, ok, I'll fess up, 200 were in Florida but 300
were genuine NH/January miles).

Have climbed Mt Washington 3 times, on a bike, of course. (We won't talk
about the clock but I'd like to improve in that department, too.) 

Currently have 5 bikes:

My 4 yr old Fuji S12-S touring bike, 23 in.  I ride it in the winter.
Clean it off regularly, seriously every spring.

My 2 yr old Trek 720, 22.5 in - a reincarnation of a previous 720.  I use for
pannier loaded touring.

My 2 yr old Guerciotti SLX, Super Record, 55cm.  A fine bike for racing and
fast riding. 

A Ciocc SLX.  I found a Campy 50th going for fire sale prices and a 55cm
frame that was being clearance saled by Ten Speed Drive, After that I have
a bike for going to church on Sundays and such for a pretty low price. 

A Cannondale 21 in. touring bike that I threw together for a few special
purpose uses.  Like when the Trek has fenders or when I want to fiddle
gearing without changing something that's all set up for something. 

There was an article in The American Wheelman a few years ago entitled 15
reason why I should go to heaven.  If I had to pick one that described me
I'd say it was, "I buy lots of bicycle parts, sometimes I even use them." 

Ok, I'll introduce myself,

I'm Kent Harnois, a software engineer in Marlboro for TSG 
(LMO4).

I'm a very casual cyclist. I own a Univega Supra Sport which
I bought in 1984. The first year I tried commuting to work
several times a week (from Natick which was approx 17 miles 
each way). Last year I didn't get to ride all that much, but
this year I hope to begin riding more.

I currently live in Boston, so the commute is out for now.

Kent 

re: VAXnotes. Here's another vote to convert. This is the last 
remaining NOTES11 file that I read.

	
	Charlie Crabb, SEG/CAD at HLO  

I've been biking since 1972 and have owned a Schwinn Sports Tourer
with the old, wide-range Campy Gran Tourisimo derailleur (Took a 36.
Coupled with a 38 chainwheel you could bike on the beach).

Then a Motobecane Super Mirage, and a Raleigh Competition.

Currently I own a frame made by Dave Hartranft and various and sundry
Campy parts on board.

I like to bike nearly anywhere but prefer training.  I am not touring at
present.  My current interest is finding the "best" run.  Sofar it's one
from Hopkinton through Northboro up the wall to Princeton (tough but
a rewarding view once you get there) then back down through Holden to
Oxford, back past Purgatory Chasm.  
A friend of mine and I biked to Hartford last year, I trip I highly recommend.
We took Route 16 to 197 which is beautiful and yes, hilly.

I'm currently looking for advice on rims.  I have some Arc-en-Ciel's but
they're a bit soft for our roads.

	My name:    John A. Wasser
	My bicycle: Nishiki Riviera GT (1986)
	My Scotch: "None for me, thanks"
	"My insurance company? New England Life, of course. Why?"

	Back in the 70's I did some time trials and amateur races but
	I havn't done much riding since then.  I just bought a new
	bike and joined a local bicycle club (Nashoba Valley Pedlers)
	to get myself back into bicycling.  I expect to stick to
	slower rides (day rides under 30 miles) for a while.  Maybe
	some weekend tours.

    
    I currently have an old TREK 615 that I'm selling to my cousin.
    I must say that I prefer ATBs;  I've been looking for the "right"
    one now for 2 years.  I ride 'em when I can beg, borrow, or steal
    'em...  
    
    I'm virtually located in Colorado Springs, SWS office.  Tend to
    be in many physical (and logical) places.
    
    I've biked a loop in 81 from Germany through Denmark, Sweden, Finland
    up to the Arctic Circle, back to Sweden, then cheated by train to
    Norway, then some tours again, then my bike was stolen in Kobenhavn.
    (sic!)  All that on a TREK 412 alone w/tent.  WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!!!
    
    Currently looking at a few ATBs - The new Ross, Dakota (I like this
    one because I'm from the Black Hills), and some others.  I'm interested
    in maybe finding a good frame and building my own.  I want a lot
    of bike, but don't want to pay the money Ritchey, Fischer, or MOOT
    want.
    
    	regards,
    
    		\rik

    Hello...  
    
    I have a TREK 520 touring bike which I'm planning to seriously utilize
    this season.  Besides a scheduled trip to Arizona in October I figure
    on some tours in and around Vermont/New Hampshire.  I use this bike
    for all road riding as.. well it's the only road bike I've got.
    
    I also recently got a Specialized Rockhopper.  LOTS of fun.  The
    more I ride, the more I want to ride.  The first day I got it I
    was VERY VERY muddy.  GET FAT!
    
    As far as racing goes I haven't gotten into this area.  Yet.  I
    feel that it's a possibility for the future though I figure buying
    one bicycle a year is enough.  Now if only the IRS would give more
    than one rebate a year I'd change my mind for sure...
    
    And lastly... Scotch is fine!
    
    Ben.
    

    I'm John Peters, live in New Haven, Vermont, work in BTO as a
    manufacturing engineer for power systems.
    
    I have been bicycling for about forever, and love three speeds.
    In Cambridge, Mass., 1968 to 1975, used to take pleasure in embarrasing
    10-speeders in city commuting, the rapid shift giving the 3-speed
    the edge in light-to-light driving.
    
    I have a 23" Raleigh 3-speed, modified considerably to fit my long
    frame (big seat post extension), brakes mounted so they move away
    from fram members when applied, poliquen brake shoes, rear brake
    and shifter on LH side for carrying stuff with right hand.  This
    bike and its ancestors have been ridden HARD in city commuting,
    with vise-grip wheel repair, frame breakage every couple years.
    It's still my preferred vehicle.  
    
    I also have a Peugeot 15-speed, 25(?)" frame, 34#, Bleumel fenders,
    biopace sprockets, the old dimpled steel wheels, clinchers.  I have
    NEVER been comfortable on this rig, just can't seem to get the seat
    and bars so I don't get numb fingers and a sore yaz.  I still use
    it for longer hauls.
    
    I'm a number of miles in on gravel roads in dairy cow country, so
    I ride less, it's just too much effort to get to the pavement. 
    Another scary thing on the gravel roads is dust saturated with calcium
    chloride, eats the hell out of metal.  
    
    Dream machine?  a hybrid with derailleur wrapped around an SA 3-speed
    hub.  Quick shifting with infinite fine tuning, leave it in high
    if you want maximum efficiency.

	Gee, I'm so glad to "discover" this conference.  Had looked
	for one several times before but never saw this one.  Was
	thinking this morning about starting one, cause there had to
	be fellow spinners out there, but one last check proved
	fruitful. 
	
	I'm Steve Resende.  I'm still getting into serious cycling,
	been sporadic since my youth, got serious about two years
	ago. 
	
	Have done the standard Vermont Bike Tours (last year and for
	some inexplicable reason again this year, next month).  Like
	touring, not particularly wild about racing.  Prefer
	distance to speed.  Have yet to do a century, but this looks
	like the year.  Would like to do a cross country down the
	road, if The Company can spare me for a few days. (^; 
	
	My wheels are a 12 year old Schwinn Le Tour 10 speed.  Yup,
	nothing fancy. Really enjoyed it (except for sitting down
	after really long tours) until I had a chance to try a few
	other bikes.  Things have improved since 1974.  Will
	probably invest in a new 15 this year when I can figure out
	a good one. 
	
	And that's it.  Now, I'm looking forward to browsing thru
	this conference to catch up on what's happening.  See ya. 

          Hello All,



          My Name is Greg Mckie.  I have been working here at MRO  for

          the  past 18 months as a contractor in the VENUS test group.

          Hopefully, as it looks now, I will get to see  my  two  year

          mark here.  Or better yet, get hired.



          I have been out of cycling  for  ten  years  now  and  I  am

          looking to get back into it.  When I did ride it was back in

          my teens through all of New York City except for the  Bronx.

          I use to own a Peugeot, until my nephew wrecked it.



          I presently do not own a bike.  Just  now  starting  to  ask

          questions  and  looking.  I would in the future like to join

          in some of  the  events  as  mentioned  all  ready  in  this

          conference.   I have never ridden with a group or a club.  I

          would like become active in one.   I  would  be  a  seasonal

          rider only, no cold weather cycling.



          I am also a unicyclist.  Thanx for welcoming aboard.



          Greg

    Hi, 
    
    Since so many other just for fun riders have replied, now I have the
    nerve to reply too. 
    
    I'm Glen Worrell from Electronic Storage Development (Memory
    Engineering) in Shrewsbury.  About the only thing I ever did in high
    school was ride, just for fun, no destination, return when I got tired
    or it got dark.  In college, I did enough pounding to break a steel
    frame and cottered cranks, and now have neither. My current bike is a
    Bridgestone 400, a sport bike I think, with a 3rd chainwheel added.
    Unfortunately, now that I've been in the real world a few years, I find
    less time to "just get up and go". 

    I currently live in West Boylston ON the Wachusset Reservoir loop, and
    Wachusset Mt is only ~15 miles away (by the end of the summer I don't
    think I'll need the granny anymore, until spring, XC-skiing just
    doesn't seem to work the same muscles the same way).  When I do get out
    now, it's just for fun, no destination (except for the mountain, I
    can't resist the call), return when I get tired or when I've promised
    to.  But I occasionally wonder if I have any race in me.  I guess I'll
    find out when I ride with some racers. 

    This summer I look forward to some group rides and touring. My wife has
    recently gotten a new 18 speed, and we hope to make our first tour on
    Memorial day.  One of my goals is to tour across america. 

    Looking forward to meeting some other riders with DEC. 
    
    Glen 

    
    JD Doyle
    
    Software Engineer in MK01 Merrimack NH
    Live in Nashua NH.
    
    Bike:  Fuji Club.  You all probably know more about it than I. 
           I liked the ride.
    
    I'm basically interested in Tri-s.  I've got the swim and the run
    down just fine, the bike always seemed a bit hard on the old Fuji
    Sports 12 with no clips and a surfboard rack on the back...
    
    Spent the winter on one of those lifecycle racing bikes, and beat
    and sweat my legs into shape.  Got a (relatively) real bike this spring, and
    love it.  I've started riding with a club in Nashua for educational
    purposes.  Due to my variety of workouts, I don't get to ride as
    much as a serious cyclist, so when I do ride, I try to hammer away.
    
    Spinning 'em a third of the time...
    JD Doyle
    
    

    I'm Jim Wagner, a Manager with Management Sciences in Stow.
    
    I first started racing in New Mexico in '73.  I spent several years
    as a Cat. II in Southern California.  My last full season was '81.
    That was prior to two frigid upstate New York winters of graduate
    school.  I'm now getting back into shape with an eye on recapturing
    lost form (and category) before being sentenced to the ranks of
    the Veteran pack.
    
    My bike is a Rossin, with a mix of Campy and Dura Ace (what can
    I say, they were my sponsor at the time).  It's a GREAT bike.  Nothing
    like an Italian frame when going around corners, and the tight rear
    triangle climbs well too.
    
    Prior racing bikes have included a Mondia (naive choice of a New
    Mexico novice) and a Charles Roberts, custom made by the builder
    when I was racing for a team being sponsored by the American importer.
    The Mondia was really a touring bike, but had nice pinstriping.
    The Roberts was slow and almost dangerous going any direction other
    than straight ahead.  Other than that it was a fine frame.

						Brian Hoffman
						CXO1-2/N23
						Colorado Springs

Peugeot PX10 (real old)
	Used in my Junior and Cat III racing days.  I'm since semi-retired
from racing, except for an occasional citizen's event.  Set-up with 700 c
clinchers for use in recreational training and long day tours.

Schwinn Super Sport (older still, 1965 vintage).
	Commuting machine.

Drysdale White Flyer (oldest, probably an antique).  Track bike with
cottered cranks, wide chain, and I could have bought the wood-rim
wheels that its first owner had used with it, if I had desired.
I rode a few track races in Trexlertown, Pa in the 70's with it.

Gitane's $700 Tandem.  Makes it easier for the wife to keep up.

Rockhopper Mtn Bike.  Newest addition to the garage.  Set up with
off-road tires with thorn proof inner tubes to do battle with
the rugged Colorado backcountry.

Hi,

I've just discovered 'notes' and this notebook - I've only worked for DEC
for three months - & so I'll introduce myself.

I work as an analyst-programmer in the Applications Development Group in
Reading, England. (Yes, there is at least one person in England perusing
this notebook!)

As far as cycling goes, I cycle mainly because I find it the most pleasurable
and invigorating means of fairly quickly getting around this overcrowded
planet. Walking's pretty good as well, but somewhat slower. In other words,
I commute and go short distances in Reading a lot, and also go touring -
no time trials for me.

I have several cycles (in various states of rideability):

   o a fairly beaten up old Falcon cycle, which I've overhauled many times
     but must still be unattractive to thieves as I've still got it after
     thirteen years.

   o an early 1970's Moulton cycle which I will renovate this winter and
     then cruise around town inefficiently in style.

   o half shares in a Roy Thame tandem, made by a small South London 
     frame builder in 1981 for us. A joy to ride.  

Most of my touring has been by tandem - initially on a pre-war model which
was too heavy and which systematically self destructed in the Netherlands one
trip, and since 1981 on the Roy Thame. My most memorable tour was the
American Bikecentennial Trail a few years ago now. We flew with the tandem
(inside a very well padded and stretched bicycle box) to Seattle, cycled to
the Pacific at Astoria, Oregon and then followed the trail through Montana,
Colorado and Kansas to Newport, Virginia - to summarise the route. We saw
only one other tandem the whole time (come on America, get tandemming),
but we saw a LOT of country.

I may be able to offer advice to anyone thinking about buying a tandem or
touring in Europe - mail me direct or communicate via notes.


Howard Garland

    Hi!  I'm Elaine Kokernak, from HPS CAD in Marlboro (MRO1).  I've
    been a bicyclist since age 3.  When in college, using the 10-speed
    Flandria I had, I biked many places, including 15 miles a day during
    the summer of the gas crisis.  In '79 my bike was stolen, and I
    finally replaced it just 6 weeks ago.  I'm the proud owner of a
    Shogun 12-speed mixte style bike.  I'm starting to add accessories.
    This past Memorial Day weekend I spent bike touring in Vermont (using
    books from the library, not the sign-up tour companies) with my
    boyfriend, about 20 miles each day.  It was delightful, and now
    I'm hooked!  Looking forward to learning more from this notes file.
                                                                      

    Name: Jim Nuzzo 
    Job: Instructional Designer for ED Services Developement and Production
    (ESD&P) in Spitt Brook.
    Live: In Weare, NH (south of No Weare).
    
    Getting back into riding.  Raced one year as CAT IV - not too
    successful.  Hope to try some commutes this summer - 80 miles round
    trip, but I've got to get the legs back.  I like hills (sure!!).
    
    Bikes: Paramount Track - Campy with Cinelli Stem and Bar
    
    
    	Palo Alto Frame with a mix of Campy and other exotic junk. 
    	Fast and responsive but the finish is a crime.  
  
	Paris Sport Track Frame - Don't know what to do with it.
    

    NAME:  Chuck Connell
    JOB:  Consultant in Ed Services (Spit Brook)
    HOME:  Newton, MA
    
    Raced for several years as CAT III.  Now race occasionally and do
    some triathlons.  Been pretty involved with Boston Road Club over
    the years.
    
    Served as a team mechanic at the Coors Classic a few years ago,
    also as mechanic for the National Championships in '84.
    
    BIKES: Bella with Super Record.  Set up for criteriums
           Bella with Nouvo Record.  Set up for criteriums
           Trek Touring bike
           Track bike I built
    

    
    NAME: Kratz Brown
    JOB:  VAXlate (nee Rainbow) S/W PA
    HOME: Clinton, MA.
    
    I have a Fuji touring tank that I mainly use to commute to LJO (30
    miles round trip).  So far (Mar, Apr, May, 1/2 Jun) I've done it
    50 times.  The route is nice (110 and Harvard/Littleton Rd) and
    it only takes about 40 minutes each way.  I'm easy to spot: blue
    panniers filled with the day's clothes and Globe.  I have a simple
    goal in bicycling: not to spend money, and so I am not into bicycle
    garb, etc, but I do love blowing away people that are.  Other than
    commuting this year, I've been into Boston, done Wachusetts, and
    do lots of local errands in and around Marlboro.
    

    Well, I've been reading this file for about six months now and have
    just found this note on introducing oneself.
    
    I'm Bob Hatcher, product manager for DECalc, DECalc-PLUS, and Xway.
    I work in Marlboro, LM04.
    
    I don't ride nearly enough, maybe three times a week if I'm lucky.
    I commute twice a week on a good week, but usually I need my car
    to go to meetings.  (LM04 is the equivalent of Ice Station Zebra).
    I really like to commute, and I love morning rides and runs.
    
    I am mostly into running but have done six triathlons over the past
    three years, hence my interest in biking.  I can't really get into
    long rides (50-100m), my rear end hurts too much when it's over.
    I usually do <30m at a crack but try to really push it.
    
    I own a Cannondale ST500.  I bought it because of the frame geometry
    and strength (I'm 6'3" 225lbs).  I really like the bike compared
    to the old Schwinn Continental that I still have.
    
    Bob Hatcher
    

    Matt Johnson, Course Developer, Ed. Services, ZKO1-3
    (beginning in September - Software Engineer, CAEM, MLO5-2)
    
    I've ridden clunky bikes for years, and started to race one
    this year.  It's a Fuji S10S (8 years old) with numerous 
    modifications to give it half a chance.  I've thrown on
    narrow Rigida clincher rims and 1" 115psi slicks for time
    trialing, added a Suntour Superbe rear derraileur, a new
    seat and seatpost, gearing, bars, or whatever.  

    The bike's still a porky 26.5lbs, but somehow I go fast.  
    My last 13.7 mile time trial was at an average speed of 
    25mph (32:43), and I hope to beat that this week.  I've also 
    raced a couple of criteriums (criteria?) -- my latest outing 
    in Newton in the B's ended on about lap 14 near the front of 
    the pack, when a teen lost control in front of me and I had 
    to ride over him.  

    There's something to be said for a clunker -- there was over 
    $200 damage to his bike, none to mine. (In fact, it would be 
    IMPOSSIBLE to do $200 damage to my bike -- it's not worth 
    that much!)  I'll be back next week, and I hope to place in 
    the B's.
    
    I just started training about five weeks ago. I'm up to 
    about 130 miles a week. (I know that's wimpy, but I run
    about 35 miles a week as well.)  I may make the move to 
    triathlons when I find a decent place to swim.
    
    I'm looking to get good gear -- I'm sick of clunky bikes!
    

    MATT

    Neil Schutzman, Software Eng. ZK02-2
    
    I'm mostly a runner (about 45 miles a week), but I ride with the
    family on weekends (about 60 a week).  There are 4 of us (my 2 year
    old rides on the back of my bike.)  We rarely go over 30 miles at
    a clip before I get tired of being kicked in the back.  
    
    We are interested mostly in long slow rides, but as the rest of
    the family gets in better shape, I'm sure some low keyed racing
    will be in order (my daughter especially).
    
    My wife and daughter both have bottom of the line Mayatas, and I
    have a $200 Pugeot (sp?).

    Tom Kopec, software/hardware/simulation/etc engineer, MLO5-5
    
    Until this year, a ~50 mile-per-week casual rider, but this year
    I've been doing more excuses-per-week than miles-per-week. Gotta
    work on my attitude.
    
    Have a (red) Miyata (sp?) 710; can often be seen on Rt 140 in 
    Shrewsbury/W.Boylston in the evenings as I check the durability
    of my (and my bikes 8-} ) frame.... unfortunately, about the only
    way for me to pedal to decent riding is to take 140... Now I realize
    how nice the roads were back in the South Hadley/Amherst area! (I
    miss the Notch... respectable_but_not_too_tough hill in some of
    the nicest country I've seen...)

    
    					...tek

    Rick Schuette, attorney in the Engineering Law Group (patent etc...),
    MSO.
    
    I have been a Cat II for the past 6 years and relatively new to
    N.E. racing (moved up hear last year from the Washington D.C. area).
    This year I am racing for BRC, but next year it will be for
    Digital/DBC.
    
    I live right off Trapelo road in Waltham, but usually bring my bike
    to work and ride from Maynard.  Tuesdays are reserved for hard rides,
    please call (223-6502 if interested), Thursdays find me at Billerica.
    Usually away racing on weekends, but occasionally go down to Newton.
    
