New guy here from Orange

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by Flomaster, Jan 19, 2014.

  1. Flomaster

    Flomaster New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2014
    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I sell Fire Hydrants
    Location:
    Orange
    so its been about 15 years since i've been on a bike and i just picked up a used Trek 2011 Cobia 29er. I can't wait to get back into biking and the Fullerton Loops seems like its right up my alley. I live in Orange so its not to far from me.


    -=Jason=-
     

    Attached Files:

  2. xhuskr

    xhuskr Powered by Guinness

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2006
    Messages:
    2,656
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Occupation:
    Teacher (da wee ones)
    Location:
    Seal Beach
    Welcome to the group....there is a scheduled STR ride on 2/1 at Blackstar Canyon...check the calendar for more info..as it approaches. Slainte'...Kevin
     
  3. fongster

    fongster Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,111
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    Designer/Art Director
    Location:
    OC CA
    Welcome! I was off the bike for many years myself. Check out Santiago Oaks and Irvine Regional Parks too.
     
  4. Vinhy

    Vinhy New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2013
    Messages:
    51
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Westminster, CA
    You're gonna have a blast on the trails! Welcome back to riding!
     
  5. red913

    red913 Sparky

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2007
    Messages:
    151
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Electrician
    Location:
    Fullerton
    I too just got back after being off for some time. Albeit only 3 years or so, but you still feel like you're starting over. That being said, maybe check out the beginners ride at Fullerton loop Sunday mornings. It's also nice if you're just looking for a relaxed and social experience while riding.
     
  6. Flomaster

    Flomaster New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2014
    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I sell Fire Hydrants
    Location:
    Orange
    Thanks for the Warm welcome guys. as far as gear goes, Helmet, and padded shorts to wear under my regular shorts to start me off? would it be looked down upon if I were to show up to a ride without a helmet?

    -=Jason=-
     
  7. badgas

    badgas I like dirt

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2011
    Messages:
    656
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    The OC

    Bro don't do it !!!

    Get the helmet and then go ride……Matter of fact I will give you one and I don't even know you.

    Never ride without one.

    I went down a few years ago at the end of ride coasting on flat ground getting a drink of water ( wish I had video ) I cracked my helmet and separated my shoulder…….It can happen ANY time.
     
  8. pachaven

    pachaven Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2008
    Messages:
    111
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    18
    NeverNeverNEVER ride without a helmet!!!! Never
     
  9. Revalimage

    Revalimage Active Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2008
    Messages:
    4,548
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Occupation:
    Entertainment Production
    Location:
    Mission Viejo
    Clothing is always optional, helmets are not.

    :welcome: from Mission Viejo!
     
  10. Brandy

    Brandy New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 13, 2009
    Messages:
    584
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Location:
    Orange
    LMAO :)

    Welcome Jason!
     
  11. Flomaster

    Flomaster New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2014
    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I sell Fire Hydrants
    Location:
    Orange
    now that I'm older and married with two little ones I have a lot more to live for then when I was younger. A helmet is the next thing on the list.
     
  12. skyungjae

    skyungjae Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2013
    Messages:
    478
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Occupation:
    Federal Investigator
    Location:
    Fullerton
    I ride the Loop on a weekly basis. People I've ridden with four people who've had their helmets explode from going over the bars.

    One of them actually had a concussion. It would have been a lot worse if he didn't have a helmet.

    As mild and tame the Loop is, people tend to get hurt there rather often. I think it's sort of like how people think .22 caliber firearms are any less dangerous than larger calibers and don't treat them with the same cautious handling.

    Anyhow, get a helmet. :)
     
  13. ocdingbat

    ocdingbat Member

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2011
    Messages:
    493
    Likes Received:
    10
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Occupation:
    sparky
    Location:
    orange
    i'm one of those ding dongs that have broke my helmet at the "floop" of all places…me was tryin to kiss a tree. then again, I've damn near split my head open getting out of the car:-k…helmet is muy bueno
     
  14. Flomaster

    Flomaster New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2014
    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I sell Fire Hydrants
    Location:
    Orange
    Speaking of helmets what does everyone prefer to wear?

