15 years since the last time I sat on a bicycle, I took a 10-mile ride.

[Magrittes Pipe]

Today I bought a 1980 Schwinn World Tourist 5-speed.

It's in really nice shape. The crome thingys that attach the rear fender are a little rusty on the inside, but that's no big deal. It's eminently rideable as-is, but will need some work by next season (as I'll probably be riding a lot in 2007).

The brakes are original. And those little rubber rectangles are hard as hell, and fit to disintegrate at any moment. The derailleur might need aligned, either that or the shifter replaced, as it slips when shifting. The seat is also original, and I should probably switch it out to one which won't make me impotent (though it's one of those seats with the 2 springs in the back, not post-mounted, so I don't know where to find a replacement). Some new grips would be nice. It wobbles a little when I ride it, but the wheels are not bent -- could probably stand an alignment.

Cosmetically, I could stand to polish the chrome, but the paint and decals are in great shape.

So, before today, I had not ridden a bike in 15 years.

I got home from work (bought it from a colleague), ate dinner, adjusted the seat, puffed up the tires, put the chain back on, and I was ready.

Rode down to Lake Michigan, to the Upper East Side, down to the Art Museum, then home. I am ass-out-of-shape, and there were some big hills. I did not, as I am a stupid fool, stretch. Round about 10 miles.

I'm gonna be in some pain tomorrow.

[Sanity Claws]

1. I picked it up this year too

I decided to try biking around April and now I'm hooked. I really dread the cold wet winter when I won't be able to ride anymore.

edited to correct word order

[taterguy]

12. Bike trainers aren't expensive

I picked one up a couple months ago for about $160. I can pedal to my heart's content in the comfort of my Lair. I still road bike about 50 miles a week but the trainer is good for when it's dark or rainy outside. I can also multi-task by watching movies while I ride.

[qnr]

2. I love riding. I need to do it more. I never stretch either, I guess my

body just got tired of complaining after a while.

[mike_c]

3. "slips when shifting...."

Most likely the chain and rear cassette need to be replaced along with adjusting the derailleur and the shifter. The chain and cassette-- and possibly the chainrings on the crank-- should always be replaced together because they wear together. Seriously-- if you want maximum enjoyment from this bike, take it to a good shop right away and fix what they say needs to be fixed.

[Dora]

4. Unasked for treatment advice....

It's very effective at easing the discomfort of overdoing it. Excellent stuff. For serious stiff-n-soreness, use both the gel and the pellets.

[Gormy Cuss]

5. I stretch the lazy way.

Three blocks from my house is a mile long flat stretch that leads to a gentle downslope which connect to another downslope and at the bottom of the second hill is a linear bike path. I coast on the hills and peddle for only a bit. By the time I hit the bike trail I'm doing just fine.

The trail is 26 miles long and I pick it up at about the halfway point. I've never done an end-to-end ride but I was up to a half circuit a few years back. Now I'm lucky if my RT is 5 miles. I love being on a bicycle.

[asthmaticeog]

6. Would a muscle relaxant help?

There are some effective inhalants. Just make sure you don't ask for the wrong thing.

[riderinthestorm]

7. If you are going to get into cycling check out bike4peace

It's a group that's riding from Washington state to Washington DC as a peaceful protest against the war and occupation of Iraq, and to protest current US oil policies, as well as raise awareness of alternative transportation methods rather than gas power.

They are looking for host families and people wishing to join up and ride with them for part or all of their journey ending up at the big rally in DC on September 22. Last year they had over 200 riders at the rally!

http://bike4peace.org

[Blue-Jay]

9. 10 miles today. 3000 miles tomorrow.

Yeah, I can see that happening!

[riderinthestorm]

10. LOL! Actuallly you can just ride for the 10 miles and share some fun

These guys stayed with me last year (I'm outside of Chicago) and I can attest that they just want to spread the good word about bicycling.

It's funny that one of the guys who rode last year hadn't ridden a bike ever! He was taught how to ride in the week before they left Washington and then managed to make it the whole way. He was the funniest of the bunch (Jeff, who didn't ride again this year for some reason....;( )

Anyway, I'm noone to talk - I haven't seriously ridden a bike in DECADES! I am in awe of those who are committed to riding for real alternative energy purposes.

[jpgray]

8. If you ever get in an exciting almost-televised bike cop chase

Just tell the officer you're with critical mass when he/she catches you and all will be good.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

11. Gel seat covers are a gift from the gods...

Your tushy will thank you if you get one...