    I am contemplating getting into speedskating this Fall, anyone 
    else out there every tried the sport?
    
    Rick

    Hello from the midwest.
    
    I'm Karl Steiner.  I'm a sales rep in the Rolling Meadows office
    (that's suburban Chicago).
    
    I ride a Puch Marcho Polo strictly for enjoyment of the country
    side.  Up until recently my wife and I generaly rode alone 20-30
    miles at a time.  Due to the arrival of our daughter in late April,
    we now have a three-some.  This is accomplished with the aid of
    a Bugger from Cannondale.  We still do about the same distance twice
    a week.
    
    The bugger is great, especialy if you want to tone up your muscles
    quickly. We tend to go slower also.  Our daughter loves it.
    
    I am interested in learning about different touring techniques,
    and hearing from other's who are in the same situation we are in.
    
    Any suggestions on adding a thrid -<granny>- chain ring to an SR
    crank would be helpful.
    
    Regards,
    
    Karl

Hello,

        I am Jeff Bell from advanced VAX development in Littleton (LTN1). I
        have  a blue Nashbar touring model circa 1983. It was bought retail
        (I'm  from  northeastern  Ohio). I wear an old style bell biker and
        prefer plaid wool shirts to purple  nylon  jerseys.  I  ride to get
        places.  I hate bicyclists who ride left of center.

	I used  to  have  a  Ross 10-speed that got me around when I was in
	school.  One day on the way to a bike frame seminar the frame broke
	at  the  bottom  bracket.  My  school commute was two miles through
	Boston  and  Cambridge.  With  specialized tricross tires I made it
	through the winter snow every single weekday for three years.

	I happen  to  weigh  upwards  of  240 pounds (not counting bike and
	panniers) and so don't go near hollow axles.  In the past six years
	I have broken 3 pedals and bent or broken 5 solid axles.

	My most  recent  tour  was to Cape Cod in four days and back on the
	ferry.  My longest was 6 days in the white mountains, after which I
	suffered  from  numbness  in the hands for 4 months. That scared me
	into buying some Spenco.

	I recently  moved to Maynard which puts LTN in reasonable commuting
	distance. The car takes 17 minutes and the bike takes 32. I usually
	do  the  ride  when I don't have to get someplace immediately after
	work, about 3 times a week.

     May the road NOT rise up to meet you,
	-Jeff Bell
    
                                              

I have been adding stuff here and there to this file and so I
decided to introduce myself.
    
My name is Charlie Schnare, I'm 42, work in Hudson and live in Townsend Mass.

My main interest is racing. I've been licensed for 5 years. I started 
racing when I was 37. Running injuries forced me into cycling. Initially
I rode for the Fitchburg Cycling Club for four years. Then last year decided
to start up another club in Worcester. Currently I ride for the Worcester
Road Club. I enjoy road racing and time trailing the most and tolerate 
fast criteriums.


I currently own 4 bikes, each of which has it's own purpose.

Motobecane Record - My first racing bike,now my winter crap bike. Has 30,000
mile on it. Still going strong.

Motobecane Team Champion - Great road racing bike. Hand built in France. Has
a rather longish wheel base 41". Very comfortable on long training rides/races.

Cannondale - Aluminum frame, my beer can bike! This frame will not flex. Short
wheel base for diving through corners in a crit. Also climbs exceptionally well.

Rockhopper mountain bike - for the fall after the racing season ends. Lots of
fun makes you feel like a kid again.

I train till the end of October then just ride during November and December.
Then start winter training after the First of the year.

I'm interested in hearing from other racers and tourers.
         
If anyone out there would like to do some good cycling training on the weekends 
and lives in the Fitchburg area, I'd be happy to hear from them!

Charlie/
    

bob lambert
ogo1-1/j17

74 central street
hudson, massachusetts

owning 1 raleigh competition gt, and 1 trek 720

    
    
    Dave McAllister   EWO  DTN 441-4931
    
    located in Houston TX (sales support to NASA/Johnson Space Center)
    
    Owned by an old white Gitane and a purple Peugeot.
    
    Would like to take a tour through New England this spring.
    
    (Can you imagine how boring it can be biking without hills?)
    
    Dave
    

Howdy, I'm Thom Iverson 

a Mechanical Engineer in Electro/Mech Packaging at DECwest in the
"other" Washington. 

I have been riding most of my life except for a couple of regrettable
several year gaps off.  Raced in Northern California in the early '70s
(senior Cat A) during the reign of the ABLA.  Worked in and managed
bicycle shops in the San Francisco Bay Area. Turned into a hill
climbing, high mileage day tourist for awhile.  Currently a tourist
living in former glories, trying to raise my kids under the mistaken
impression that wearing brightly colored skin tight outfits in public
is normal.  I commute by bike when I can and usually ride 30-60 mile
fast, hilly rides on weekends when family/house/work obligations
are not pressing.  I belong to the Cascade Bicycle Club but usually
ride alone because of the seemingly rare combination of wanting
a challenging ride but not having all day to kill due to the
aforementioned obligations.

I'm always willing to help out with bicycle questions!

Bikes:

Cinelli(Italian), 1970 chrome team issue (one of a kind in the
U.S. as far as I can tell).  We are good friends and I have put
many miles on this Campy, SunTour, and other odds and ends bike.
Many outdated components (remember 10-speeds!), but a lot of fun.

Astra(French) commuter with fenders, steel rims and probably one
original component somewhere. My first 10-speed!

Gitane Track Standard(French), My led sled fun bike with clinchers
and a front brake. Used for many years as a commuter.

Royce Union(Made in ENGLAND!) set up with a coaster brake. A modified
police auction special that is so ugly that it can be left anywhere,
all day, with the tiniest of locks.  I used to get hot shot "tennis
shoe racers" mad at me by ringing my Mickey Mouse bell and passing
them when I used this bike as a commuter.

Wish list:

An ATB for the fantastic backroads and trails around here.
A Trek 2000, just for the fun of it.

    I'm Tom Lemire, a Video Support Engineer at Parker Street, Maynard.
    I haven't really ridden a bike since I lived on my Schwinn Continental
    in high school (about 10 years ago).  Last week I bought a 1986
    leftover Shogun 400 (hideous "Miami Vice" blue) and can't wait to
    get back into the game. 
    
    My main motivation is to get back into some kind of shape, although
    I love(ed) bicycling.  I'm not interested, at this time, in racing
    but would love to do some light touring (especially around Cape
    Cod).
    
    I've enjoyed all the discussions I've read so far in this file and
    look forward to chatting with all of you!
    
    	Tom

    Hi folks, I've been an avid bikey for about three years, mostly
    touring, I was in 1 local race 2 years ago (a bunch-o-fun but...).
    
    Participated in the 84? Pan Mass Challenge!
    (Came in much after Gary Miller!!!...)
    
    Had my FUJI stolen last year at the beginning of the season and
    could not replace it so I didn't ride much.  I just replaced it
    last Friday!!!! I like doing long weekend trips with the family,
    kids in the BUGGER, and like to bike to work 4 out of 5 days. (From
    Hudson to Maynard if anyone would like to get together).
    
    /Greg

      Hi, my name is Nick and I started in the ASIC Design Group at LM04
    last month.
      After many years of recreational riding, I got a Miyata
    912 last year, and late in the summer decided to go racing.  I consider
    the fact that I repeatedly got out of bed early for the BRC races
    in Newton on Sunday mornings an indication that I must really enjoy
    this crazy sport.  I raced mostly D races with a few C races tossed
    in. 
      Over the Winter I have ridden rollers a bit, skied, partied, and
    generally had fun.  But Spring has arrived, and this year I have
    decided to get more serious about bicycle racing.  My goal is to be
    a competative cat IV racer.  I am planning on going out for 1/2 to 1
    hour training rides at lunch on as regular a basis as I can manage.
    
    Now for the Q&A protion of this note:
      I plan to explore, but maybe somebody out there in notesland has
    some favorite roads to recommend in the Marlborough area?  Any training
    suggestions?  Is anyone planning on riding C and B races this year?
    (last summer I didn't know anyone at the races)  Are there any
    training rides in the Marlborough area?
      Any feedback would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    	Nick B...     
                                         

That's the Tour of the Scioto River Valley

... 105 miles from Columbus to Portsmouth (Ohio) on Saturday and
105 miles north on Mother's Day Sunday.  May 9 and 10, 1987, will
be the 26th annual TOSRV and my eighth.  I did my first five on a
Robin Hood five-speed, then bought myself a Fuji Esprit and had
my 13 year old tackle the Robin Hood -- she still beat me! 

I'm looking for driving help.  I'll take our (big) van, leaving
Thursday about supper time, returning on Monday. (It's a 12 hour
drive from Boston to Columbus.) 

Sally

    hi, I've already put some notes in here before I realized this note
    was for the introductions, so here goes...
    
    I'm a manufacturing engineer in Small Systems Manufacturing (at
    LJO) and live in Westminster.
                                                                      
    I'm a runner at heart (have been doing that for 10 years) and mainly
    took up cycling as a means of cross training for running. Wanted to
    extend the life of my knees and use it for training when I really
    didn't feel like running. I have a wind trainer that I use in the
    winter when it's absolutely miserable for running outside.
    
    I've always liked cycling and have dreams of biking across country.
    I always had a clunker of a bike until about a year 
    ago I decided that a good bike would be worth the investment and
    also found out I didn't have to suffer with a 19" bike anymore,
    I really didn't know they had smaller bikes that weren't for kids.
        
    So I look forward to all the friendly advice in this notesfile,
    
    Terry                                               

    Hi everybody, Gary Myers here.  I'm a power engineer in High
    Performance Systems at MRO and live in Harvard, MA.
    
    I started biking about 3 years ago as a result of lower back
    problems (I needed a low stress way to get my daily exercise
    fix).  Happy to say my back doesn't bother me anymore and I
    enjoyed bicycling so much I stayed with it!
    
    I just moved to MA from central NY state and haven't got my
    bike out here yet (getting it this weekend).  The roads in
    Harvard look great as far as traffic but they are so NARROW
    compared to what I'm used to!  Fortunately, I've been
    running every morning so I've made friends with all the local
    dogs (I think I may avoid Old Harvard Rd after reading a note
    in this file concerning a dog named "Major"!)  
    
    I'm looking forward to joining a local club - perhaps the 
    Nashoba Valley Pedelars - and getting in on some of the good
    tours I've been reading about in this file.  I'm also interested
    in bicycle camping and would like to compare notes with you
    folks out there who are also into that.
    
    Happy Cycling!
    
    ---Gary

    	I just found this registry after making the entry elsewhere
    on particulars. I'm Russ Grace and I'll be in MR02 until mid-Aug.
    in a Software Technical Writing program. 
    
    	I've been cycling on 10-speeds for about 14 years. I am going
    to do consistant 20 to 30 mile runs this year by hook or by crook.
    
    	I own a Raleigh Super Gran Prix that I bought 5 years ago. It
    currently is in Belmont Wheel Works being tuned up for Saturday.
     
    	Oh BTW, is $45 alot for a light, well-ventilated helmet that
    protects well? It seems to me that I should be able to get it for
    less than that. Anyone have any ideas? Also, I have an Avocet w/
    anatomical padded seat and wonder if the $25 cushioned seat pads
    help?
    
    			     		Signed,
    					Tender Toosh		  
    
    					Signed,
    to consist

    HI THIS IS BERNIE CAPIRCHIO, UPSTATE NY PRODUCT SUPPORT

    Hello there.  I am Laurie Kiley from the support center in Colorado
    Springs.  I am new to biking this year (except for high school riding),
    and am looking forward to my new Bianchi Limited due to arrive in
    about 5 days.  
    
    I have been reading this file for a few months now, but decided
    to wait to register until I found a bike (since I'm only 5'0" it
    was very difficult!!) but, you'll be hearing from me again after
    a few miles on my new bike.  
    
    Laurie
    

    Hi!
    
    Pat Campbell
    Sr. Sales Rep
    Toledo, OH (TLO)
    
    Bike:  Fuji "Team Fuji", 3 yrs old bought used.  Coming up to speed
    	as serious cyclist.  Plenty of straightaways out here in Ohio
    	farmland...
    
    	Could use a good used Cateye or equivalent if anyone selling.
    
    G'day!
    
    PC

    Paul Goodwin
    Sr. Engineer
    Shrewsbury
    
    I just recently decided to start riding again. It came about when
    I decided that I wanted to do a triathalon. 
    
    I bought a Shogun 600 last week. Bikes sure have changed since I
    bought my last bike, a schwinn continental, 15 years ago. I am
    going to be commuting from Worcester to Shrewsbury(SHR) as well
    as weekend rides. 
    

    Tom Lerner
    Financial Analyst
    HLO2 
    
    I recently bought a Schwinn Tempo. I bought the bike as an alternative
    to running. I still run, but now alternate the two. 
    
    My wife also bought a new bike recently, a Centurion Accordo. We
    go for a different ride each weekend in RI (where we live). We have a
    book of bike rides in the state. It gives us a great way to explore
    that area. 
    
    I've already gotten a lot of valuable information from this notesfile.
    
    Tom

    Neal E. Goldsmith
    Senior Software Specialist
    Los Angeles Government District
    
    I recently was given a Murry 5000 ATB as a gift and started cycling
    for weightloss. Now I'm hooked. On any weekend, or weeknight I can
    be found haunting the streets and bike trails of Southern California.
    
    As I get more and more serious, I need information on the right
    stuff to be a better rider. I just invested in the right clothes,
    next comes the right bike!
    
    							--- Neal

    
    Hi!
    
    My name is Brian Rost, I work in Marlboro at MRO1 and live in
    Northboro, MA.
    
    Currently riding a brand-new Schwinn Passage which is my first touring
    bike.  Bought it because I found hauling a child carrier around
    tough on my last bike, a Velosolex San Tropez.
    
    I am from the old school of "learning (wrong) by doing" including
    touring on an old Humber three-speed.  Still trying to catch up
    with high-tech biking but have not yet caught on to riding togs
    and such.
    
    I am currently trying to set the world's record for number of flats
    per mile, along with the companion award for quickest tire change
    in the Western Hemisphere.
    
    My wife when she can be coerced acccompanies me on a Peugeot of
    unknown lineage and yells at me to slow down.

Me:   Jenna Thibault
Work: Software Engineer
      Salem (NIO), NH
Live: Salem, NH when I'm not in Clinton, MA

Just got rid of a Gitane touring bike and became (about 2 weeks ago) the owner
of a Schwinn Sierra mountain bike. It's the most fun I've ever had on a bike
since I had a sting-ray as a little kid. Got back yesterday from camping in
the White Mountains, the logging roads on the Kancamagus Highway are a blast
to ride on (and the bikes don't scare the mooses (meese?)). Can't wait to go
at it again.

    Hello from Canada,
    
    Ed Smith
    Product Support Engineer
    Calgary, Alberta, Canada
    
      I've just purchased this year my first new bike in 14 years, a
    Kuwahara Shasta ATB.  I'm really enjoying it.  I have already found
    this notes file very useful and thought during the registration
    blitz of the last few days I'd add my name as well.  I've started
    riding my bike to work (every non-rainy day) since it's only 15km
    round trip.  I have made a few trips on backcountry trails in the
    nearby (1hr drive) foothills of the Rocky Mountains and plan to
    do lots more thru the summer.  The City of Calgary also has a very
    extensive bicycle pathway system covering the city which I make
    use of.  A nice Sunday afternoon round trip of 80km can be had by
    cycling from the North end of the city (where I live) to Fish Creek
    Park in the South end of the city without ever leaving the pathway.
    
      I looking foward to this notes file and the great advice many
    of you experts provide for the novices like myself.
    

This is a biking family:

Me: ParisSport 100 circa 1973

Mom: Univega Alpina Uno 1987

Heather: Sterling Discovery Sport 1987

Mike: Haro FSX w/Skyway Mags (Trick Bike) 1987

Notice who has the "old" bike.

John Potucek
NIO/J10

    Hi:
    
    I'm Ken Humbertson, located in St. Peters, MO. (St. Louis area)
    
    I have a Schwinn Varsity (circa 1985) that is semi-permanently attached to a
    wind trainer for winter workouts, and a Raleigh Tri-Lite that I
    bought a couple of months ago.
    
    My wife Lorna has a Schwinn Varsity circa 1985.
    
    Our son Alan (4 1/2 years old going on 15) has a Diamond Back
    Mini-Viper that we got for him this spring.
    
    I enjoy riding with them around our neighboring sub-divisions for
    the most part. Occassioinaly I go for 20 to 60 mile rides by myself
    when I feel the need for a good bike workout. So far I average 18
    to 19 mph by myself over mixed terrain. I plan to enter a biathalon
    this July (10k run, 20 mile bike). I tried a couple of them on my
    own on weekends and loved it.
    
    

    PEG GILSON - CHERRY HILL PROJECT CENTER 
    
    A CASUAL RIDER.

    
    
    
    Melanie Frechette
    Shrewbury
    
    
    Purchased a Bianchi Stelvio about 2 years ago. I enjoy riding ANYWHERE,
    for ANY REASON. 
    
    
    I like long distance riding, and I've done some time trials. 
    I have Kriettler (sp) rollers for the winter time. I had fun trying
    to learn to ride on those!
    
    I don't go anywhere without my helmet.
    
    Happy Riding!

    I'm Eva Roggenstein from Marlboro (MR1).  
    
    I've been reading this notesfile for a while now- sorry it's 
    taken me so long to introduce myself.
    I love long rides after work and on weekends through the countryside
    in the Concord, Chelmsford, Boxboro, Harvard, Acton, etc. areas.
    Since I got my new Shogun 400 two years ago, biking has probably
    been my favorite spring-fall pastime.  This summer, I plan on riding
    my first century (actually two)- the Pan Mass Challenge.  I'm really
    looking forward to that.  
    
    I'm currently enrolled in a Bike Repair course at the Bicycle Exchange
    in Cambridge- bike maintainence and repair is one area that I'm
    definately lacking in.  This course is going to be good for me.
    
    See you on the road!
    
    eva
       

    Hi -
    
    Linda Krotenko, Senior Software Specialist in Los Angeles.
    
    I'm new to biking (as an adult, at least), having bought myself
    a bike as a reward for quitting smoking (I hate to admit I ever
    did that!)
    I have a Specialized Stumpjumper, which I use for street riding
    as well as dirt riding.  Currently, my favorite biking activity
    is exploring the Santa Monica mountains (more like foothills to
    me, but I have been assured by friends from the East that they really
    are mountains).  Some day I would like to take a tour somewhere
    on my bike and am looking for people to do it with.  It's great
    there are so many enthusiasts at DEC.  The helpful hints in the
    notes file are great; hopefully someday I will be able to contribute.
    
    Linda
    

    It's time for me to register.  After all, life is NOT a specatator
    sport.
    
    Ken Seiden, Software Engineer in Littleton, MA.
    I ride a Miyata 312 with SISsy shift.
    Like most newcomers to these notes files, I'm a newcomer to adult
    riding as well.  As such I've had to "unlearn" all those things
    about cycling I learned as a kid.
    
    For instance, I used to think that you bought a multi-speed bike
    so you could downshift before going uphill. This would allow you to
    sit and would make the climb easier. WRONG.
    I have since learned that you must instead shift up, thus enabling
    you to sustain your cadence while you stand and attack the hill.
    I have also learned that this is called "honking", and that it is
    not very pleasant.
    
    I have learned that the more you spend on a bicycle, the
    "less" you get.  All those attachments and gadgets you used to
    enjoy as a kid disappear as you move up a line of bicycles.
    In this sport it seems that less is more, so you'd better be
    prepared to spend more to get less.  I have learned to accept this.

    I am enrolled in an upcoming repair class at the Bicycle Exchange,
    where I am sure to learn many more wonderful things about bicycling.
    What ever happened to banana seats and baseball cards in the spokes?
    

    
    OK, I guess it's time to register since I've been reading this file
    for so long now....
    
    I'm Stew Campbell, and I'm a Hardware Engineer at NAC, in Littleton
    (LKG).
    
    I've been riding for quite a few years now. I've done a Cross country
    trip and one up into Canda. Great experiences! Cycling is the only
    way to travel!!!  Recently I've started doing Triathlons, which
    has perked my interest in racing.... Whatever happened to that DEC
    racing team anyhow????
    
    I ride a 1978 Raleigh Competition for Tri's and I have a Bridgestone
    700 touring bike for loaded rides.
    
    Stew
    

I guess its time for me to register, too...