    Tapped via TapaCrap from my HTC One Google Edition running on SinLessROM GE 6.2.0
     
  15. sasquatch9billion

    sasquatch9billion Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2007
    Messages:
    2,125
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Occupation:
    Non-profiteer.
    Location:
    Alhambro
    Home Page:
    IMO the Fully loop is the worst trail not to have a helmet. With most other OC trails you don't have the added element of motorists.
    Full disclosure, I was hit by a minivan there about a year and a half ago and haven't ridden the loop since.

    The new IXS helmet's pretty sweet looking. Too bad I have a perfectly good fox flux.

    http://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/IXS/iXS-Trail-RS-Helmet.axd

    oh, and welcome flomaster.
     
  16. fongster

    fongster Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,111
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    36
    Occupation:
    Designer/Art Director
    Location:
    OC CA
    So many options…depends on one's budget and taste. I have a Bell Array and a Cannondale Teramo--both no visor models. My wife and daughter really like their POC Trabecs (has a visor). I might get one of those myself.
     
  17. skyungjae

    skyungjae Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2013
    Messages:
    478
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Occupation:
    Federal Investigator
    Location:
    Fullerton
    Budget, taste, and feel.

    I LOVE the Troy Lee Designs A1 Trail helmet fitment.
    [​IMG]
    It almost feels like I'm wearing nothing. Of course... it was me just trying it on at BP Cycles. It's far outside of my helmet budget, and I'm not digging the available colors.

    I currently wear a Fox Transition. I've worn it almost every day for over a year, and it's held up well. I've had to replace the padding as well as re-glue the velcro things down in the helmet. My beef with this helmet is it's not light, and its ventilation is similar to opening the window on a Lamborghini Countach and/or Subaru SVX. I typically refer to the helmet as the Fox Heatstroke as it feels like my brain is boiling when riding hard with it.

    My suggestion is to go down to an LBS and find something that fits well. The staff should be able to find something that's comfortable, fits your budget, and will provide adequate protection.

    When you do try on helmets, shake your head trying to simulate rough riding. I know a guy who went OTB on the Northwest section of the Loop after his Fox helmet shook over his eyes while riding down some rail road ties.
     
  18. exrcyst

    exrcyst Member

    Joined:
    Jan 27, 2012
    Messages:
    272
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Welcome! For helmets, I'd go for anything with MIPS (a technology designed to reduce rotational force on oblique impacts). Fit and safety over weight and style. Check out POC or Scott (they have mountain helmets with MIPS in the $115-230 range). Also, get some full fingered gloves and everything you need to repair a flat.
     
  19. herzalot

    herzalot Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2008
    Messages:
    4,754
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    EdgeUCater
    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    +1000000000 on the helmet. Get one NOW. As for which helmet - get one of the major brands and NOT the low-end model of their line. Prepare to spend $100-150. More than that and you are getting into paying for fashion and trendiness. (The current height of fashion is POC and the TL A1 pictured and mentioned above).

    Fit is most important. Some people have round heads, some have oval heads, etc. so no brand is going to be the best fit for everyone. I had a Giro Xen that was great and now wear a Uvex something - that's light, comfortable, well ventilated (with little mesh screens to keep out the bees) and provides better-than-average coverage. I recommend getting one that's MTB specific with an adjustable and/or removable visor. MTB helmets typically have more coverage around the temples and in back than road helmets, and you will look less like a space alien than if wearing a roadie helmet. I don't recommend skate helmets, hockey helmets or any lid designed for another sport.

    Giro, Bell, Specialized, Kali, Uvex, Lazer, iXS, Fox, 661, and of course POC and Troy Lee are your common top brands.

    And Welcome!
     
  20. Flomaster

    Flomaster New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2014
    Messages:
    65
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Occupation:
    I sell Fire Hydrants
    Location:
    Orange
    Thanks guys i'll likely go down LBS Friday after I get paid and try on helmets. I live in Orange near the 91 and 55 junction just south of the Santa Ana River trail. there is a bike shop just south of me near the Orange Circle, but I walked in there once and looked around and didn't even have anyone ask me if I needed help with anything so I just walked out.

    -=Jason=-
     

Share This Page

Help keep STR alive, please click the donation button below