Last week I decided that I wanted to get a road bike, I figured I could start commuting to school and get some cardio out of that way since I absolutely loathe running. After countless hours on ebay/craigslist trying to find the right bike in the right price range I was ready to take the dive. I picked up this 1985 vintage Univega Gran Rally with Shimano 600 components for 250.00 not bad. Throughout my research I found that with a road bike you needed a good, reliable, honest local bike shop. Fortunate enough I have one here in Valencia, Newhall Bicycle Co, the owner Roger is knowledgable and truly has a heart for the sport of cycling. He won't try to sell you on products, he's honest and straight to the point eager to help you with your cycling needs. There's one thing he mentioned when I went to pickup my newly acquired vintage Univega(it needed some fine tuning, he did this all in one day), just as I was walking out the door he says "that's a gateway bike man!"
Since then, I've ridden 3 times and almost logged in 30 miles. Gateway bike? Indeed, I find myself getting lost in classic/vintage messageboards gaining knowledge and ideas of what to do with my bike. Not only does riding help me physically there is also some sort of euphoria effect,the same effect I use to feel when I would get on my motorcycle and just ride. Riding gives me time to think and collect my thoughts, it's always nice to get some time to yourself. I don't need a weekend for myself, I just need to ride. I made a goal, this year I will work my way up to a century ride, a century ride in the cycling world is 100 miles of just riding. I will certainly need to develop an ass for this ride, or get some cushions.
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