I'm Kevin Klasman and I'm a Senior Programmer Analyst at NHO in Nashua, NH.

I'll race anything.  I'm currently into canoe triathlons, mountain trail 
running, xc ski racing.  I'm looking to do some marathon bike races; a 24hr 
one to start, a RAAM qualifier (500-600m) some time in the future.

My road bike is a 1985 Fuji Team, upgraded with Shimano 600 EX changers, 7spd 
freewheels, Look pedals, a disk wheel cover on back, and probably a 28 
spoke, radially laced aero wheel in front.  (I love high tech!)

I also have a 1987 Specialized Rockhopper mtn bike that is a real hoot!

My girlfriend, who's into biathlons, running races, and a little xc skiing, 
rides a 1987 Panasonic DX4000 with Shimano 105 group, and the fraternal twin 
to my Rockhopper (same bike, different color).

  Just started perusing this notes file - I found out about it via a mail
message from one of the DEC Bike club people. Glad to see there is still
a thriving cycling community! 

  Now the particulars:

  Name: Rob Scott
  Work: Video Engineering at PK03. (Temporarily in Hudson, doing chip design)
  Home: Cambridge (MA, that is)
  Bike: Daws Universe (83 vintage)
 
  I've been fairly sporatic in my cycling. It was a lot easier when I lived
in Boxboro to just get up and go. I hate riding in the city, even with a helmet.
Done mostly medium distance touring (last year was the first overnight trip),
and one century. Learning to do my own maintenence, rebuilding, etc. I'd
like eventually to explore both ends of the cycling spectrum: more serious
touring, and maybe someday a triathlon.

  See you on the road!

    
    Hi. I'm Robert Holt, software engineer in US Workstation Sales.
    
    I ride all year round (at least in dry weather). I like the hills
    in the Santa Cruz mountains such as Highway 9. Also I make the
    pilgimage to Davis each May to ride the Heart of Calif. DC.
    
    I ride an oft-repaired, oft-repainted Univega SuperStada of 1980
    intage. One of these days I'll have to see about those mountain
    bikes....
    
    happy safe cycling to all!
    
    Bob

    Hi,
        I'm Ken Ward, and I've been reading this notes file for about
    a month, and finally decided to add an entry to the Who's Who.
    
        I just recently reentered the world of biking with the purchase
    of a Peugeot Venteux (after much comparative shopping).  I'd did
    this primarily to get back into some form of good shape.  Since
    working for digital for a year I was almost totally inactive, and
    decided that this was not good.
    
        I've been riding for a month, trying to do 10-15 miles every
    or every other, day.  I work in MRO1 and a few people in my group
    have been going for lunchtime/after work rides.  Any other interested
    people would be more than welcome to join us.  We're starting off
    slow, so I figure this would be ideal for other beginners. 
    
       I seem to be a minority in this conference being only 23 years
    old, I hope I can enjoy this sport (as is evident from notes in
    this conference) for many years.

	Hi, I am Ed Barth, a software engineer in LTN1. I have been riding on
and off for about 15 years (I am 30 now.). Most, about 12 years, of that was on
a Nishiki Competition. Contrary to what they called the bike it is a touring
bike not a racing bike.  After a several year break I started riding regularly
again about 2-3 years ago. This year I decided it was time to get a new bike.
The old one had all original components and there was a lot of slop because
they were getting pretty worn. About 6 weeks ago I bought a TREK 1500 and IT IS
GREAT!!! I love it. The technology has come a long way.  For instance, when I
got the Nishiki a thin clincher tire was 1 1/4. A few years later I got 1 1/8
and thought "wow those are skinny". A few years ago my wife bought a new bike
and got 25cm. They made my tires look fat. Well, my new bike has 20cm tires. I
wonder what they will have in a few years? 

Ed 

     HOO BOY, is this late. Been reading this file for 2 years and thought
    I was signed in, and I wasn't... 
    NAME:  Dick Lawrence
    FUNCTION: High-performance workstations, LMO4
    BIKE: '75 Fuji, upgraded all but brakes in 83
    INTERESTS: Bike as transportation: commute daily to LMO4, side trips
    to MLO or SHR as business requires. Weekend rides with anyone else
    are great but too infrequent; would like to lunch-ride with some
    of the MRO or LMO folks that are signed in. Judging by the response,
    the roads oughta have as many bikes as cars by now! 
    

    I'm Rod MacFadyen, and recently joined DEC as a developer/writer
    in ESDP Europe here in Reading, UK.
    
    In my previous job I was a committed bike commuter, but I'm carborne
    for work now. So I'm putting on weight and losing fitness! So I've
    started doing some training rides, an hour plus, two or three times
    a week, aiming to get pretty sweaty.
    
    I've done a bit of cycle touring, eg a week in NW Scotland last
    September (some good hills). My bike is a Harry Hall Route, a
    lightweight tourer. 531 frame and forks, Sakae chainset, Weinmann
    centre-pull brakes, Wolber 27x1 1/4 alloy rims, stainless spokes,
    Shimano old 105 derailleurs, cost 300 pounds 18 months ago. I like it 
    a lot, it's comfortable but responsive.
    
    Rod

    I'm Pat Ryer and I work with Remote Sales Support in Colorado Springs
    (CXO3).  I've been a runner for many years, and my legs are telling
    me it's time to take a break. There are a lot of bicyclists out
    here and I'm often passed by them on hills while I'm trying to get
    enough oxygen to keep from fainting at 6600 feet.  I kept thinking,
    "There must be an easier way to stay fit than this," and have decided
    that cycling is it. I'm probably going to go with an entry level
    Panasonic or Mykata(?) this weekend. I hope to get some good info
    from this conference.  Hope to take the biking beyond just fitness
    and do some tours around Colorado later.  Not into ATB's as yet.
    
    Oh, by the way, I do not mean to imply that bicycling is not a
    strenous sport, but it's got to be easier on my legs than the 
    continual pounding they take while I'm running.
    
    Patrick (legs_that_are_approaching_forty_years_old) Ryer
    

    Hi !  I'm John O' Sullivan from  Dublin, Ireland. As I have started
    adding my two pennies! worth to some of the notes , it's about time
    I owned up to my lack of pedigree.
    
    I am 29, working with DEC since Jan 87. I have been cycling since
    before I could walk , I think !  I have been active in a cycling
    club in Dublin for the past five years. It is a great club in that
    it is not devoted to any one part of bicycling and encompasses short
    and long tours, open (licensed) racing and club races, and touring
    weekends and weeks. There is a great spread of ability and age.
    
    I mostly tour, every Sunday, wet or dry, (usually wet!). I compete
    in the club races as we run it on a handicap basis  so I don't always
    get roasted ! I have become interested in triathlons in the past
    year and have completed two to date. I am currently sidelined with
    a stress fracture though (sympathy please).
    
    Each year we ride a couple of long events, a 200k over mountains,
    and a 206m two day.
    We do them as a club and enjoy it as a day out. (None of this century
    in 5 hours stuff)
    
    I have three bikes. My racing bike has a Colnago frame(53cm) with
    a Shimano 600 group set , Cinelli bars and stem, and GP4's.
    My touring bike is a Carlton (531 main tubes) with an assortment
    of kit. I have another Carlton which I now use on the wind_trainer.
    
    My wife is heavily into cycling (and triathlons)too    which really
    helps !
    
    These notes files are great. It's a whole new dimension for me to
    eavesdrop (mainly) on the U.S. bike scene.
    
    Next time you are in Ireland.....
    
    John

    
    NAME: JOHN CRANE
    WORK: PK01 F.E. 2ND SHIFT
    LIVE: GRAFTON, MASS.
    
    
       I LOVE TO RACE. I LOVE TO RIDE WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO
    HURT WHEN THEY RIDE. I RIDE A SPECIALIZED ALLEZ ALL SUPERBE PRO.
    THE ONLY THING THAT IS NOT ORIGINAL IS THE REAR RIM WHICH A COM-
    PLETELY BULLET PROOF WHEEL (I PREFER RELIABILITY BECAUSE OF BUDGET
    RESTRAINTS) NEXT YEAR IS THE YEAR I BUY THE NICE RACING WHEELS
    AND THEREFORE KILL MY BEST EXCUSE FOR NOT WINNING. (BESIDES WEAK
    LEGS THAT IS).
        
        ANYONE WHO LOVES NEAR GRAFTON AND WORKS 2ND SHIFT WHO NEEDS
    A TRAINING PARTNER DONT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME WITH MAIL. I WOULD
    LOVE A PARTNER HELP MY TRAINING.
    
    
                                       KEEP ON SPINNING
                                               JOHN
    

    I'm a sales unit manager in St. Louis.  I have been riding off and
    on for years, a little racing, 4 years of triathlon.  I had knee
    surgery for the second time (left knee) two weeks ago...first time
    was 14 years ago after a high school football calamity (I'm 30).
    The Dr. says I should stick to cycling now.  I have done alot of
    running, including one marathon, and that has really chewed up the
    left knee (not much cartilage means not much shock absorption).
    
    I ride a Raleigh Competition (1984?) now; my brother the bike store
    manager is doing his darndest to get me on a Cannondale SR600, aluminum
    with Shimano 600 SIS.  Hmmm.....
    
    I like to ride fast centuries (5:05 best so far), and would like
    to try a time trial soon.  Hope to be back in good shape by sometime
    this fall.

    Gee, after looking at some of the previous replies, I feel I shouldn't
    be here, but here goes.
    	I'm Larry Schuldt, a Field Service Support Engineer in the Chicago
    area.  I just bought my first 'good' (I know, you serious bikers
    are gonna laugh) bike, a Centurion DLX yesterday.  I've never done
    any cross country anything, but have been doing entirely too much
    eating and not enough exercising the past 10 ++ years.
    	I have an old Raleigh 'bobby bike' that was just too darn hard
    to push around, therefore no fun, therefore didn't get used.  28
    inch wheels, rod brakes (no cables), affectionately known as 
    'The Battlewagon'.  The Battlewagon will be put up for adoption
    at a garage sale....
    	Any suggestions you gents may have for a novice rider, please
    pass along....
    
    					Larry from Marengo, IL
    					pop. 4000
    

    Hi. I'm Joe D'Eramo, an ISWS software writer working in MKO2, BOIS
    marketing.  In my younger days (5 years ago) I was an avid cyclist. 
    I was a member of the Fitchburg Cycling Club and did all sorts of
    rides with them -- even their infamous 4-state double century. I
    was also in the NEBC, but only joined to do their Carlisle time
    trial (best time 26:50 as I recall).  
    
    For the past three years, I've barely riden at all. I rode only
    once last summer. Today I'm just getting back into cycling, riding
    on weekends for 15 miles or so.  
    
    I have two bikes.
    A Gios Torino that I bought when I worked at Gamache's Cyclery in
    Fitchburg.  It has mostly campy record components.  This bike sat
    in my mother's basement for five years because it had a broken spoke
    and a flat tubular.  I just didn't get around to fixing it, mostly
    because I thought tubulars were a pain.  About two months ago, I 
    decided that the only way I would ride the bike would be if it had 
    clincher rims.  So now it has Mavic MA40 rims on it, and seems heavy, 
    but gives me no headaches.  I had forgotten how stiff the bike is
    -- it really moves up hills. 
    
    My other bike is a 1978 or so Raleigh Super Course.  I have it set
    up for touring. I my younger days, I took this bike on two trips
    to Canada, and through Ireland, England, and France.  It's a good
    smooth riding bike that's fairly stable when loaded with gear. 
    Most of the original parts have been replaced. 
    
    I've often thought that lunch time rides would be great, since time
    is so short on weekends.  If there's anyone in MK wanting to do the 
    same, please let me know.  My group will be moving to ZK in December, 
    and so I'd like to find riders there for spring rides (late winter is
    ok, too)
    
    I really enjoy this notes file.  It's a good motivator for me. 
    
    Joe                          
    
    
    
    

    I'm Bob Milling.  Just moved back into Merrimack after 6 years in
    Europe.  Working in MKO2 in the Image Processing Group.
    
    We have eight bikes in our family (me, wife, and daughters 13 and
    9).  A couple of smaller kids bikes, inexpensive French 10-speeds
    for the kids, 15-year-old ITOHs for my wife and I and a rather new
    ('84) French bike (nothing very special).
    
    I am reworking the ITOH bikes for touring with Shimano Deore or
    Deore XT SIS components.  Later I'll upgrade the frames, too.  I
    experiment quite a lot with my newer French bike.  I used a Maillard
    700 cluster on the back and a Stronglight 100 triple up front until
    recently.  Rode all over the mountains along the French Riviera
    this summer with a variety of different gearings.  Now upgraded
    the chainset and freewheel to Shimano 600 EX components to match
    everything else that was on the bike.  In the future, I'd like to
    get a good mountain bike, a top quality racing bike and a recumbent
    for touring.
    
    I've been a member of the IHPVA for about 4 years.  I like to
    experiment and learn all about the equipment, techniques, accessories
    events, etc.
    
    Currently, I'm looking for other riders and clubs in the Merrimack
    New Hampshire area.  Would like to arrange regular Saturday morning
    rides, maybe even some lunchtime quick trips and a find a support
    group for getting around in temperatures that will be much colder
    that what I've experienced recently.  I'd also like to gradually
    get into racing.  Also, long distance touring with small groups.
    Actually, I'd like to find some other families that already have
    a strong touring interest who could help me stimulate some interest
    in my family.  Finally, I'd like to meet others who have good quality
    recumbent bikes.  I'm looking for a good builder and want to touch
    and feel samples of his/her work before I commit.
    
    I can be reached as follows:
    
    		VISUAL::MILLING
    		DTN 264-2068  or  (603)884-2068  office
    		(603)883-7065  home in South Merrimack near route 101A
    

    Well I've been counting on my legs for several years to pedal around
    a rather heavy steel-frame bike; the latter'll be changing shortly
    with the purchase of something lighter and better-equiped. I'll
    be keeping the legs though. Will be looking here for opinions on 
    equipment.
    
    I work out of the Valbonne office and enjoy weekend cycling as
    a recreation passtime and a means of staying reasonably fit. The
    mountainous countryside and the generally fair weather give plenty
    of scope for outings.
    
    Always looking for company for a saturday morning ride! 
                                  

    I'm Tim Miller, a Software Specialist at CXO since March '87.  I've
    been involved in cycling for a number of years - Cross-Country tour,
    4 years in racing, Century rides, bike shop owner, and (part time) 
    frame builder.  Most recently it's been short weekend rides with
    my wife and outings with the kids.  Bobbi (my wife) has been getting
    more into riding since she ditched the clunker and got a real road
    bike  I think she's turning into a real bike-nut.  She's talking
    about LOOK pedals, bike computers, and I'm finding copies of Winning
    Magazine in the bedroom.  What have I done?
    
    Our Bikes:
    
    Tim: Miller handbuilt road bike, Vitus 971 tubing, Campy/Cinelli
    components.  This is my everyday bike, it is similar to a Colnago,
    but with different geometry and slightly lighter weight.
    
    Miller handbuilt track bike, Reynolds 531 tubing, Round forks,
    Campy/Cinelli components.  This is a pure sprint bike, very rigid,
    very responsive and fast.  I ride it when I need an adrenaline rush!
    
    Colnago Super, Columbus tubing, Campy/Cinelli.  My old race bike,
    now semi-retired.
    
    Moulton Mark III, 3-speed, 16 inch wheels, full suspension system.
    Bought it because it was different, may now be a collectors item.
    
    Bobbi: Panasonic DX-5000, Tange tubing, Shimano 600 components.
    Very nice off-the-self bike.
    
    Naomi: Schwinn Enduro, 5-speed. Mountain bike design, excellent
    kids bike.
    
    Rebecca: Schwinn Enduro, 5-speed.
    
    
    Tim Miller
    GSPMO::MILLER

Russ Holden, Rdb/Star (distributed dbms) group.  I live in Arlington,
MA currently and will probably move toward Nashua, NH next summer.
Will start riding to work in April (about 38 miles one way) and 
hopefully get up to 3 times a week.

Bought my first bike in 10 years last March and did my first real
riding this season.  Got in with a bunch of ultra-marathoners and
started doing long rides almost immediately.  Had done my first
century after 1 month, my first double 3 weeks later.  During the
course of the season I ended up doing about 15 centuries and about
8 doubles (depending on how you count multi-day events).

I rode the Paris-Brest-Paris qualifiers (200km, 300km, 400km and 600km)
the 602 mile Midwest RAAM Open (qualification race for Race Across America)
and the 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris.  I also rode the Mt. Washington race 
- a must for masochists!  Did a total of about 6500 miles and am 
looking for more this year.

Never "got around" to doing any real fast rides.  My best centuries
were a pair of solo mountain centuries on consecutive days one weekend, 
the second of which included Mt. Watchusett, each in 5:40s.  Going
to try for a team 4:30 century with 3 friends next summer.

Currently I have only one bike, the one I rode all year.  Its a 1986
Trek 1000, Suntour equipped.  Not a great bike but it did a lot for
me this year.  My next bike is being built (literally) right now.
It starts with a Signature Peter Mooney frame and will have Dura-Ace
components (despite the cries from my friends that I MUST use
C-Record).  I was hoping to see it by Christmas but I probably won't
have the frame until at least the middle of January.

Helping to organize the first (hopefully annual) Boston-Montreal-Boston,
a 1200km 4-day event modeled after Paris-Brest-Paris.  To be held from
August 11-14th 1988.

Goals for this year are to do 45 hours for the Midwest RAAM Open,
to do "well" in Boston-Montreal-Boston, to take 10 minutes of my
Mt. Washington time (it was a 1:35 in horrible conditions), to
ride a team 4:30 century, a solo 5:00 century and to ride about 8000 
miles.

    Hi!  My name is Patti Donovan and I'm a Software Specialist in St.
    Louis.  I got involved in biking seriously last summer when I went
    on my first century (The Flat as a Pancake) and went on the MS-150 
    ride to Columbia.
    
    I have a Raleigh Technium 440 which is a nice starter bike.  My
    plans for this summer include many more centuries and the RAGBRAI.
    Anyone interested in going on the RAGBRAI let me know.  So far there
    are 3 definites in our group and numerous maybees.  
    
    I enjoy this notes file and all the good advice.  I'm interested
    in taking a bicycle maintenance/repair class and finding out more
    riding techniques.  Would be glad to hear from other riders.  All
    of my winter biking is on a Lifecycle.  I can't wait for spring.  

    My name is Dave Richard.  I work in DEC's Material Analysis Lab
    in Northboro, MA.  
    
    I own two bikes at present.  My old one is a "purple" Fuji S-10-S,
    (I found it on sale in Arizona when I returned "home" for a visit.
    guess nobody would buy it because of the color!) and a bike-nashbar
    mountain bike.  I like both on the road touring and off the road
    path riding.  I find both types of riding as different as down hill
    and cross country skiing, and love both!!
    
    I started riding a bike again in 1980 (I gave it up at 16 for cars
    and motorcycles)when I read an article in the local paper about a 
    cyclist that biked from San Diego to Worcester MA for his 50th WPI 
    class reunion. He made the 3100 mile trip in 33 days at 75 years of 
    age! I still have the article on my office wall here at work....
    
    (Maybe by the time I'am 75 I'll be in good enough shape to make
    a trip like that. Um, thats not too far away, I had better get busy) 

    
    My name's Bob Flannery.  I bought a bike to commute to Northeastern U 
    (NU) as a freshman, and have been cycling ever since (billions and billions
    of years).  I use the bike to commute and tour (day trips and excursions).
    My trips usually range from 30-200 miles/day.
    
    In '85 I purchased my first new bike in 11 years, an 18 speed Nashbar Toure.
    It was a blast for touring in the Maritimes.  The Suntour Mountech
    derailleurs handled the 36/42/52 14-28 gear ranges without problem.  Never
    had to get out of the saddle, despite some hefty slopes.   I was
    amazed at how far bike technology had improved between since I bought
    a Peugeot UO8 in '74.
    
    I'll keep the Toure for commuting and loaded touring, and hope
    to buy a 'triathlon'-style machine for centuries this spring.
    
    I work at ACO (Acton) as a project leader, live near Waverley
    Square, Belmont, and will be commuting as soon as the salt recedes.
    I also run, swim, xc ski, lift and backpack.  Euell Gibbons was
    my hero; John Denver is my favorite musician. I often lie about
    myself and have no sense of humor.

