What is that?

  When Chris and I first decided to tour Europe, I thought I'd just need a bike, a tent, and maybe something to cook with. I was pretty naive about the biking world. Like many of you out there, if someone mentioned Ortlieb panniers, it would've sounded like gibberish. I had no idea what i was in for. Chris told me that first I would need to be fitted for a bike- which was confusing, because I didn't need to get fitted for a bike when I was younger. Kids just hop on whatever bike they get and ride off happily, but it's a little different for adults. In order to ride long distances without putting too much strain on your body, you have to find the right size frame for your height. I went into Gregg's Cycle in Alderwood and nervously asked if I could get fitted for a bike. The salesman sat me on a few $3,000 bikes that weighed as much as my left shoe, and figured out that I ride a 56-58cm frame. A few weeks later, i went back and bought a 2010 Redline Conquest Sport for around $500. I'll be honest with you- I bought it mainly because I had ridden a Redline 355 as a kid, and riding this bike brought back all of those fun memories. I know it's a stupid reason to buy a bike, but screw it. Life is full of choices, some of them good and some of them bad. This one turned out to be a good one. I went into Gregg's Cycle every two weeks, to talk to Anthony and Dan about bike touring and riding. They taught me everything from clip-in pedals, to $150 bike shorts, to low rider front racks. They listened to dozen of dumb questions I had and guided me in the right direction. If it weren't for them I'd be lost, and I know the next 3 months will be a lot easier because of them. I also went into Bicycle West for a few things and they were also very helpful. I really can't thank the local bike shops enough for what they have done for me and Josh. If anyone is thinking about biking for any reason, I recommend going into your local bike shop, finding out your frame size, talk about what kind of riding you want to get into and get yourself a bike. If anyone has any questions about getting into biking, or touring, or anything really, go ahead and leave a comment below this post or send me a message, and I'll try and answer to the best of my knowledge. Happy riding and hope to see you on the trails!

Greggs Cycle website

Bicycles West

                                                                     "Sexy" - Abraham Lincon