Welcome to my blog! I just started here at the Center for Veterinary Medicine and was glad to find out that the FDA was sponsoring a cycling event. Cycling is one of my passions, I really enjoy all aspects from riding to watching. I guess you could say I am both a participant and a fan. While my husband and I have raced bikes in the past we now enjoy riding at a good competitive pace, without the hardcore competition. As far as my experiences as a cyclist I began riding eight years ago. I hadn't ridden at all since I was a kid when I met my bike racing husband. I decided to give the sport a try while he was away in Costa-Rica for two months. I bought a mountain bike with clipless spedals and headed for the trails. Without any real guidance I jumped right in over my head and ended up very black and blue. Despite those early bumps and bruises, I picked up riding much more quickly than I thought. After six months on the mountain bike I was introduced to road biking, which is much easier on the body! Now I enjoy both mountain and road biking, but spend most of my time on the road. One of the great things about cycling is that anyone of any age and athletic ability can enjoy it. In the beginning I was much slower than my husband but after learning a few simple techniques I was able to draft (save energy by riding behind him) and keep up on his rides. Over the years I became able to keep pace with just about anyone. Back in sunny California I was riding almost daily. I commuted to work on my bike several times a week and rode 40 -80 miles each weekend. Unfortunately with our recent move I have fallen out of shape, but I am excited to have an incentive to get back on the bike and explore our new home. It doesn't hurt that I feel very guilty for letting such a nice bike sit idle for too long! I look forward to meeting some new people and encourage everyone to get out there and ride - there is a spot for all levels and experience out on the bike!