    Hi, I'm Dave Brunell. I'm looking at getting back into riding after
    a 6 year layoff(bad knees then college). I will mainly be riding
    to and from work.  I'm in CTS1-2/F2 DTN 287-3739 

WOW! I've been reading this note for two months and didn't even bother to
register. Actually I didn't even know about till I saw -.1's note. Oh well;
My name is Mano Chinnaswamy. Just say it like it's spelled... at least you'll
be close. I ride a Fuji Team equiped with the various usefull gagets 
(cateye micro, etc...) I would eventually like to ride to and from work, if
i ever get back into shape. It's about 18mi. each way from milford ma to the
shrewsbury plant. My goal for this year though is my first century ( I may
whimp out and try for the Flatest Cantury on Earth). Hope to ride with
some of you in SHR on some afterwork rides.

mano

    I've been riding for fitness and recreation since about 1979.  Running
    was destroying my knees, and it was not really enjoyable trying to swim
    in that chlorinated water at the Y.

    Some years I've done about 10K miles, but have cut back a bit due to
    work pressure.

    I've stayed away from racing, since I don't want to sour on the activity.
    The increased fitness probably wouldn't be worth the stress and aggrivation
    of trying to do well at it.  (The usual problem of transforming
    recreational activity to "work"!)  I need another thing to be measured by
    like a hole in the head.

    I have not done any real loaded touring - just a few one and two nighters
    up to Vermont.  It's been more fun to travel light, and mix the cycling
    with some other activity, though a vacation in Europe is in the plans for
    someday.

    - Jim

    My first real bicycle was an indestructable balloon-tire Rollfast with
    a single-speed coaster brake.  That was well before the age of mountain
    bikes, but that bike went everywhere!

    My second bike was an inexpensive Peugeot that got several years of
    wear when I lived in a small college town in Ohio.  After that, it
    stayed in the back of the garage.

    My first motorcycle was ...  (ooops, wrong conference)

    After many years of motorcycle riding, I relocated to Valbonne (and
    left my motorcycle in storage -- too dangerous to ride here).  After a
    year here with no cross-country skiing, I took up the French
    equivalent -- serious bicycle riding.

    Well, actually, I bought a medium-serious bike last Fall (with help
    from this conference), hurt my back a month later, took a couple of
    months off, and now I'm back on the road.  Inspite of all the bike
    riders around here, I seem to draw a lot of attention.  I can't decide
    whether it's my beard & long hair or the funny, white, shiny thing I
    wear on my head!

    -- Ward (temporarily transplanted New Englander)

    I've been reading this file for 9 months now, and I figured it's
    time introduce myself.  My name is Phil Johnson and I quit running
    last June and started cycling.  I work in Marlboro and train around
    Wachusett Reservoir.  I also ride to work a few days a week.
    
    I own an old Motobecane Grand Jubile (c. 1973) and recently purchased
    a new Pinarello Treviso w/Campy Chorus.  It's reeeeal nice.  I do
    all kinds of riding: time trials, road racing, centuries, etc. (even
    some slow, boring rides with my wife; my wife's not boring but the
    slow rides are).
    
    I've enjoyed reading all of your notes and hope to someday get a
    chance to put faces to the names I keep reading and learning from.
                    
    Phil

    
    I've been working for DEC/reading this notesfile/biking in summer
    for >two years now; time to introduce myself, I guess. I work
    in HLO-2 (Hudson, MA), ride a Schwinn "World Sport" (about $220
    two years ago, pretty beaten up by now, hopefully I'll upgrade this
    season). I'm mostly into long distance touring, and I love quiet 
    New England back roads. Did the Pan Mass Challenge last year; don't know if
    I'll repeat : min is up to $600 this year, and it's such a hassle
    going around asking. 
    
    Hope to meet some of you guys on the road...
    
    / Jon Sreekanth
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Bob Harrison ... this is the year I get back to some good cycling.
    
    Past pleasures have been :
    
    NYC to Vancouver,B.C. during the summer of 1979. Still one of the
    greatest thrills of my life. I could go on forever on what I discovered
    cycling across North America.
    
    
    BRAN II (Bike Ride Across Nebraska, 1982). Met my wife to be while
    cycling through Imperial, NE.  Fell in love by Wilber. Still one of the
    most enjoyable cross state group rides round. 
    
    A number of Buffalo, NY to NYC rides with varying routes. The Mohawk
    Trail along the Erie Canal (low bridge, everyone down!) and the
    Finger Lakes are great for cycling.
    
    A couple of TOSRV's (1979,1982). Nothing like food stops every 25
    miles. But I also got in trouble since they hold it on Mother's Day
    weekend (sent flowers anyway).
    
    I ride a Windsor Super Carrea (sp ? decal fell off long ago).
    
    Hopefully I'll begin to explore on the bike a lot more ... and trash 
    the car !
    
    (Worst accident ... bikes on my roof rack while going into the
     Quebec City underground parking lot. Ouch ...)
    

    I've just recently discovered this cycling notes file and after
    leafing through a variety of topics,  I've found a compelling
    reason to include my name . . .
                 
       . . . the strong connection between cycling and ice cream! 
    
       Name: Alan LaValley         cycling -- approx. 2 years
       Loc:  MRO3-2/V13          
       DTN:  297-5346           Current bike - 88 Centurion Master
                                       w/Shimano 600 Ultegra

    I'm just starting bicycling again. Got a new mtn bike last week
    after shopping around for six months or so and reading this notes
    file. Thanks for the assistance - personal reports give you lots
    of insights you don't see in the bike mag reviews.
    
    New bike is: GT Tequesta mountain bike
    		 Exage Mountain group
    
    Seems to handle well at high speed in gravel and I'm just learning
    to do wheelies! Climbing and slow speed manueverability are very
    good.
    

    I've been reading this notesfile for some time now and feel an
    introduction is (over)due. My name is Jonathan Bush and I work in
    the Customer Support Center in Westboro. I have enjoyed riding all
    my life and especially since I bought my first 10 speed (It was a
    Puegeot (sp) U08) at the age of 12. I still get the feeling each
    time I ride that I had the first time I was set free from the grasp
    of whoever it was (dad/brother/friend) that pushed me off on two
    wheels. Of course now I'm able to turn around without stopping and
    getting off. 
    
    I got more serious about riding while in school. I was on the crew
    team for four years and cycling was great cross training. I even
    tried a few citizen races (anyone ride in the Grape-Nuts races in
    Salem? It was the bicycling equivalent of Rollerball!) and rode
    many times at Wells Ave. with the BRC. I'd like to do some TT's
    and centuries this year especially since I have a new bike (note
    #402). I also did a three week tour of Ireland in 1980. It was
    a fantastic trip despite raining at some point almost every day
    and a perforated ulcer that landed me in the local hospital the
    last 4 days (I tried swallowing some tire glue and a patch but
    I must have missed!).
    
    I have enjoyed the notes and comments in this file and hope to make
    some more contributions and ride with some of you.

    My current bikes:
    
    Motobecane Grand Jubilee - sport/touring with assorted components
    
    Marinoni Special - sl/sp, Dura Ace group - What a great bike!
    
    
    See you out there!
    
    Jonathan

    I'm Robb Pfister, and I am a Software engineer in Augusta, Maine.
    I used to be primarily a CAT III road racer, who loved to hammer
    off the front till the pack broke up. I'm slowly getting back into
    road racing after a couple of year absence, and am doing lotsa mountain
    bike work in the mean-time. My stable includes..
    
    Cannondale frame w/Campagnolo Super-pro group [I wish they still
    made that stuff] various wheels.
    
    Raleigh Crested Butte with original pedals and handlebars [Thats about it]
    a real stable mountain bike, but not very nimble
    
    Peugot (mummblety-fritz) used to be a road bike (<21lbs) now a spring
    bike/fixed gear.
    
    Windsor Carrera Sport  Neat touring bike, few original parts, and
    currently sacrificed to feed the Raleigh.
    
    And coming soon is a Wicked Fat Chance  mountain bike (I cant
    wait for it to arrive!!)
    
    Robb

    Hi!  My name is Sunil Savkar and I am an electrical engineering coop
    from Cornell, working in the SEG/CAD Semi-Custom Layout Synthesis
    Group in Hudson.
    
    I own a Nishiki Century, now more than three years old, and am looking
    at some entry level racing bikes, including the Trek 1000 and a
    couple of the cannondales.  
    
    I want to learn more about bikes in general, and work myself up
    into some long tours.  Back at Cornell we have a trip around the
    lake that lasts the whole day practically (I think around 90 miles
    or more) but I need to ship myself into shape before even daring
    to think about it.

   I just bought a new bike so I can finally introduce myself in this
    conference!  I was putting off my introduction so that I wouldn't
    have to admit to the horrible clunker I was riding.  I got a new
    TREK 500 -- all I remember about components is that I decided to
    go with the Suntour Index shifting and it has been horrible!!! 
    It took the bike shop 3 days to get it working right.  But it isn't
    working right.  I'll go click and nothing will happen, or before
    I get to the click the gears will have already changed.  And I paid
    an extra $65 for this!
    
    Most of my riding is leisure riding, about 15 miles on week nights,
    and recently have been doing 40ish on weekends.  I want to hit a
    century since I have never done it in my life.
    
    Like many of the other noters in this file, my bike has this tendency
    of just turning off the road into ice cream stand parking lots.
    I have no idea why it happens, and no matter what I do, the bike
    will not leave the parking lot until I have some mocha chip.  Even
    my new Trek does this to me!
    
    My wish bike is a tandem -- any kind of tandem.  I have flea-market
    type friends scouting for a tandem frame for me, and I will be having
    one built from scratch if I have any luck finding a frame.  With
    the amount of riding that I would be doing on a tandem, I can't
    justify spending $1,000!

RE:-.1

The Cyclery in Framingham has a tandem for $350....


JC

         Greetings, my name is Russ Schott, and I am a eight year Digital
    veteran, now working in Merrimack, N.H., a very reasonable bike
    commute from my home in Pepperell, Ma.
    
         I am now riding the second bike of my adult life (having resumed
    biking at the age of 28; I am now 35), a Peugeot 501, which I purchased
    three years ago.  I bought my first bike, a Centurion Le Mans, when
    my wife announced she wanted a bike but did not want to ride alone.
    Now my wife's bike collects cobwebs, and I seem to be the one always
    riding alone.
    
         I'm not affiliated with any bike clubs, although I am active
    with the Worcester Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and
    the AMC is good for the occasional low key ride.  The AMC also helps
    cultivate my interests in other outdoor activities such as X-C Skiing,
    hiking and winter mountaineering.
    
         I'm currently in training for my first triathlon, and I've
    been trying to maintain a weekly total of 2 miles of swimming, 75
    miles of biking and 25 miles of running.  All I know is that with
    the increased training, my body fights a continual battle with 
    aches and pains, and I'm always hungry, thirsty and tired.  On the
    plus side I'm in the best shape I've been in since high school.
    
         Speaking of aches and pains, the longest one day ride I've
    attempted and completed is a 151 mile epic from Pepperell to Wellfleet
    on the Cape.  We rented a cottage for a week, and I decided it would
    be fun to take a leisurely two day bike trip to start the week off on
    a proper note.  I reached Plymouth by way of Route's 27 and 3A,
    by 2 p.m. (lugging camping equipment and panniers, by the way) and
    felt so good I decided to keep going.  By 4 p.m. however, I hit
    the "wall", and I struggled the last 50 miles or so to Wellfleet,
    arriving at the cottage by 7:30 p.m.  My wife was good enough to
    fill the tub with hot water, and to provide me with 3 aspirin for
    my sore knee's and two Molson's for the rest of my battered bod.
    I spent most of the rest of the week lying on the beach, and not
    riding the bike paths.
    
         I look forward to meeting some of you on the back roads of
    Middlesex and Worcester Counties.
    
    Russ 
                          

    Re: -.2
    
    Where is the cyclery in Framingham? Is it the Schwinn dealer
    downtown?  When I took a leisurely drive down to Framingham
    on Saturday, from my home in Pepperell, to try to find the
    place, all I could find was the Schwinn dealer.  And they
    don't carry tandems at all.  None.
    
    So, was I at the right cyclery?  or is there another?  and
    if so, can someone give me directions from Route 9?
    
    Thanx!
    
    	-Nancy (who will give up ice cream if she can have a tandem)
    

>    place, all I could find was the Schwinn dealer.  And they
>    don't carry tandems at all.  None.

    Gee, they should certainly be able to order one, Schwinn has a range of
tandems (although that means you have to be determined to buy it). If this
is Landry's, I bought my tandem there years ago -- it had been the owners',
and they upgraded to a better one.

re; -.2

I gave you a bum steer about the store, the name is the Cycle Center
not the Cyclery.

They are located on rt 9 just past the Sears Mall on the left traveling 
east on rt 9.

They are closed on mondays. The number is 653-6975 if you want to call 
them about tandems.

I apologize for the screwup!

JC

    Hi.  I'm Doreen at HLO.  Just started, and just starting to commute
    from Acton.  Rt 62 gets kind of hairy with all the traffic?  Any
    alternative routes?  For anyone riding through Princeton stop at
    Alice's Pizza on Rt 62 (across from the fire station) for good food
    (that's mom).  I'd be interested in company on the commute, but
    I'm kind of slow (about 16mph).  Any good bike shops around?

Hello,
    
    Name: Tonnie Wiegman at JGO, Nijmegen (in the Netherlands or Holland).
    Job:  Repair process development for Europe.
    
    Bikes: 
    1) Gazelle frame with Campagnolo Record parts. 10 years old.
    2) Gazelle parts with Shimano 600 parts. 5 years old. 
    3) LOOK carbon/kevlar frame with Campagnolo Record parts. 4 weeks old. 
                
    Interests: 
    Commuting, distance home-office is 22 miles.
    Touring, during weekends, average distance 100 miles, speed 18 miles/hour.
    Vacation, in the mountains (Alps, Dolomites) and touring versions
    of the classical bike races, like Milano - San Remo, etc.
          
    If anyone needs some info on touring in Holland or the rest of Europe,
    please contact me.
    
    Greetings,
    
    Tonnie
    
    Tonnie
    

    Hello,
    	
    	My name is Ed Goss.
    
    DTN: 287-3347
    E-Mail CADSE::GOSS
    
    	I have been riding for about six months. I have a Shogun Selectra
    with Shimano 105 groupo. I have upgaded my rear freewheel from a
    13-26 to a shimano 600 13-24 and had to chnage my handel bar and
    stem to a Cinelli model 66 44cm bar and Model 1/a 130mm stem due
    to my size 6' 3" tall. Also changed my crank from a 170mm to a 175mm
    for the same reason and ease of doing hills. I ride about 150 mile
    a week and plan to do my first century in september.
    
    	I live in the Southern New Hampshire area near Salem and I love
    to ride.
    
    -Ed Goss

    Hi, 
    
    My name is Ingrid Henricksen.  I wish I'd found this notes file
    before I bought my new Cilo 600, last October.  I also own a Nishiki
    Olympic which I use for riding through the bumpy streets of Boston.
    I don't do any seriuos riding, although I'd like to.
    
    I'm working in Merrimack, and I hope to commute via bike once I
    move to Nashua.  (I need a helmet.)
    
    DTN: 264-2940
    E-mail: JOCK::HENRICKSEN

	Name:      John Lee Ellis
	Location:  Charlotte, NC
	Enet:      SHALOT::ELLIS
	Interests: long-distance cycling (200-milers)
	           touring (camping, B+B's, US and Europe)
		   mountains (Alps, Rockies, Blue Ridge)
	Bikes:     Fiorelli (cracked), Alessandro Baldi
	Scotch:    Dr. Pepper

    Howdy ,
    
    My name is Fred Mudgett. I'm with field service in Baltimore Md.
    I've got a (brace yourself) Schwinn something 12 speed. All my family
    has some manner of 10 speeds but really only my wife and I love
    riding them. In the last two years we've probably done 500 miles,
    never gone in a race but we are very interested in trying our hand
    at touring.
    
    Enet:   GRANPA::FMUDGETT
    DTN:    346-4218

Hi, 

	I am in SWS financial advisory section in Tokyo, Japan.  I used to
race USCF and College races with West Virginia University in 1986-1987.
I don't have much time now to ride bikes, but have a red DeRosa and a
Narushima mountain bike ( Also, there are a blue DeRosa and a blue fiorreri
track bike in Morgantown, WV ).  I am VERY glad I found this note !
Bike trip in Japan ? Contact me. 

Enet:  OGWV50::YOSHIKURA

						Tak    

    Hi,
    
     My name is Scott Williams, I work for the GIA support group at
    NRO-2 Northboro. I have 2 bikes an old Raligh 10 speed, and an 87
    leftover Diamond Back Apex ATB. I love the ATB! I have not had so
    much fun since I was a kid. Up to last spring I rode my 10 speed
    about once or twice a year, now with a mountian bike I ride every
    chance I get. I live in Clinton, Ma. right below the Wachusett Dam.
    I am only 5 minutes away from miles of fire rds. where I can go
    for hours in woods. I talked my friend into buying one and we explore
    different roads every weekend! Last week I was hopping rocks and
    bent my rear rim. What a pain!! Mostly my pride though. Anyhow the
    bike is being repaired and hopefully I have it back by Friday, for
    this weekend jaunt.(jolt?) 
    
     I have being reading this note file for about 2 weeks and it is
    so helpful. If anyone is interested in joining us for a ride around
    the reservoir (off road) I can be reached at DTN 234-4543 or 
    GIAMEM::WILLIAMS
    
    Happy trails!!
    Scott

This is an update from last July:
    
    Since 7/10/88, I'm bought a last-in-the-showroom 12-speed '87 Trek 560.
    This has a Reynolds 531 chrome-moly frame equipped w/ Shimano 105 group
    & has both Matrix wheels and Matrix tires. I had Shimano clipless pedals
    placed on when I bought the bike. 
    
    I now have bumped up my average speed to about 17-18 mph and enjoy
    that pace. now that spring has started, I can get back into doing
    my 5 times per week rides. Usually, at least once a week, I meander
    out for the heck of it with no eye to the speedometer or training
    goals. I'm also working on learning more about riding safely in groups. 
    
    The bike has now been used for about 800-1000 miles and is 
    broken in pretty well.
    
    Oh yes, I always use my bike helmet. 
    
    					Russ
    
***************************************************************************     
    
        
                     <<< MOSAIC::$2$DUA9:[WASSER]BICYCLE.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -<  Bicycling  >-
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Note 5.115                     Who's who with what                    115 of 124
DELNI::GRACE "Amazin' Grace"                         33 lines   5-JUL-1988 01:28
                            -< Back at the trail! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's now a year and some months since my entry in 5.58. Biking is now my 
    regular means of exercise. I'm averaging 15 - 16.5 mph and have been 
    getting one hour to an hour and quarter runs in three times a week. 
    
    I now live in Westford and work in LKG, so biking to work is a breeze. 
    The distance is 3.3 miles, one way. No horror stories here. The
    only horror is waiting in line at Kimball's for ice cream. %^} 
    
    I still use the same Raleigh Super Gran Prix. I bought a decent
    helmet, some bike shoes & clothes, & cycle computer (Bike Nashbar)
    based on the info from this conference. Thanks for all the help,
    folks!!
    
    I've got quite a way to go, but I'll hang in to learn as much as I can.
    I want to do a half-century, and eventually a century this summer, if
    the flesh is willing and able!
    
    I'm looking for riding partner that is interested in the Rt 225
    or Rt 40 area of Westford-Littleton/Groton/Acton/Carlisle/Concord/Bedford/
    Chelmsford vicinity. I don't like sticking the bike in the car to go for
    a ride ... it defeats the purpose. So I don't do that any more.
    I'll just bike to wherever I need to meet someone for rides. 
    
    Hopefully there are some people in this vicinity that want to do some 
    training or challenging recreational riding, on an occassional or
    regular basis. I'm at an intermediate level from what I understand,
    and getting better the more that I learn about the sport. 
    
    I may join one of the bike clubs soon to get more contact with the
    sport. I'm not totally decided as yet.
                
        			Happy trails to you,
    				Amazin'
                          
                               

(registering here is like wearing a stick-on name tag at a social gathering,
but here goes, anyway.)

I'm Steve, and work in NaC publications in LKG.  I just bought an '89
Panasonic MC4500 All-terrain bike.  You'll be happy to know I bruised
my rear tire in under 12 miles of ownership; the chain is full of sand, too.
But, that is part of the idea.  I went through a neat place that was a road 
(about 25 years ago) - just barely "bikeable" - what a blast - rocks, sand, 
water, sticks/twigs, etc.  Is there a good book on technique?

Given price/performance/componants I am quite satisfied with the bike and 
Lincoln Guide Service.  Eventually, you have to decide on a bike, and plunk
down your money, and I could have done worse.  (I know, Panasonic is not
THE name in ATB's, but the engineering speaks for itself.)  Besides, it
doesn't have a barfo paint job!


Steve

    Valentine Kassessinoff (RDGENG/JUMBLY::VAL_K), an occasional
    contributor to this file and a colleague of mine, died suddenly of a
    heart attack on Sunday April 9th. He was 59.
    
    Val was a valued member of ESDP, the course development group, here in
    Reading. He had a long history with Digital and was one of the first
    five employees of Digital UK, which has now grown to be the largest
    subsidiary.
    
    He was a keen photographer and cyclist, and in fact died a cyclist's
    death, on his bike at the top of a hill. He leaves a wife and a
    daughter.
    
    I and many others will miss him.
    
    Rod

I'm Justin Crocker, and I've been serious about cycling since 1973.
I was one of the original Cat. IIs when the category system was established 
in 1974, and I raced steadily through 1980.  Since then I've been in and
out of racing while I pursue other goals--like making a decent living, 
which is hard to do on a bike store salary these days.  So I'm a technical
editor up at Spit Brook now.

I'm originally from Vermont, and I still race for the Stowe bicycle club--
some of my teammates I've ridden with for over a decade.  I race Vets now, 
with an occassional ride in IIs (provided there are no monster climbs).
Vets is hard enough.  With the current surge of cycling popularity, everyone 
is getting back into the sport.  Vets' races these days are beginning to look 
like reunions from the international development events New England used to 
have in the mid- to late '70s.

I've ridden on just about everything; currently I've got a couple of 
Serottas and a Thomasini.  A 40-mile daily commute with a few sprints thrown 
in takes care of the weekly training.

My longest race was the 130 mile Mt. Washington Road Race in 1979.  My best race
was Putney in 1978; I didn't make the break, but I won the field sprint up 
into the orchard.  Three months later, Norman St. Aubin, one of the people I 
beat, was Canadian national road champion.  My fastest race?  I've been in 
over 300, and a lot of them were fast!

This year, with age-graded Nationals over at Bear Mountain in New York, I'm
real serious about riding again.  When I qualified as a senior, I never had 
the money to go, or, if the Nats were nearby, I'd always miss qualifying by 
one or two spots.  

I also tour, but only as far as I can go in one day, and never with any weight 
on the bike.  I like to sleep in a nice warm bed at the end of the day!

    Hi
    	I just started to race last year. I am a Cat IV racer. I belong
    to  cyclonauts racers (Pro-Bike) club. This club is out of Springfield
    MA. I ride a Trek Al. bike. last year I ended my race season at
    killington stage race. that was a lot of fun. there were 3 road
    races and a TT. there was a crit that was cancel due to rain. out
    of 144 rider I finished 61. I thought that was good for me considering
    I wasn't a good Mt. climber. This year I started good. I finished
    top 10 in one race and fifth in other. I am looking for the first
    win this year.
    
    Mike Norton

    I'm Harry Sutton (for more general bio stuff, check out the Pan-Mass
    1989 Registry note), and this is my second year of semi-serious biking.
    (My real love has been cross-country skiing, but obviously this hasn't
    been the year for that so I'm cycling earlier and enjoying it
    immensely.)
    
    After riding all last summer on a second-hand Univega (that really
    rides nicely and I've since modified and passed on to my wife for her
    occasional weekend ride), I bought a Shogun Alpine G/T based on the
    review it received in the March (?) issue of Bicycling magazine. So far
    (~250 miles) I'm delighted with the choice. It feels like I could ride
    all day on this thing and still be reasonably comfortable. One minor
    change I'll probably make will be to go to a slightly smaller tire; I
    think I could ride through nails and glass all day on the beefeaters
    that came with the bike, but they probably introduce more drag than I
    really need for two-to-four hour tours.
    
    Some friends and I are planning a few tours this summer (over and above
    the Pan-Mass in August); in July we're going to drive up into the
    Adirondacks and cycle back over a period of a week to ten days; and
    we've got a bunch of day-trips like circle-Winnepesaukee, Kankamagus
    Highway (both ways), and Martha's Vineyard do-it-yourself-tours.
    
    Looking forward to a better summer of biking than I had winter of
    skiing....
    
    	/Harry

    My name is Joe Penn I have been cycling for about 11 years with
    two years off after tearing up a knee cranking a motorcycle. I just
    started riding again this past summer, and bought a Trek 330 ( the
    bike shop didn't have a Merckx in my size) I started ridng to loose
    weight and get into some sort of shape. I swore if I ever got out
    of the Army I would only run again in life threating situations,
    and since we only get snow once every two years cycling was it.
    I started with my brothers off the rack Sear's Free Spirit (ummitigated
    junk) then I bought a Viscount,the last year they were British made.
    I have ridden centuries,time trials and day tours and loved all of
    it. Then I took my two year hiatus. This summer I am going to ride
    BRAG (see BRAG note) which will be my most ambitous ride to date.
     I am also going to drive a sag wagon, a DEC wagon no less for a
    century the end of this month. It should be fun as I will get to
    run over any and all dogs.
     I hope to ride forever with out any more injuries on the bike or
    off.

My name is Sam Gentile. I am a Software Engineer for SWS/E - Network 
Engineering. I am a runner (last 3 years) who has just discovered biking. I 
bought a UNIVEGA and am just starting out.

    Hi I'm Bob Davidson and I'm an ATB rider.
    
    Here in sunny Florida we don't call 'em MOUNTAIN BIKES (for obvious
    reasons).  After being knocked off road bikes/touring bikes for 3
    years in New England I changed philosophies, now when I get run
    off the road I can gear down and go instead of running inventory
    on body parts.
    
    Riding to work and hiway: SERPA CR-MO 20",24/36/48, 13-32, RM20,
    26X1.95 Tioga City Slickers, SUNTOUR 7000.  Cheap basic transportation
    that most people won't try to steal.
    
    Riding for fun:  Fisher CR-7.  Too much fun but "HI VISIBILITY" in
    the parking lots.
    
    I ride 40-100 miles a week on both bikes.  Off-roaded in the
    Appalachians, Rockies, Brazil and of course FLA.  Also completed
    a few metric centuries on the ATB.
    
    

      I have been reading and replying to this file for quite a while
    now.  It's about time I introduced myself.  
      My name is Norman Flye and presently live in New Salem,
    Massachusetts.  I come from a long line of bicyclists.  My dad rode
    a number of 25-50 mile rides.  My grandfather used to race a BSA
    when he was younger and almost made the olympics.  And my
    greatgrandfather was a plumber who never learned to drive a car.
    He would throw his leather tool bag over the handlebars and ride
    to work.  
      I have followed in their footsteps.  Although I have not tried
    track racing (I want to) I do enjoy road, mountain, cyclo-cross
    and touring.  I prefer to do 60-200 mile rides on the road and very
    technical off road riding.  I am new to touring but enjoy it very
    much.  
      In the future:  This winter I will be building my first set of
    wheels (I have helped other people but never did my own).  Next
    summer I will be going to the Paterek Frame Shop in Wisconsin to
    build a bike frame with my own hands.  This September I will do
    the Mt. Washington hill climb for the first time.  I would also
    like to try a triple century and achieve a solo sub five hour century.
    My present best is five hours and ten minutes.  A cross country
    trip is in the works.
      My present stable of bikes (subject to change) is.
    
    1  Specialized Allez Epic carbon fiber.
       Shimano Ultegra(w/bar-cons), Mavic MA-40 rims with Vittoria Oscar
       X clinchers, Time Criterium pedals and Assos drilled saddle.
    1  Klein Top Gun mountain bike.
       Deore XT II, Sun Metal Chinook rims with Ground Control(rear)
       Hardpack 2.2(front), American Classic seat post and Off-road
       flex stem.
    1  Klein Perfomance road bike (this is becoming my touring bike)
       Shimano Ultegra(w/bar-cons), soon to be Deore XT triple, MA-40
       rims w/Turbo SK4 tires.
    1  Bianchi Axis cyclo-cross bike (my all around beater bike).
       Suntour XCD 9010(w/bar-cons), IRC cross country tires.
    1  Tandem(in the future).  I am still looking for that special
       lady that can keep the back end going as fast as my half of the
       bike.
    
    						Norm
    
       

    After not riding since high school, some friends talked me into joining
    them on a ride last Memorial Day...I was hooked, and on a borrowed bike!
    
    Within a month I'd purchased my Trek 1100, with triple crank and seven
    in the back...In the last 7 weeks I've put about 400 miles on it.  Best
    thrill is beating Hicks Road (took me weeks, but I've gotten over it
    the last 5 attempts!)
    
    I see I have quite a bit of reading to do...glad to find you folks.
    Sayonara from northern California (hi Bob Holt!)
    
    DougO

    Guess it's time to check in...
    
    I'm Karen Barth.  I work in VMS engineering in Nashua.  I've been
    an on and off cyclist for several years, mostly because my bike
    didn't fit and it wasn't as fun as it should be.
    
    This year I decided to fix that with a fit kit.  I adjusted my
    current bike (a Shogun 600) to match as closely as possible the
    recomendations.  Then I remembered the other reasons I don't 
    always like to ride -- cars, sand and feelings of competition.
    
    Enter the mountain bike.  I just bought a Diamond Back EX and 
    am having a blast.  There are no cars off road, I can handle
    any and all sand, and I don't feel like I'm racing with anyone.
    It's great.  If after awhile I miss the street I hope to buy a
    racing bike that will really fit me next spring.
    
    Karen.

    Hi.  My name is David Schulman and I live on Long Island.  I've been
    riding the same Grand Tour (Ross) touring bike for about 10 years now,
    and keep replacing the tires.
    
    I like to tour all over Nassau County and some times I make it as far 
    as Suffolk County.  I've taken the 5 Borough Bike Tour for the last few
    years, and am a member of the AYH.  
    
    In the last year I put on an even 1,000 miles on that bike, and usually 
    have an average computed speed of about 15 miles an hour.  Most of the
    riding I do is on the weekends, and on the roads.  I've never tried off
    road riding.  I ride all year round.
    
    If anyone wants to do some riding in this area I'm always interested,
    call me at DTN 334-2588.
    
    

    My name is Ron Pleva, I work in Customer (Field) service in Princeton
   New Jersey.  I own a Diamond Back Ascent-EX ATB that I purchased
    in February '89.  My first bike since being a kid a long time ago
    although having the Mt bike has turned me into a 39 year old kid.
  
    I like to ride in the Pine Barrens along the fire trails and on
    the horse trails of Allaire State park.  Currently riding about
    twice a week at about 10-15 miles a shot.  (I am a runner running
    about 20 plus miles per week).  
    
    Wish I could ride more often, or to work but 53 miles one way is
    a bit too much.
    
    If ever at the Jersy shore and wish to ride contact me. DTN-321-5194 

<<< RAINBO::$2$DJA5:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BICYCLE.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -<  Bicycling  >-
================================================================================

    Hi, I am Mike Huffaker.  I have been with DEC for 10 years out here in
    Arizona (Phoenix area...TFO plant).  I ride about 100 miles/week,
    mostly on the weekends, with two stationary sessions during the week.    
    I just built up a Vitus with all Dura-ace.  I also have a touring bike
    (nashbar xc) another road bike, a mountain bike and a Santana elan
    tandem (with a kidde crank conversion for my daughter who is 9).
    
    I ride 2-4 centuries/year.  I also have done the "Almost Across Ariz.
    ride" each of the past 5 years (Grand Canyon to Mexico...~500 miles). 
    This year I also did the "Washington State Sampler"(640 miles).  I am
    not fast but I enjoy the riding and the company.  I have completed one 
    double century and will probably never do another.  My current goal is
    to do the "Tour of the California Alps" (the old Markleeville Death
    Ride
    My rides are mixed....some long flat rides....some mountain rides...we
    have all kinds in this area.
    
    I do my own repairs and build my own wheels.
    
    Mike

    Hi!
    
    Richard Gelvin
    Marketing Engineer
    Ayr, Scotland
    
    I've been reading from this conference for a few months and decided
    it was time to sign in. 
    
    I joined DEC eleven years ago and ride the 26 mile round trip to
    work most days. The weather here in Scotland means the bike shed
    is almost deserted except in the Summer months but with the right
    gear and the head down "a la" Greg LeMond it's possible to beat
    the storms, rain, snow etc and cycle all year round. I'm not into 
    racing but will join any training runs I come across during the season.
    I cycle mainly for fun and fitness and enjoy touring and mountain
    biking. Last year I managed San Fransisco to Los Angeles , Big Sur
    was incredible, then flew to Hawaii for a week of cycling on Oahu.
    The island was a wee bit small but great fun. I wish I had managed
    to get to the big island but ran out of time. 
                       I bought my mountain bike about three years ago.
    One test ride and I was a convert, I felt like a kid again, only
    wish they had been about when I was one, I might not have broken so 
    many bikes. The mountains in the north of Scotland make great mountain
    biking country with plenty of established hillwalking trails to
    follow. Recently I decided to find out what mountain biking minus the 
    mud was like and visited Crete. Paradise for off the road cyling,
    there are mountains and goat tracks everywhere. 
    
    I have four  bikes.
    
    My mountain bike or ATB is a Ridgeback 501 and is the only bike
    I own that was bought off the shelf. Reynolds 501 tubing, sealed     
    hubs and bottom bracket with a variety of Japanese components.
    
    My winter wet weather bike and old faithfull is based on a Holdsworth
    touring frame, Reynolds 531 tubing, Specialized sealed hubs, Miche
    rims, Shimano Biopace chainset, with a mixture of Shimano components.
    
    My winter dry weather bike (hardly used this year, 54 inches since
    January 1st and still raining) is a Mercury training frame, Tange
    double butted tubing, equiped with Miche rims, Shimano cassette
    hubs, Cinelli bars and stem  and a variety of Campagnalo components.
    
    Last and my favourite is the replacement ,courtesy of my insurance
    company, for my beloved Gazelle which I wrecked last year. It was
    built by Joe Waugh of M. Steels from a mixture of Reynolds  tubing
    to give it optimum strength and rigidity. He did a great job I love
    riding this bike it feels just right. It is again equipped with cassette
    hubs, Miche rims, Cinelli bars and stem and Campagnalo components.
    
    My ambition is to save up enough holidays to allow me to cycle right
    across the USA. If any of you are ever over this way please contact
    me and we can arrange some rides, don't forget your Goretex jacket
    and overshoes.
    
    Richard.
    
    Happy and safe biking!! 
    
    
      

    
    
    Joe McCarthy
    Telecom Anaylst VMS group
    ZKO Nashua NH
    
    I ride at lunch anywhere from 12 to 20 miles and on weekends depending
    on house work or how much of a father or husband I want to be regulates
    the amount of miles!!! I plan to do a century a mouth this year, I did
    my first last year in 5 hrs 39 min and had a great time.
    
    BIKES:  MARINONI CUSTOM with Campy Athena 
    	    and I would gladly sell one of my kids for a Ritchey or Wicked
            Fat Chance mountian bike!!! I have to get one of those.
    
    This June I hope to go through the New England Cycling Academy
    technicians course and start a small, very small bike shop out of my
    basement, maybe someday I can quit DEC....
    
    Joe	

   Here's an update - 
                         <<< Note 5.77 by RGB::SCOTT >>>

>  Name: Rob Scott
>  Work: Video Engineering at PK03. (Temporarily in Hudson, doing chip design)
         Now permanently in Hudson, doing chip design.

>  Home: Cambridge (MA, that is)
>  Bike: Daws Universe (83 vintage)
 
   Bike: (as of Saturday!) Blue Miyata 1400, with Time clipless pedals/shoes.

>  I've been fairly sporatic in my cycling. It was a lot easier when I lived
>in Boxboro to just get up and go. I hate riding in the city, even with a helmet.
>Done mostly medium distance touring (last year was the first overnight trip),
>and one century. Learning to do my own maintenence, rebuilding, etc. I'd
>like eventually to explore both ends of the cycling spectrum: more serious
>touring, and maybe someday a triathlon.

   Since the time of the above note ('87), I've met my goals! Did a two week
cycling trip in Ireland ('88) and a 10 day trip in Nova Scotia ('89). This year
it'll be Portugal and/or Greece. I also have done a biathlon, and a
triathlon. My new bike should help me shorten up my times for these events :-)
And, last but not least, I've gotten comfortable with (or at least tolerate)
riding in the city. Still experimenting with finding the shortest possible
route out, though!

   Future goals: ride across America (91?), sub eight hour century, and
more bi/triathlons. (If I can improve my swimming!)

   I've really enjoyed this notesfile over the years - learning about the
latest and greatest from people who really use the stuff, reading about
dog "adventures", killer hills, etc.

							Rob

	I'm Frank Ferreira from Westford Ma.  Formerly biked a bit of the
	White Mountain area.  Since married with one 3 1/2 year old boy who
	wants to ride constantly.....  Unfortunately has outgrown conventional
	child carriers.  Now I'm looking for a trailer to continue our
	(local) riding pleasures.

    I just started reading this file and just last night I bought a Giant
    Rincon mt. bike but had the tires changed fromm real all-terrrain to
    more general purpose.  I expect I'll be reading in here more.
    
    I live in Shrewsbury, work at BPO3 in Marlboro. 

    I've been using these notes for a while now without letting you know
    who I am. My name's Phillip Gwynne, I'm Australian but am currently
    working for DEC in Brussels, Belgium. I've been riding bikes for quite
    a few years but have only currently got "serious" about it. Presently I
    only have my racer with me - custom built with Columbus tubing and a
    mixture of Croce D'Uane and C-Record (C-Record cranks because they're
    the only cranks available in 180). I commute to work - about 12 km one
    way - and ride most week-ends. I also ride ATB's but don't own one at
    present. If anybody wants some information about cycling here in
    Brussels, or Aus then please contact me.

    
    Hi,  I've read some of these notes in this here file... but I did not
    find this notes file until after I bought my Mountain Bike.  Not that
    I regret my choice of a bike, because I don't I think it's great.  I
    have a Schwinn Woodlands 21 speed index shifted biopace hyperglide
    bike. I just wish I had got the 19" after riding in the woods and
    running out of a trail to ride on... it just disappeared and on hills
    it is a long way to get your feet down to the ground and try ot clear
    the bar.  Oh well... I like off road riding I just need someone who
    likes it as much as I do to go with.  I live in Manchester and would
    like to bike around Massabesic, bear brook state park or pawtuckaway. 
    I am only a beginner but I'll try almost anything.  I also have a
    Schwinn superletour from way back in high school when I went on bike
    tours around New England but it needs help.. it just blew out both
    valve stems and an assortment of other problems.  
    
    Most of my friends have road bikes so most os my recent riding has been
    on roads... and we stop for FROZEN YOGURT  not ice cream.
    
    I'd like to do some off road riding if anyone is interested... I am a
    TAG here at DEC and will be leaving tomorrow for a full time position
    with a new company in Fiber Optics Distribution and Services, Optical
    Fiber Components Incorporated.  You can call me at home 603-666-0830 or
    at my soon new office after july 10 at 898-3302.
    
    I would love to move to california and bike surf and snowboard.
    
    L8RDUDES
    Michelle Snowdon
    p.s. you can also send mail to offpls::snowdon and I'll get it.

    
    
    
    Hi, my name is Dell-Roy Lucas. I work here in Kaufbeuren as an AS/RS
    operator. I have just started riding as an alternative to skiing and
    hiking. I just bought a mountain bike a few days ago...
    Raleigh "new wave" with Shimano 300lx gears with push-button shifters,
    Exage brakes and I'm not sure of the exact name Shimano peddels.
    Hope to learn a little about maintnance and repair and basically every-
    thing else that goes with mountain biking.
    
    happy trails,
    Dell-Roy

Love single track. 

Tomas Dawson 
Colorado Springs.

MTB: Merlin Titanium w/ Cooks racing crank, XCPRO drive train, IRD Titanium 
fork, IRD rotary brakes, XCPRO hubs with Mountain Aero rims. Its smooth and 
fast. 

Love to ride off-road. And would love to have more ride partners in the 
Springs. I ride most week days a ABT 2:00pm. 

    
    
    Hi 
    
    
    I'm Gerry Kefalinos in Cupertino California. I have been riding a Ross
    Mount Ranier for the past 4.5 months and it seems time to get a lighter
    bike. I ride 3 to 4 days a week averaging 25 miles a ride. I ride about
    50/50 dirt/street through Silicon Valley. Have not gone to any races
    but the more I ride the more I want to ride.  My MTB came standard
    with Shimano Biocomp cranks, I don't know the gear ratio. Shimano index
    shifters Arya vp 20 rims and Ritchie tires. I have tewaked a couple
    rims in my harsh travels but have yet to buy a helmet. After reading
    other replies it may be who of me to go buy one. 
    
    I like this conference alot. Gives me alot of insight and has given 
    me some good ideas to use. It's not the bike that makes a good ride
    it's the person pushing the pedals.
    
    Gerry

    
    Hi all, I have been enjoying this notes file for quite sometime
    now, and thought maybe it is time for me to introduce myself.
    Shaw Entekhabi, I work in Salem (NH) NIO facility as a database base
    admin. Aside from riding ten speeds when I was a kid, four years
    ago I picked up mountain biking first because it would help me 
    train for my skiing. It didn't take long to fall in love with the
    sport of biking itself. I have been out on my mountain bike every
    chance I get. About a year ago , I visited some friends that had
    several road/racing bikes stocked in their garage and I took one
    for a ride and what a different experience. I am still to pick up
    a good racing bike too. 
    Keep on biking and remember don't leave home without a helmet!
    
    Shaw
    

    Wild Bill here.
    
    	I work and do most of my riding from Acton AKO1. This is my second
    year of riding. (one more ex-runner has seen the light). My first race
    was the TDL this year It was lots of fun. I ride about 100 miles a week
    at 19 - 22 MPH . If you ride at noon around the Acton area and would
    like a little company, give me a call.
    
    Thanks
    Wild Bill

    
    I just replied to a note, so I may as well sign in.
    
    Ellen Gugel, software engineer in Distributed Heterogeneous
    Systems Group in ZK1.
    
    I've been riding for 7 years and I'm still on my Fuji Espree,
    but I logged into this file to get some shopping ideas for my
    next bike.
    
    I'm a member of American Youth Hostels/Greater Boston Council and
    Appalachian Mountain Club.  I lead rides and trips (day, evening, and
    weekend) for these clubs.
    
    Oh yes, and just to warn you all - I have some strong opinions on a
    few things that you may hear from time to time!
    

    Well, I believe that this may be the first conference I've actually
    registered in, but what the heck, might as well make it official:
    
    I'm Joe Befumo, I'm a software engineer in CIM support, and will have
    been with dec for four years this January.  I currently work at DLB8 ,
    but will be moving back to HLO2 in September 8^(
    
    Earlier this summer I picked up an old Peugeot, at which time I mostly
    hadn't been on a bike for about 22 years.  In that time I tried riding
    once - bought a sears one-size-fits-all FS10, went out on it, was
    climbing a hill when the chain slipped, my foot went off the pedal and
    the pedal gouged my achilles tendon - resulting in several weeks on
    crutches.  I sold the bike.  When I got the Peugeot, my luck was much
    better, and I really got into riding.  After a couple of weeks, I
    decided to sell my motorcycle and buy better cycles for myself and my
    wife.  
    
    Right now we have Shogun Katanas, and are REALLY amazed at how far
    bikes have progressed in the last twenty-someodd years!  I've been
    riding the 5.5 miles to work, rain or shine, so I also bought a Royce
    Union mountain bike, because the roads are pretty rough on the route I
    take to work.  I plan to equip this with IRC Blizzard studed tires for
    winter riding.
    
    This past weekend I managed a 40 miler - my longest yet after about 6
    weeks of riding, and an average pace of 17.5 mph.  I'm going to try for
    50 this coming weekend.  I hope to try an metric century this autumn,
    and a real century next year.

    I guess its about time I signed in here.  I'm Terry O'Loughlin and I
    work in ZKO in the Electronic Mail Engineering group.  
    
    I started riding this summer, mostly to get in shape.  When I started, 
    it was a struggle to do just a few miles. This past Saturday I was able 
    to complete the 25 mile Seacoast Tour that the Multiple Sclerosis Society 
    puts on (in the pouring rain no less!).
    
    I have a Terry Despatch.  The Terry bikes are the only ones I feel
    comfortable on.  The shorter top tube really makes a difference for
    me.  I am looking into getting a mountain bike so I can deal with the
    worsening road conditions, etc. during the colder months. I'll probably 
    end up getting a Terry again.
    
    
    
        

	Hi, I'm Sue Nale.  I don't think I've signed in yet, but I have signed
	up for the DEC Cycling club.

	I'm a software engineer in Database Systems at NUO (Nashua, exit 4).
	I've always enjoyed riding, but never been a real fanatic about it.
	Currently, I'm biking mostly to stay in shape (or rather, to GET in
	shape!).   Although, whenever I feel like I'm really cruising I 
	fantacize about racing.  I'm competitive by nature and have raced
	a few times.
 
	I try to ride a few times a week after work, maybe 15 or 17 miles.
	In October I'm supposed to be going on a two-day 110 mile Environmental
	Tour of Connecticut (put on by some group down there).  Therefore,
	I better be biking more unless I want to repeat the attempted-century
	fiasco of a couple of years ago (see 1549.10 for that lovely story).

	I've been read-only for a while and have picked up a lot of good
	info.  

	Sue

    Like many others, I've been active in the note, but haven't intro-
    duced myself either:
    
     My name is Chip Girouard. I am the SSB Q.E. Mgr. in WMO. I've riding
    for 3 years (the last two have been intense). I like road races and
    TT's, but do like to challenge a century from time to time. I'm 37
    years old and I think I've recently been trying to hang on to some
    aspects of my youth.
    
     I'll probably get in at least 7k miles this season.
    
     I ride (now - I'm seriously thinking MERLIN or KESTREL 200 EMS)
    a C-DALE 3.0 with C Record components throughout. I like to bang
    around in the woods from time to time with my ATB too.
    
     Chip

    Since this is the last unseen right now, I'll do my part.
    My name is John Fox, I'm in IS, in Nashua, NH.
    I've been a runner for 12ish years, but blew my ACL
    playing soccer a few months ago (so much for cross-training
    to avoid injuries!). I decided to resurrect my road bike,
    and pick up an ATB, now that running is at least partially
    out of the question.
    I'd like to get to the point where I can commute a few days
    a week (20ish each way), and do some w/e excursions with the
    family once the soon-to-be-born one can handle life in the
    trailer.
    
    John

    Hi!
    My name is Neil Abley a nice easy name for you.
    
    I own a PERRECINNI which I have had a lot of fun with and this time
    next year I will be in the London to Paris.
    
    I went looking for this conf. just too find a club to get into training
    for next years RIDE.
    
    Neil
    

    Hi My name is Peter Metalli. I have been doing triathlons for about 7
    years and live and train in Reading. For the past year I have been
    mostly out of action as excessive use of Scott DH Bars last year left
    me with a pretty serious back injury. As a consequence I ain't been
    doin' much.  (except put on weight)
    
    Next year is back to the serious stuff again and another go at Nice
    Triathlon which I attempted in 88 only to sprain my ankle on the run.
    The bike section was great though. Closed roads, through the alps. Just
    as it always should be..
    
    As part of my training I am considering giving a few Audax events a go
    (if the organisers see sense and allow the use of DH bars) and also a
    few 100 mile tt's. 
    
    I get the  impression that we're in for a cold winter though, so I'll
    need the club runs with Reading CC on a Sunday morning...
    
    
    Peter Metalli
    
    

    My name is Earl Guyer.  I've been working in Nashua, N.H. but have
    recently been transfered to Dallas.  This move has really put a crimp
    in my riding since my bike is still in NH.
    
    I have a C-dale ST600, 3.0 touring bike and a Univega mountain bike. 
    I'll be looking for groups and or individuals to bike with in Dallas so
    if anyone knows where I should look please let me know.  I don't think
    I'm gonna need all those gears down here but winter riding should be
    easier.
    
    I'm a fun rider, no racing (too old), but I can do a 50 mile day at a
    reasonable pace.
           

    Ok, it's time to ante up...
    
    My name is Eric Frere, a Canadian lost in New England (live in
    Lexington and work in Concord MA (VRO)).  I've been seriously riding
    since 1976 when, at the tender age of 17, bought a used Grandis, flew
    to St. Johns, Newfoundland and rode to Montreal (1800 miles).  I've
    never looked back since...  Went from a Grandis to a Colnago Super,
    (stolen after 15 miles - the kid probably never knew what he got) to a
    Colnago Mexico, to what I have now, a Frere (the first and last frame
    that I will build...) with full Campy C-Record (10 years old)
    components.
    
    Took a break from cycling while living in Saudi Arabia (ever race in a
    sand storm??) and started up again in 1985.
    
    This year, I rode a tandem with a colleague, Nancy Lind Adler, in the
    PMC and we got a "reputation" by the end of the weekend for coming in 
    ~18th overall (non-official, of course).  We are now looking for a 
    racing tandem (looking at Santana, Marinoni or a Merlin (why not?).
    
    Our goal: win RAAM.  Anybody with some extra $$, please donate to this
    worthy cause ;-)
    
    Eric
    
    P.S.  Anybody wanting info on places to ride in Canada, drop a note...

Chris Robinson from Reading, UK. 
Just found this NOTESfile after taking up cycling again after a 20 year "rest".
Times were hard and the body baggy in the Robinson household so I bought my
manager's unwanted light(ish)weight racer (how's that for sycophancy?!) and
took to two wheels again, mainly for the 13-mile commute to work. AND I AM
LOVING IT! It's nearly as quick and much, much cheaper.... 

Years ago I used to race and tour but I was completely out of touch with the 
biking scene today. Things have changed a lot in some areas (Japanese hardware;
7/8-speed blocks; indexed gears; the PRICES!!; helmets; an AMERICAN winning
TdF!!) but hardly at all in others (Campag, Mavic, Weinmann, et al are still
here; the obsession with weight - bike, not body; fads; punctures....). I think
I must have changed too, 20 years ago I wouldn't have been seen dead on the
bike I'm riding at the moment (bottom of the range Peugeot), but now I don't
really care..... 

I'm really enjoying reading through this file - one of the friendliest and 
knowledgeable ones I've come across. I'll start contributing if I ever finish
seeing what's here (there's so much good stuff that even being selective, I'm
still only in 1988!). 

Chris    

    I'm David Robinson working at Digital Park in Reading. Most of my
    riding is a daily commute to work - about 22 miles round trip. I HATE
    the rain, so I'm afraid I chicken out at the merest suggest of wet on
    the morning weather forecast.

    I really enjoy touring - either day-trips (60 miles-ish) or longer
    tours. With a growing family I do less of this than I would like, but
    they have now reached an age where they can all come with me, and that
    makes it great fun. Last summer, when my youngest was 4, we were
    covering anything up to 25 miles in a day. The highlight last summer
    was the New Forest cycling week, organised by the Cylists' Touring
    Club. This is an informal camping week with many off-road rides - ideal
    for families.

    I ride a Holdsworth touring bike, which has had many component swaps
    and one respray in its 10-year life. It does equally well on or off-road.

    I'm Tyrone Trimmings,I work at the Southern Logistics Centre in
    Winnersh.I bought a Peugeot mountain bike about two years ago.I'm very
    impressed with them after owning a racing bike and having to cycle to
    school up a hill which always felt like it was a rock face on sports
    day (did I really cycle up there for 5 years!)
     Well,I've got back on it again,mainly to lose weight and to get out of
    the house wilst the weather is nice (for how long though?).I live in
    Henley-On-Thames,which is in Oxfordshire and about 5 miles from
    Reading.So I'm lucky in having some very nice country to cycle in.What
    I would like though is to meet some fellow enthusiasts (sp) who would
    like to go for some rides,or any details of events or clubs in the UK
    that I could contact,as me and my sister would like to go on some of
    the rides that are held.Any help would be much appreciated,
    
    bye for now,
                TYRONE
    

    Hi Tyrone,
    
    Sorry for the slow response. Can't help too much but I had a look in
    that new bike shop across from the Broad Street Mall in Reading
    (alright, alright - I was just looking ;-) ) I think it's called 
    "Bicycle" or somesuch. Anyway, they had some stuff on the counter which
    gave details of local rides organised by the CTC (or whatever they're
    called now). 
    Sorry, this is appallingly vague but it sounded like what you are
    after. Suggest you try them or the Reading Library for a copy.
    
    Chris 
                        

             <<< RANGER::$2$DUA240:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BICYCLE.NOTE;1 >>>
                                -<  Bicycling  >-
================================================================================
Note 1957.0                     Going bike-crazy                       2 replies
CSOA1::ROWE                                          19 lines   4-JUN-1991 13:40
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Steve Rowe, Ed Svc's Field Marketing, Cleveland OH.  DEC Vet of 10 plus
    years.
    
    Its my turn.  Not only am I novice to Notes but somewhat to biking.
    I've rediscovered biking again 3 or 4 years ago, and it was a good
    thing I kept my Schwinn Le Tour from '75.  I dream of a new bike...
    Maybe Santa can bring a Italian-something with Campy this year.
    Next bike I get will be better fitted.  When I purchased the Le Tour
    at 58cm I thought bigger was better (oh well, what can you expect a
    high school kid to know!).  Next time it will be a 56cm.
    
    I've been riding 75-150 miles/week now that the weather has turned
    good again here in NE Ohio--  I've  found the countryside to be
    pleasent to ride. I have started riding with a Wheelers group, and
    find it to be good time week-end riding.  Also looking 
    forward to my 2nd annual MS150 ride across the south shore of Lake Erie.
    
                         Good riding you'all,
       

    May name is Felix Wiedler and I am living in Winterthur/Switzerland
    (working for DEC Switzerland @ZUO).
    
    My bike is my main vehicle - I have no car (not even a driving
    licence...). To use the bike is very popular in the town where I live,
    public transport is good, so I don't need a car at all.
    
    Since a few years ago I ride a "FATEBA Universal" city bike, custom-made 
    by a local company - Reynolds 531 tubing, Suntour XC components, Weinmann 
    rims, Brooks seat etc.
    
    On my wish-list: a "FATEBA L1", a deluxe recumbent made by the same
    company - a very nice bike, which will cost me around $2000... (still
    cheaper than a Porsche or a Rolls-Royce).
    
    Felix.

    I'm Jamie Ide, and I live and work in Northboro, Mass.  I've cycled
    ever since I can remember, except while I lived in Worcester, Mass.,
    which I found too scary for biking.  I grew up in rural northern
    Vermont and New Hampshire, and it took me a long time to overcome my
    fear of riding in traffic.  Northboro is practically a haven for
    cyclists, with lots of loop rides possible over good unfrequented roads
    yet it's still close to all the urban areas have to offer.
    
    I ride a Peugeot PBN10 which I've had for about 9 years.  I commute to
    work most summer days and ride 50 - 100 miles a week.  I'm planning to
    get a new bike next summer and retire the Peugeot to commuting and
    riding in bad weather.
    
    My goal for the year is to break 1000 miles (first year I've had a
    computer to keep track), and I'm well on my way with 470 so far.  I'm
    also into backpacking, cross-country skiing, and music.  I appreciate
    all the good info in this conference -- keep it up!
    
    Jamie

This is just a quick note to say cheerio, since this is my last day at 
Digital - I decided to take the voluntary 50+ redundancy package on offer 
in DEC UK.

A special cheerio to those fellow madpersons who've shown an interest in
trikes - my "come and have a go" offer still stands (home tel. no. 0734 
872395). Thanks also to the people who've been so helpful in responding to 
queries on this and that, eg which are the strongest rims.  I accepted the 
majority verdict on this and the trike is now equipped with MA40s (which 
have fared exellently on their maiden ride to and from Le Mans in France 
for the annual 24h sports car race, plus some surreptitious wheelies along 
the pit straight at 3am the night before the race, but that's another 
story...)

All the best everyone,
Richard

    I'm Bob Bailey ... I live in Worcester and work in Shrewsbury.  I have
    recently purchased my first bike since learning how to drive (back in 
    the late sixties), primarily for purposes of keeping my legs in some kind
    of shape between skiing seasons, and also to use up those few free hours
    that still existed in my typical week.
    
    I must confess I don't know much about bikes these days.  When I went
    shopping for a bike the salesperson asked me what kind of bike I was
    interested in and I replied "red" ... ;^) ... that was basically the
    extent of what I knew I wanted in a bike.
    
    I ended up purchasing a Schwinn Mirada, 18-speed "cross-sport" with
    Shimamo derailler, and I'm very happy with it so far.  It seems like
    the perfect bike for the hills around Worcester, and Lake Winnepausake
    (where I spend an occasional week-end) and from time to time, taking
    it onto dirt roads and trails, like the ones you find at your typical
    state park here in Central Mass.
    
    In the 2-1/2 months I've owned the bike I've probably logged about 300
    miles.  I live on top of one of Worcester's steepest hills, and from
    there have found some nice routes, between 9 and 15 miles, which take
    me past the reservoirs, thru some quaint towns like Paxton and Holden,
    and back home again.  I try to ride two or three nights a week, right
    after work.  On those occasional week-end days when I'm not sailing,
    hiking, or snorkeling/scuba diving, I like to take longer rides.  So
    far my longest was a little over 40 miles, and I really felt I'd reached
    my limits (for now anyway).  
    
    I've just entered this conference in hopes of learning more about biking,
    bike equipment, bike routes, and perhaps making some new friends I can
    share experiences with.
    
    ... Bob
    

 I'm Kevin Martin, currently on contract in valbonne in the south of france 
(tough life ehh?). Been riding mountain bikes for about 4 years now, currently
 own two Bikes.

	Muddy Fox Aluminium (7005 aluminium) (now my second bike) full shimano 
	XT running gear. 50-36-24 x13-30 175 crank length :-) .use it mainly on 
	the road so I'm running on Tioga city slickers (1.95 slicks) and I've 
	put profile areo bars for a bit of grip variety. (lots of trick bits on
	your bike makes it sooooooo heavy).

	Liang AL650 (7005 aluminium) E-stay bike in oversized tubing. Full 
	shimano DX kit (including the rapid fire heaps of dog s**t).
	48-36-28 x 12-28 172.5 crank length. Use this bike only offroad, running
	on  specialized Ground control extreme (front) and Panracer smoke (back).
	one advantage of an E-stay bike is you dont have to split the chain...
	just dismantle your rear derailer. I'm thinking of putting a set of 
	Rock shox on it ( Trouble is I haven't met anybody thats used a set yet,
	ANYBODY OUT THERE USING THEM YET.)
	Shimano SPD pedals are the bizzz. Had mine for 5 months now and there
	great.

    I'm Kevin Bessett and work at BTO (Burlington, VT).  I'm just getting
    into this bicycling thing.  I'm striving to get back into shape after a
    serious accident 10 months ago (I use to be in quite good shape but
    in the last 10 months my muscles seemed to have packed up and departed 
    for a better place....the nerve of them!). 

    Next summer I hope to be pedaling 100-150 miles a week along with doing
    alot of mountain biking (I live 2 miles from a X-C area that's open for
    mountain biking during the off-season).


    I currently have:
    
       For the forest rides I use a Trek 7000.  It's fast, well-balanced and
       has great brakes.  It's got the Shimano rapid-fire(??) shifting  setup
       (I never owned a bike where you just press a button and it shifts....).  
       I like riding this bike better then my road bike (and I'd rather deal
       with oncoming chickmonks then those car-things, anyway).  

       To get get me from points a to b on the road I have a Giant 980C
       carbon fiber. It was a toss-up between the Giant and a Trek 1400 but the
       dealer had  the Giant in-stock...and gave me a great deal.  In addition
       I opted for  clipless pedals and a computer.  I've only ridden 30 miles
       or so on the Giant and so far I like it (I just got my clipless-pedal
       shoes so I can't wait to try them).  I still have my 1979 Schwinn
       Traveler and the only way it compares to the Giant is that it, too, has
       round wheels.....
 

    Kevin.
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Darnley Howard, currently working in the Eastern Mass FMC in the
    Mill.  
    
    I've been an avid biker since early childhood, though most of it has
    been urban and relatively short distance (5-20 miles at a time).  This
    is really an extension of the kind of neighborhood cycling I used to do
    as a kid.  
    
    I'd like to increase the distance a bit as time permits.  I used to say
    I need a better bike to do that but the budget never allows it and my
    15 year old Raleigh Grand Prix doesn't want to break.  So I'll just
    have to take this one as far as I can.  Hopefully in this conference
    I'll learn a bit more about bikes and the local (Eastern N.E.) riding
    scene.  
    
    Darnley

    I'm Richard Pullan, a systems mangler in DECpark in Reading, UK.
    I took up commuting (11-12 miles) in June using a bike that I bought
    some ten years earlier, but hardly used. The bike is very unexciting,
    being a Raleigh "Magnum" 10 speed "tourer." It is very much unlike
    anything you guys would want. However, I was content wtih this until I
    was given "Richard's Cycle Book" which I have a feeling is going to
    cost me a lot more than the 9 pounds 99 pence price tag; it has got me
    itching to get something better and expensive. Today I had a very hard
    time honouring my resolve not buy the first bike that looks good, but
    to get all the facts, establish exactly what I want then get the best
    deal.
    So far I think I need/want some form of hybrid mountain bike with 531
    tubes that is suitable for zipping through traffic and hacking though
    various towpaths and riverbanks.

    Now someone's signed in, and I saw I hadn't. What will the neighbours
    think ?
    I'm Alan Paxton, I work in VMS in Livingston Scotland (when I can get
    in through the snowdrifts).
    My bike is currently a 10 year old CroMoly Elswick (blast from the
    past), soone to be a Specialized Carbon-frame job (Hate the decals
    though).
    Ambitions: to persuade the Scottish Office to build us some roads
    in the Highlands.
               to trash young Rod in the hills next year.
    
    ---Alan
    

          I'm a SWeng in PCSG(home of PATHWORKS)'s Tools & Tech group, and
          have been biking for the past 2 summers on a Miyata mtn bike.
          This summer, I've done about 60 miles per week (does that mean
          I'm still a psuedo-cyclist ;-)? ).

          This conference is fun to read.  I particularly enjoyed following
          John Ellis' narration of his journey and seeing everyone's
          enthusiastic support.  Due to the notes here I discovered the
          Nashoba Valley Pedalers, went on a couple rides, had a great
          time, and officially joined.  Now I'm considering getting a
          touring bike so I don't have to work so hard to keep up!

          Currently I'm looking for a topic about "how to fall off your
          mountain bike", since I fell this evening for the first time and
          my rt. leg feels weird.

        Hi. 
        
        I regularly commute to DEC Park, Reading from home in Woodcote, a 
        village north west of Reading. A distance of 12 miles, half of 
        which is though the countryside of South Oxfordshire and half 
        through urban Reading. As Woodcote is approx. 600 feet above sea 
        level the journey to work is a easier than the return. I'm using 
        an APPLO mountain bike with 21 indexed gears. 
        
        I started commuting last summer, but I "enjoyed" it so much 
        continued through the colder days. In depth of winter I was 
        wearing 3 layers of clothing in the morning and 2 for the return. 
        
        Soon after starting this exercise I became aware of the 
        venerability of cyclists to head injuries and purchased a helmet. 
        This together with a fluorescent belt, fluorescent patches and 4 
        cycle lights has caused other road users to give me a plenty of 
        room! 
        
        I'm fortunate that DEC Park has shower facilities, which means 
        that I can arrive at my desk fresh and clean by 9:00 a.m. Funny 
        how this was almost impossible to achieve when I drove in.
        
        I used to bring clothes in once a week. I'm now the proud owner 
        of a carrier/panniers which means I'm totally independent of the 
        car. That's an other funny thing about cycle commuting, my "work" 
        clothes don't seem to get a dirty as they did when I used to sit 
        in a car to 30 minutes going back and forth to DIGITAL. My work 
        involves little customer contact at DEC Park therefore the odd 
        crumpled shirt/trousers doesn't harm my tarnished image.
        
        Some of you will have read of Reading's notorious traffic 
        problems. I find that now I know there's an alternative I'll 
        always try to cycle to work rather than go by car... I can get to 
        work in 45 minutes and back in around 60 without the hassle, 
        negligible cost, zero pollution and exercise too! 
        
        Regards, Howard.
        
    

I'm Andy Bodge, a technical writer at Spit Brook Road, Nashua NH.
Sadly, I have been reading this file more than riding my bicycle,
but I hope to change that.  I have an elderly (1978?) Fuji, one of
the first 12-speeds, that I have upgraded over the years with 
alloy wheels and an odd assortment of components.  My stepson's
bike crash several years ago (banged him up some, not permanently,
and his Trek a lot) yielded up Campy brakes and derailleurs.  Justin's
Used Bike Parts Outlet down the hall recently contributed a 13-23
cluster (so I can destroy my knees like a real cyclist) and a friction-
era Dura Ace rear derailleur.  The frame is indestructable.

I do irregular rides in the 15-30 mile range presently, but I'd like 
to increase ride length and total miles next year, working my way up
to a century or two.  That's one way I can justify a shiny new mount,
relegating the Mighty Fuji to commuting and bad weather.  I may join
Nashoba Valley Pedelers and/or commute (22 mi one way) a couple times
a week to get the mileage up.

Reading this conference has been a lot of fun, although, as with other
employee-interest conferences (e.g., skiing) it's a little intimidating
as well.  I have to remember that most cyclists are *not* ultra-
marathoners, Cat II racers, Alps-climbers etc.  Most don't have 10
bikes.  Naturally, the people who write most in these conferences are
the most committed.  That said, I've learned a tremendous amount about
equipment, technique, biking folklore etc. and I also feel as if I've
gotten to know a very friendly bunch of fanatics.

Andy

    	RE: 5.179 and Justin's Used Bike Parts Outlet
    
    	Andy,
    
    	That's too funny. I tend to think the same thing when
    	Justin adds another "For Sale" note. This guy must have
    	the biggest basement/garage in the state.
    
    	Scott

    
    
    Well I guess its time for me to check in too..  I'm Jim Orris and I 
    work in Salem NH..  I drive a 20 year old Raleigh that just keeps on
    running..  Some time next year I'll problably get a new bike so that
    when you people talk about "aero this" and "carbon fiber that", I'll
    have some idea what your all talking about.  I used to average tens of
    thousands of mile each month until I got a computer..  I still ride the
    same amount, but now, for some reason I only seem average around 1500 
    miles a year.  :-)
    
    I enjoy the simplicity of biking.  It helps to keep my mind free, (some 
    people might say "empty") and the extra weight off..  I also very much 
    enjoy reading this conference..   This conference has a good blend of
    technical discussions,  international flair and just enough insanity to
    keep it interesting...  Anyway,  Thanks everyone...
    
    jim o.
         
    
    :-)
    
    jim
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    	Since it seems to be catching, and I'm long overdue, I'd better
    sign in...
    
    	I'm Graham Goodman and work in South Queensferry. In case some you
    hadn't realised from my unpatriotic notes, I'm Scottish. That makes me
    a happy-go-lucky kind of guy with no gripes at all with life...
    
    	I've been cycling seriously for 7 years now, with my local club
    Fife Century Road Club. I took a two year 'holiday' from riding my bike
    but remained with my club to help out all the others coming in to the
    sport. Well, what really happened was one year at the club's AGM, they
    realised that I didn't actually do anything and decided to make me do
    everything. Me being rather naive, didn't see it coming... I've been
    back on the bike since May and am trying to get myself back to a
    serious level. What all this really means, is that I have no experience
    or qualifications to speak of and just shout my mouth off for the sake
    of it.
    
    	I'm poor and can only afford one bike, a Gazelle with Reynolds 531C
    and equipped with a mixture of Shimano 105 & 600. Not great, but then
    neither am I.
    
    	Oh yeah, and the weather's sheer murder.
    
    Graham.

Here is another one,

I am a Dutch student who currently works for Digital to gain practical
experience. My contract expires on 31 Jan. 1992. I will have to get
back to school then.
I work for Digital in Valbonne (France) and since I am a fanatic bike 
rider, I took my bike (Peugot racing bike) with me. Just like many other
Dutchmen, I am member of a speedskating club. Bike racing is thus a way
of training for me. 
This winter however, speedskating won't be possible. The Cote d'Azur is
not the place where you will find speedskating training facilities. But
the coastline and the mountains are excellent for cycling. So far I
have made some trips (80km per day) into the mountains, my knees didn't agree
however. Cycling in that flat, rainy and dull country called Holland is
certainly different than cycling in the mountains overhere. I very much
hope that my knees will give up their strike and will cooperate again. It
would be great to explore the mountains here further.

Wout

    I've been an avid reader of this conference since 1988, so I
    suppose it is time I signed on.  I work in Reading, UK, as a software
    engineer.  I am a member of the Reading Cycling Club which is approx
    300 strong and is into track racing, time trialling and touring. 
    
    I own two bikes - a grotty Reynolds 501 racing bike which I use for 
    commuting, and a sleek Columbus SLX which I use for racing and touring.
    
    My cycling ambitions are to ride under the hour for a 25 and to buy a
    mountain bike!
    
    Nigel.

Hi There,

	I'm Kevin Barrett and I workd at MR04-3, Last Summer (June) I purchased 
my first bike (since I was a kid... read "many years ago") I was shocked at what 
bikes had become... almost as complex as my car.  I've been an avid reader of 
this notes file since May of last year but asside from a wanted add have never 
written.  I thought it was time to come out of my closet, so to speak.  I hope 
to be much more involved in bicycling this year than I was last (due to travel) 
I hope to match / exceed the 1000 miles I did last year, and also hope to enter
the Pan Mass Chalenge. ( lofty goals, Hu )  well I've run on enough so, off I go.

					KMB 

         Hi all,
          
          Bob Corrigan here in Boxborough (BXBII) enjoying all the info
     this notes file has to offer. Sounds like a nice group. With the
     exception of a couple of replies I've been read only for a couple
     of months. 
          I've been riding a Juenet 10sp for 16 years, served me well,
     but got the bug bad for something new. Ride daily but haven't kept
     track of miles logged. Been followed by these two mysterious short
     people the past six years. They tell their mother I ride too fast
     for them and don't stop for enough rests. Little buggers. Always
     tellin' on me.
          Like I said I'm in the market for something new and will be
     getting more serious so I'll probably be bugging you guy's with
     questions. Promise to DIr/TITLE= first though.
         Bob.
    

After a 7-8 year layoff, I cycled to work again today!
Did Lowell to Tewskbury one summer, then, with my
Columbia 10spd,  ycchh.

Now, I bought a 21 spd Centurion Diamond Back at Chelms
Cyclery.  The ride is 12 miles.  Left at 6 A.M., very
little traffic, just jerks coming out of Dunkin Donuts.
Thru Lowell, the traffic lights gave me a rest.  Then,
at 133 & 38, traffic picked up.  Thank goodness they
made 133 into 2 lanes.  There is now a nice wide
breakdown lane, even if it is filled with dirt and junk.
But the traffic is what drove me to quit this ride 8
years ago.  Its still there, they seemed to be going
to Raytheon, for the 7am shift. Anyhow, the ride was
exhilarating. Until my version of heartbreak hill, here
in Tewks, up 133.  But the good news is thats all there
is.  45 minutes total.

One street on my ride had been swept this morning.  I 
was glad except for the dirt in the air.

Lets here it for spring!

Bob

    Here's another "newcomer" to Bicycle notes.  I'm in Marlboro, with the
    Executive Programs Group (We do that "Marketing Stuff" that no one seems
    to understand!!).  I got back to biking last year after a (too many
    years to count) absence.  Wound up purchasing both Mountain (Cannondale
    700) and Road (Schwinn 754) bikes, and (road) riding early mornings,
    off road at noon or after work and weekends till about November.  
    
    Thanks to a closed (but not locked) garage, I became sans bikes about
    two months ago.  This week I replaced the road bike with a Cannondale
    R900 (600 Ultegra/STI) super light weight frame.  Due to work
    schedules, etc., I rode it for the first time Sunday (Windy!!!)  Am
    looking forward to spending as much free time as possible on it.  I'm
    also "thinking" about riding it the 12 miles from my home in Shrewsbury
    to MRO.  Anyone aware of back road possibilities.  (Never cared too
    much for Route 9 or Route 20).  I'm also interested in lunchtime and
    after work rides.  (I'm just getting back into this, so die hards
    probably would be disappointed in my current performance.
    
    I have a Mountain Bike on order, and will take delivery once Cannondale
    sends the replacement parts (stem, o-ring for front shock, etc.) 
    for their Delta V (1000) series that have caused the recall.  Sure
    looks "purty"; can't wait to actually get on it.  So, I guess I'll be
    hoping to hook up with any of you who will be doing off-road riding
    this year.  Does anyone have good information about area biking clubs. 
    (I'm aware of Landry's offerings; What about the 7-Hills Folks, etc. in
    this area???
    
    Any information is appreciated.  I look forward to meeting as many of
    you as possible, and reading the anecdotes, tips, etc. that are so
    thoughtfully set forth here.
    
    -Irv
    
     

hi, i'm karol zielonko. i've been riding bikes since high school (about 15
years). i did a little racing while in college but wasn't really very good at
it. i prefer long and mountainous rides being a native of beautiful northern
berkshire county massachusetts where there's little traffic, lots of roads and
lots of hills. i also like doing an occasional club TT.

since i bought my first racing bike in '80 ( a windsor pro) i've broken four
frames - the windsor pro, two univega super stradas and a nishiki altron
(aluminum). can't figure out why i keep breaking frames as i'm quite a scrawny
guy. maybe i'm just riding cheap bikes. now i'm riding a loaner from a friend.

i'm currently trying to figure out which bike to buy. i'm feeling like i want to
get something that's going to last for a while. i want a pure "road" bike -
stable on the downhills and comfortable. they've got a merlin my size down at
belmont which i'll probably go give a try but they're so damn expensive -
especially when you put the obligatory EMS fork on. my other option is a steel
bike, probably in columbus EL nivacrom as i'm 6'3" and want something a little
lighter than a "conventional" steel frame. for me aluminum and carbon are out
cuz of the repair after the crash factor. i know that as soon as i bought a
carbon fiber bike i'd crash it and be left with a $2000.00 tecno-artwork.

i haven't really done any mountain biking.

oh yeah, i live in needham mass and work in ZKO in the decnet phase 5 group.

    I'm Les Weston, working for Engineering in DEC Park, Reading.

    I own a ~1986 Saracen Conquest mountain bike, purchased from the
    insurance money following the write-off of my previous touring bike in
    a traffic accident. It was the car-driver's insurance which paid out,
    which is somehow very satisfying.

    I'd been using the touring bike on Scottish hill tracks for some time,
    so a mountain bike seemed a natural next purchase, although since
    moving south I haven't made as much use of it off-road as I had
    expected when I bought it. But that's changing now the DEC Bike Club is
    getting off the ground and I'm meeting like-minded individuals.

    The bike predated indexed gears, but I upgraded to a Shimano indexed
    groupset with Rapid-Fire levers, and the difference was astounding.
    Almost as good as my old Sturmey-Archer hub gear of my school-days!

    I commute by bike most of the time, but that's nothing to boast about
    as I live less than two miles from DEC Park. In fact, cycle-commuting
    was a major factor in deciding where I was going to live when I moved
    to Reading. I now try to use the bike for shopping trips and other
    short journeys whenever I can, though the car still succeeds in
    tempting back me sometimes.

    If I did more road-riding, I think I'd be sorely tempted to buy a
    recumbant for road-use. From what I've read about them, they appear to
    be surprisingly comfortable to ride as well as significantly more
    efficient than the traditional diamond-frame bike. But at the moment,
    that's just a pipe-dream.

    -Les.

    Greetings and Goodbye!
    
    I've been with DEC for 6 years now, but I'll be leaving in 2 weeks
    (last day = Jan 29) for an exceptional job opportunity outside the company
    (a customer of DEC, by the way!).
    
    The decision to move to this new career opportunity was extremely
    difficult, because .... well ... errrr ... no more Bicycling Notes !!
    
    Seriously, it's tough to leave all the great people, but I'll see
    a lot of you out there on the road and up the mountains!
    
    Regards,
    Mark Reid

    I cannot tell a lie ...
    
    OK, the real reason for leaving DEC .... Mike Norton is gone, thus
    no more Norton bashing available  ;^}     He was a character!
    
    
    m.

     Really sorry to you go, Mark. Best of luck with your new job/career.
    I certainly look forward to seeing you at the races!
    
     Chip

	Hi everyone,

	Since there wasn't an official "Checking Out" note, I thought I'd
	put mine here.  Friday, April 2nd will be my last day at Digital.
	I'm moving on to new things at Progress Software Corporation in
	Bedford, MA. 

	Leaving DEC is hard.  I'll really miss the stories, info, and
	characters who populate this conference and the cycle_racing 
	conference.  I've learned an *incredible* amount about equipment,
	training, and mechanics.  I'll miss the up-to-the-minute Tour de
	France reports from the European guys, moaning about the weather, 
	picking on Chip for his obsession with Titanium, discussions on
	aluminum vs. steel, etc.

	My biking has progressed a lot since I entered .156 of this topic.
	I'm hoping it'll progress more still.  I'll probably be racing for
	the Boston Road Club this summer.  They actually have a woman's
	TEAM and a COACH.  I might still do the NVC Tuesday night rides.
	You can't beat it for intensity!  I'll be doing the Newton crits too.
	
	I hope I see some of you guys on the road.  I'll be on the net at
	Progress, though I don't know my username yet.  Probably 
	mildrum@bedford.progress.com   (why use Nale if I can't have Rustie?)

	Thanks for all the great reading!
	
	Up hill and into the wind,
	Sue

     The best of luck to you Sue. Probably be seeing you at some race this
    season!
    
      Chip

    	Jeremy Drake, working in the Ayr plant, Scotland.
    
    Cycle in to work most days, plus wandering around the country
    sometimes. Just recently bought a new bike for the first time ever, a
    Townsend ProAm 531. Beats the "thing" I was ridding, cobbled together
    years ago from various bits, including handlebars from a bike I had
    when I was 9!

    
    
    Greg Diercks
    Chicago
    Proud owner of new Trek 800
    I don't ride terribly seriously.  Instead I view it as a stress
    reliever.  I also own a Raleigh Accufit -- a relatively top-of-the-line
    stationary bike with upper body conditioning built in.  I tried to do
    an hour a day on it all winter long while watching opera videos!  8-)
    
         Greg

    
    
    Mark Thorne
    Chicago
    Just got my Trek 2200.  Nice.  I quit smoking a month ago, and I've spent
    the money I would have spent on cigarettes in the next 6-9 months on
    the bike.  It's worked out well so far.  Riding every day the weather
    permits.
    

Matt Kirk
Littleton, MA

Just got a Lightning Cycle Recumbent, and I also have a Dawes Galaxy.

M

    Tim Brogden
    Marlboro, MA
    
    For mountain biking I have a Bridgestone MB-1 with Specialized FSX.
    
    For road biking I have a Bridgestone RB-2. I am THINKING about 
    getting a Serota Ti, but can't quite justify $3600-$4300 just yet!
    
    Though I haven't riden nearly as much as I did last year I plan to
    change this very quickly on a daily basis!

    Mike Bourdess
    Marlboro MA
    
    Just starrted reading this conference after getting a road bike.  I've
    had a raliegh mtn. bike for several years now.  It has shimano LX
    components and is nothing too spectacular; it does take trail abuse
    very well though.  I recently bought an older model puegeot road bike
    that is pretty nice for someonee who hasn't done much road cycling.  It
    still needs some things, and thats why I started poking around in this
    conference.  Maybe you'll hear from me more often now...
    
    	Mike 

    Make that a Serotta Ti!!
    

    Saul Fisher
    
    I've been read only for awhile, but since I've learned alot about all
    the mistakes I'd been making and I 've got more questions I'll sign in.
    I currently am riding the last known example of a CCM (yes they make 
    skates)from the mid 70's. It does have a 531 frame and weinmann center
    pull brakes for all of you into antiquities. However, now that I know
    how to ride it properly, I have no trouble smoking the poseurs on their
    Basso's, Treks and Cannondales that are prevalent on my riding routes.

    Mark Storm, Nashua NH
    
    After not riding for more than 20 years, my 8 yr old has convinced me
    to get back into it.  This afternoon I got a Bianchi MTB.  Nothing
    special by your standards, but plenty nice for me.  We went for our
    first ride this evening on a trail by our house.  I think we are both
    going to enjoy this.  I can't wait for her to get older and more
    adventerous :-)
    
    Mark,
    

	Andy Kiser

	   I haven't really ridden a bike for almost ten years, but I need
	to work on my legs and it seems to be the best exercise for me. I 
	still really need to find a good bike, but I am interested to hear what	
	
	is new in the 'biking' world. I am interested in touring as well as 
	mountain bikes.

 

     All the best to you... I hope it was choice vs circumstance :-)

    Jamie Rose
    Northboro NRO5
    
    Seems like we're due for a new entry.  I've been happily riding
    my TREK1500 for about 5 years now and we just bought a used
    Terry Dispatch for my wife to take up the sport - pretty soon
    she'll be faster than me.  Like to ride with the 7HW when
    schedule permits (once so far this year!)  Mountain biking
    seems like it might be a fun way to get away from the cars.

    Ann Harris
    
    Minneapolis MN
    
    this is my 3rd cycling season. friends got me hooked when i moved here.
    i ride a bridgestone X0-3. i started out wanted just to "bike around
    the lakes". now 3 years later, i'm going on camping trips just to ride
    new trails.
    
    i've riden just over 800 miles so far this season. i'd like to breake
    1000 miles if i can.  i've increased my average speed from 10MPH to
    about 11.5/12.0 MPH. i managed to go 12.0 mph on a 50 mile ride last
    saturday.  not being "naturally athletic", i didn't think i would enjy
    biking, but surprise surprize!  it's really fun, you don't need a
    "team" of people (although riding with others is fun) you can ride
    alone if you wnat to.
    
    when people come to visit me in minneapolis and i have to drive around
    the cities, i tend to get misplaced sometimes. i can get to places on
    my bike easier than with the car!
    
    minnesota is really an excellent place to bike. there are so many
    trails and paths devoted to biking. even a number of roads have bike
    lanes. i try to bike about 100 miles a week (maybe more if i do a big
    ride on the weekends). 
    
    spinning right along....
    
    	Ann
    

    
    Louisa Pierce
    
    Hudson, MA
    
    I just took up Mountian Biking a few months ago and I am loving every
    min' of it.  I have a UniVega 18 speed and my husband has a
    Dimond Back 21 speed.
    
    Our 1st week w/our bikes we biked the whole Franconia Notch Parkway
    in NH.  A big 19mi round trip for us, we also did the Kangamangus
    Hwy to.  We are keeping up w/our biking (5mi a day) and for as
    long as we can go on weekends.
    
    I'll be looking for you to  help me find great places to ride
    here in Ma.  
    
    Thank,
    
    louisa

    Hi,
    
    	I've been reading the notesfile for a while, because I am going to
    buy a mountain bike.  I don't bike much and don't expect  to become
    any sort of fanatic, but I expect to do a moderate amount of biking for
    a long time to come.  
    
    	If anyone wants to pass sage advice on buying, feel free to write
    to me.  I am leaning towards a last year's model (price) with a steel
    (don't know the proper term) frame (price and flex) with XT components. 
    I've been to International in Allston, the Pedal Power shop (or
    whatever it's called) in Acton, and the Lincoln Guide service.  I like
    the latter the best, so far.  
    
    	If anyone (GMA) wants company for riding (although I don't have the
    bike yet) or running or hiking, feel free to write also.   
    	
    Rachael

    Might as well sign in too....
    
    Brian from the twin cities of Fitchminster MA.  Been riding on the road 
    ever since I was a whippersnapper though not at a cometitive level.  
    Bought a GT Tequesta this week during the super sale and will christen
    it tomorrow AM.  Looking forward to some responsible trailblazing this
    season.  Favorite hobbies are doing other things thna what I am
    supposed to be doing and busting Chip :-).  
    
    Brian

    -1 join the club! :-)
    
       Chip

        
    
    		Hi y'all.  I'm Chris from Lowell.  Been riding for about
     	a year and a half and at 33 only wish I had started sooner.  It
    	has really turned my life for the better.  
    
    		I ride anywhere it's legal, on the road or the trail. 
    	I own fat-tire bikes but love riding the road at New Hampshires
 	coast line.
    
    	Sometimes I feel over-zealous in my enthusiasm for riding but
 	how can something so good be wrong?  8')
    
    		I own a 92' Haro Extreme with XT and Rock Shox Mag 21
    	bought it used and probably paid too much ($1000 ouch) but it
    	has taken a pounding and not let me down yet.  I also own a
    	Mongoose IBOC Comp SX with STX and MAG 10 shocks.  I actually
    	bought it for my son, hoping he would sink some of his own
    	money into it..but such is a teenager.
    
    		

    
    	I've been reading this file for almost two years now and riding for 
    almost the same. I'm Kenny from Derry and I usually ride the High tension
    line from Derry to where ever it takes me. I recently came across a map
    that will take me to the beach out in Salsbury somewhere. I think the
    high tension lines are great! Lots and lots of technical areas, which I
    like the most. I have a Specailized Rockhopper Comp FS. As long as my
    legs keep pump'in the bike will go up, go through and go down everything.
    Pawtuckaway State park and Cluffs State park are my favorite places.
    Next step is clipless pedals

    

    I guess it's about time I get in here and introduce myself. I'm David Hui
    and I've been reading this notesfile for about 6 years. I have been riding
    since I started a paper route when I was a kid. I stopped after I got
    a car and started again after college. I worked part time at Buchikas 
    Ski and Bike shop for the past 5 years but I will be taking this summer 
    off to do more riding and windsurfing.

    As for bikes:

    Road: Schwinn Tempo with Ultegra components. I will probably look 
          into upgrading the Schwinn Frame to a custom frame this year.
                                                                       
    Mt: Cannondale M700 with a Rock Shock Quadra. 

    I live and ride mostly in the Nashua, Hollis, Pepperrell area. Have done
    some citizen racing, time trials and MAss Get away rides for MS in the 
    past years. 

    See you all on the road and trails,

    Dave 
    

        Guess I should have done this a while ago.
        
        I'm Bruce Mol in VAO Logistics. AKA Vancouver Logistics 
        (but actually we are in Richmond B.C.)
        
        Last year I rode just over 14,000 km most of which is commuting 
        to and from work, 60 km a day.  I ride a 5 year old Cannondale 
        touring bike (called a `sport' I think) for my commute.  As well, 
        I use the Cannondale for bike camping, randoneuring, and any 
        other road related event or past time.
        Off-road I ride a 4 year Mongoose IBOC Team recently upgraded 
        with Mazzarochi XCR.  B.C. is a mountain bike heaven!
        On and Off road, my wife and I share a Burley Rock 'n Roll.  Two 
        years old now, the R&R has served us well.  The 1st year we took 
        a 1 week Off Road camping trip in the interior of our province 
        and in the 2nd year we bought a trailer and did 1 week of Island 
        hopping on our Gulf Islands.
        
        I just don't get enough enough cycling!  I am the Education VP of 
        our Provicial cycling association Cycling BC.  I teach CANBIKE 
        (Effective Cycling) courses on the weekends and will soon be 
        teaching Off Road courses.
        
        If you need info about riding in this province, give me a shout.
        DTN 638-6933.
        
        b
        
        

    Howdy ,
    I'm Dana I have been riding for about a year or so after several years
    of not having a bike at all. I bought a used UNIVEGA mtb last fall and
    basicly never put it away this winter. I live in the Haverhill,
    Groveland, Mass. area.  I really enjoy riding off the road in some of
    the local state parks. I just turned the big four oh last year and
    decided its time to do something other than channel surf in the ol
    recliner.As has been said in some of the other notes ,I WISH I HADN'T
    WAITED SO LONG  to start riding again and now I wish it would warm up
    more so I can stop wearing all that clod weather stuff, I want shorts
    and t-shirt weather. The weather seems to be cooperating a little today
    so it won't be long till really warm now.
    
    
    HOWDY (thats the COLORADO in me talkin) to everyone and lets have a
    great season this year.
    
    Dana Leavenworth DTN 285-3489 NIO Salem, NH

    
    Since other folks are introducing themselves, I may as well too...
    
    My name is Deane Smith. I'm 25 and I live in Acton Mass and work 
    at LKG.
    
    I have 1 Diamond Back mountain bike and 2 Puch pavement bikes.  I've 
    been street biking since I was 5 or so but I just took up mountain 
    biking 2 years ago and I love it.  Biking through the woods at high 
    speeds reminds me of my other love, skiing.  There's a time and a 
    place for street biking as well.  My longest road ride was from 
    Canada ---> Massachusetts via Vermont Rt 100 and Rt 30.  My 
    favorite mountain bike spot is the Lincoln/Walden deal.  If there's
    any other Actonites interested in riding to LKG 2 days a week this
    summer, let me know!!!!
    
    				Cheers! 

Well guess I'll sign in also

Scott Harvell working in MKO2 for now, moving to MK01 shortly.

I do both road and mountain biking started year before last.  Road bike 
is a custom "One-Off Titanium" frame, double butted, tapered, 2.6 Lbs for 
56cm frame.  Its made by Mike Augspurger, one of the Merlin founders, and
has 26 inch wheels with standard road geometry.  The neatest thing about this
bike is the anodised flames across the top and down tube.  The anodising is done
by Leni Fried, Mike Augspurger's wife it really stands out.  The rest of the
bike is Ultegra STI with a Kestral carbon fiber fork with threadless steerer. 
Had to have the fork made up special by Kestral, you don't often see a 650 fork
with a 310mm threadless steerer.  A control tech seatpost, Flite Ti saddle,
Salsa threadless steam, 46cm ITM ProItalia 260 Bars and Look 256 pedals complete
the bike.  Wheels are fun on a 650 bike because you can make them lighter.  I
have Mavic Open4 CD's with Ultegra hubs and 28 spoke 14/15/14, I could never get
away with so few on a 700c wheel.  Hoping to do a few more road races than I did
last year.

Mountain Bike is new this year.  A Litespeed OBED with mostly XT.  Just
like that titanium.  Will also be doing a number of Mountain Bike races
this year.  Already did the opener in RI and placed second in the 35-44 
beginner race.  If I continue to do this well then it will be time to move 
up to sport.

The thing that I am luckiest about is that my wife shares this passion.  We go
to all the races together and compete in our respective classes.  She, however, 
usually wins her class.  Her bikes are a Bridgestone RB1-8 Road and a Fat City
Yo-EDDY with XTR for Mountain.  We ride vitrually every weekend road or mountain.

Well thats all for me!

Scott

    re; 46cm handlebar... How big are you??!!!!!
    
        Chip
    
        P.S. how do you like those bars? i was thinking about them. i 
        currently run Scott's LF's...
    
        bitchin' machine!

Not that big really, only 6 ft tall but kind of wide through the shoulders.
I could get by with 44's but I like the openness of the 46's.

I like the bars alot.  The flats are nice and the grooves make putting tape 
on an easier and cleaner looking job.  They not quite as lite as the LF's 
but I think they are a little nicer on the hands.

One thing is that they have a 25.9 clamp diameter which is a little unusual
but I found a 26.0 stem and Scott RCO aero bars to have no real problems.
I did have to crank the aero bar bolts down fairly tight so that they would
not slip but they've been fine since I put them on.

Scott

    Hi!
    My name is Rick.  I use my Bridgestone RB-2 to commute from
    Northborough to Acton, AKO1 once a week and on recreational riding
    around Wauchsetts Resevoir.  Later in the year I like to ride up Mt. W.
    I just bought a Gary Fisher KaiTai MTB and have been enjoying that as
    well once or twice a week.
    
    I have been enjoying reading the notes file since I joined Digital and
    the PCBU in January.
    
    Rick Rehberg
    node PCBUOA
    DTN  244-7407
    

    Hi.  My name is Dave Munns and I am an endorphin junkie - just cannot live 
  without daily exercise and the sense of well-being that it provides.   As 
  the years go by, good health remains my #1 priority (and the family's too).  
  Running (preferably on trails) is my favorite sport but I have found that 
  adding mountain biking to the repertoire gives me additional endurance plus
  thrills from riding trails makes me feel like a kid again.

    I grew up on bicycles and did not purchase my 1st car until I had graduated
  from college.  I have used bicycles for commuting (pre-sunrise swim practices
  in jr/sr high schools, college classes, to all my jobs) and for exercise 
  (solo and with bike clubs).  I have owned a mountain bike (Marin Bear Valley) 
  for almost a year now.  What a relief to get off the asphalt !  I love 
  coming home after a hard ride and hosing the mud off the gear and myself.
  My wife does not understand, she merely suffers as I fill the washer with
  more filthy clothes.

    I ride year-round in all weather conditions here in Colorado Springs.  A
  2 mile commute via trails to work makes it hard to keep the bike at home.
  I look forward to the days when my kids (4.5 year old son, a son in heaven,
  and a daughter on the way) can join me on the trails.

    Best wishes for great rides and memories !

my name is roger nichols
i have been riding since jr high -wayland, ma- since i needed transportation
back then i had a miyata of some sort
in college i started racing sporadically for the umass club/team and at the
   same time bought a used bianchi nuovo pro
i also discovered mtn bikes then and bought -used- a schwinn high plains
had lots of fun at both, and eventually tired of the slow schwinn
it was replaced with a prototype rhygin in '91, i think the fifth one built
-i went to school with 2 of the original 3 owners-
i graduated in '92, and employment took me to nj, and sporadic riding
dec 93 i moved to mo, and got my uscf license for the first time
in august '94 i crashed in a road race, and trashed my bianchi and collar bone
the tired old frame was finally bent so bad i had to realign it to go straight
i relegated the bianchi to winter training, i bought a bontrager, and love it
this spring i moved to ma, and am still racing, but for my mo team at present
see you on the road from feb-oct, mtn oct-mar -still have the rhygin-

--roger

    Hi,  my name is Ron Pleva and I live in New Jersey near Long Beach
    Island and work at Dow Jones in Princeton.  I am an exercise junkie
    usually putting in 20 hours of biking per week plus a couple hours in
    the gym.  
    
    I've been biking 5 years now and just recently started mtn bike racing
    in the Sport Masters class.  I just added a Gary Fisher Procaliber Ltd
    to my bicycle collection which is comprised of Trek 5200, 1200, 8000 
    and a Canondale Tandem.

    I'm Jim Mills, I have been bicycling since ~1973. I got hooked on
    racing when I saw the Longsjo race in Fitchburg MA in 1976. US Olympic
    team was present. I bought a used Guerciotti in 1976 and raced the
    following two years as a Cat IV and then Cat III/Veteran. Last race was
    Mt Washington - Sept 1978.
    
    I still have the Guerciotti, two paint jobs later and an upgrade to
    contemporary Campy components.  I also have a one year old Peter
    Mooney. The Guerciotti has been up the Col de Faucille and the Gorge du
    Loup - as well as Mt Washington. I'm going to keep it.
    
    Never been on a mountain bike but did 3500 miles on the roads last
    year. I still ride on sewups. 

    
    	Shawn Labounty
    	MRO1-3/MP22 [Marlboro, MA]
    	Live in Uxbridge, MA
    
    	Been riding since the spring of '73 since I first got my Huffy
    	[with banana seat] and subsequently a Columbia 24" 10-speed.
    
    	Bought a Cannondale H400 [hybrid/cross, 20"] bike a couple weeks
    	ago [although a streetracer would have been more in line with what
    	I wanted a bike for, the streets I usually ride on aren't ideal
    	for a street racer, considering the bumps/cracks/etc.]
    
    	Currently riding 10 miles/day during the week and 20 or so on
    	weekends.  Will be increasing that as time goes on.
    

    I'm pleased to announce a new addition to the household, a darling
    19 pound, 4 ounce baby toy: Campy-equipped Trek 5500 (52cm, leftover
    '94).  Delivery was uneventful.  Toy and proud father are doing well,
    though the cardiac-inducing bill has yet to appear.  Some jealousy
    has set in on the older brothers and sisters (two 1200's, one
    Stumpjumper FS), but they'll adjust.
    Kratz

    -1 Congrats! :-)

    Hi,
    
    My name is Andy and I finally aquired a mountaing bike.  It has been
    about 15 years since I've really ridden a bike (except for the recent
    test drives), so I am very much a beginner.  I bought a Trek 850 with
    the expectation of doing some light trail riding on hopefully a decent
    beginner bike.
    
    Andy

Hi,

My name is Karl Frantz, and I started here at Digital about a year ago.  Prior
to that I worked for [competitor] in Poughkeepsie, NY.  I currently live in
Sterling MA and work in PKO.

I rode extensively through college, having discovered 10-speeds in junior high,
but a few years after graduation just petered out.  The usual combination of
workload, other interests, lack of time...  And this year I got hooked all over
again.  Still have my bike, but where did my legs go?

Faithful Steed is a Viscount Aerospace Pro, ca. 1976.  It's the usual rolling
museum of late-70's/early-80's bike gear, although the only original parts left
are the frame, seatpost, and BB cartridge bearings.  Who else has a BB that's
tight and smooth after almost 20 years of no real maintanance?  Of course it
sat for almost a decade.

I recently bought a mountain bike (used) and find that's great fun, especially
on those cold days when it's so much warmer in the woods.  I still love the
road, though.  

I've decided to set a couple of goals for next year: at least one century,
climb Mt. Wachusset (to the summit; I've already made it as far as the
visitor's center from Sterling), and maybe enter some of the time trials being
held in West Boyleston.  I never raced bicycles before, but spent enough years
autocrossing an RX7 to be hooked on competition forever.  Oh yeah, have to lose
a bunch of weight - all that ballast does no good at all!

I even subscribed to Bicycling magazine, and the training log they sent made me
homesick!  All the 'sample' log entries are for rides to towns I used to ride
in...  

Karl
                                                        

    welcome back Karl !

	Wow, slow note! I guess it's time to make an entry:
    
    Fred Schwenken, MCS, Boise, Idaho. I have a 5-year old Mongoose that I
    prowl the streets, mountains and desert trails with my teenage sons. I
    also have an old 10-speed road bike that I bought second-hand for $35, 
    but it goes like the wind. 
    	Mostly, I ride the MTB, so you'll find a lot more chatter from me
    over in that conference. But since bike people are nice, and generally
    helpful, I thought I'd stop by here and say *Howdy!*
    	So far, I've added a Rokshox front end to the Mongoose. I bought the 
    book and do most of my own maintenance, but don't have many more plans 
    to upgrade the bike right now. I recently saw a carbon fiber frame that 
    my wife says I probably don't need (we'll see!), and a lot of other 
    goodies. 
    	There's some decent riding here in Idaho and across the border in
    Oregon and Nevada. I just need some more time off.

I am a returning dec employee.  I was sold but I came back.

I ride a mongoose rockadile in the woods in the fall-spring and
a Trek 5200 on the road in the summer.  

There is up to 6 folks in my neighborhood that ride at 5:30 am.
weekday mornings and 7:00 am weekend mornings.
	lights outside when the weather permitts
		(above 20 degrees not raining)
	rollers/wind trainers inside otherwise

Last year was my first serious riding effort and I logged just over 2000 miles,
I hope to do more this year.  I met  Chip G. last year at the 140 Time Trials.

I enjoy working on the bikes almost as much as riding on them.

Welcome back, Brad! 

Glutton for punishment, eh? :-)

Chip

> I enjoy working on the bikes almost as much as riding on them.


Oh goody, you can clean mine once a week! 

Tim

OK, guess I'll finally put an intro in here...

I'm Barb Asketh.  Been somewhat seriously cycling for the last 4-5 years.  I
have a Nashbar 12 speed, hopefully soon to be 18.  I'm sick of killing myself
up the hills.  I ride at lunch from PKO, but don't have the speed the hard core
folks do so I end up riding alone.  I usually do 10-15 miles at lunch and longer
rides on the weekends.  Have actually been working out all throughout the winter
this year so I'm looking forward to an easier spring.  Course it would help if
my knee would heal (over stressed it on the stair master).

This year I'll be doing my 4th PMC.   What an awesome trek that is.  I started
out riding just to ride with some folks in BXB.  After a year or two of that I
got into doing the PMC.  When the BXB group dwindled my motivation did too, but
the PMC helps to get me out there now.  One of these years I'll continue to ride
actively into the fall like I say I'm gonna do every year.  ;-)

Barb

Fall is my *favorite* time of year to ride.  Racing is over, the pace is low,
you can stop and check out all the scenery you've been wizzing past for the past
8 months.  I think October '96 was my peak mileage month last year with over 750
miles (pretty close to 800).  The foliage is best viewed from a bike, although
you have to watch the cars since they are looking at the foliage to, and not at
you...

Tim