About
I’m Ray Niekamp, also known as “rainycamp,” a 50-plus road bike rider from Austin, Texas. Although I’ve been biking about two years, I learn something new all the time, so I still consider myself a newbie — hence the name of the blog. My experiences might be of interest and use to others who are getting into the fun and challenge of road biking.
If you would like to contact me directly, send an email message to rainycamp at yahoo dot com.
At the start of my first century ride, the Outlaw Trail 100, Round Rock, Texas, Oct. 18, 2008. I’m in the foreground in the red jersey. Ride report.
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Congrats on your new blog. Looks like you’re off to a fine start! I relate to your posts — I’m a 50-something guy who got back into cycling in 2005. It’s so much fun! I ride a Specialized Roubaix these days, after starting on a Trek 3900 for the first 2000 miles.
Good luck!
Comment by Me — March 5, 2008 #
Thanks for looking. It appears you have more miles behind you than I do, but our stories seem similar. Drop in from time to time.
Comment by rainycamp — March 5, 2008 #
I’ve got you added to my reader. Glad to read fellow Austin Bike Bloggers. I too did my first organized ride late last year, I did the Outlaw Trail (40 miles) in Round Rock. This year I’ve already done 3 (Tri-County Hill Hopper – 83 miles (read my blog on how I turned a 62 miler into 83), Pedal thru the Pines (50) and Spokes N’ Spurs (6 miles with my 7 year old). Hope to see you out on the event circuit this summer.
Comment by Mike Weiland — March 19, 2008 #
Thanks for reading, Mike. I had actually registered for the Outlaw Trail, but a family emergency came up, and I was forced to miss it. Pedal Thru the Pines is on my agenda for next year, when I hope to be up for the hills.
Comment by rainycamp — March 19, 2008 #
Hey mate – what a site very interesting will read all of it tonight when finished with work – found it as I was searching for a review on the trek 7.6 fx
What did you think of it? Please pop me a mail if you can – cricketsa@gmail.com
Cheers
Pete
Comment by muscles — May 14, 2008 #
Ray, any time you want to ride, just let me know. My husband and I are avid riders, live out towards Dripping Springs. We are also in the “50-plus” age bracket and are NOT hammerheads. I love the ride, but not the race! We’re what I’d call moderate paced riders. I love the hilly rides out west, although I have to work hard to keep thinking that the hills are my friends, instead of the enemy. Nice web site. I’ve put it into my favorites. Thanks.
Comment by debra crosby — July 21, 2008 #
Ray, glad to see you are coming out on some club rides. Sorry I missed you Sunday I still dominate the back of the pack when I go with them. I guess the last time you were out when I was there was Fitzhugh in March. I usually go out at 7 on Sunday since it has gotten so hot.
I have ridden with Debra a few times and I think we should have a Cerious C (get it CCRCC CC’s)catagory for riders that like to ride for fittness but are not hammmerheads or wannabees.
We should ride, I work out of my HO and can meet up with you on the Veloway or Autobahn. I have a couple of optional neighborhood rides that you might like as well. Contact my email and we will set something up, Dolly not withstanding.
David
Comment by dordavman — July 23, 2008 #
Ray,
Greetings from a native Austinite and TSU alum from the SWT days (MA, English). Like you, I’m a prof and I cycle to work (though not the distance you ride).
Out of curiosity: do you also have an academic blog? At my blog, I have a (so far very short) list of academic bloggers who have a separate blog for their cycling experiences, and though I’ll be linking to Bike Noob elsewhere there, I’d like to include you in that other list as well.
Happy riding, and here’s hoping the new semester goes well for you.
Comment by John B. — August 15, 2008 #
Thanks for the visit and link, Professor B. Bike Noob is the only blog I have, and it’s enough. BTW, I don’t bike to work. It would take 2 1/2 hrs from my house. I do cut down on driving by using another bike to run errands in the area.
Comment by rainycamp — August 15, 2008 #
Way to go Ray – I love biking too and commend you for your efforts. Do you ride a specialized? I have a trek multitrack and an old giant mountain bike (really heavy). Do you know of any easy rides around Austin I could do with my 10 year old? We biked from Tahoe to Squaw Valley this summer and she did great. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Comment by Judy Oskam — November 25, 2008 #
Hello, Judy–my esteemed colleague. You might try the Veloway, down in my neck of the woods. No car traffic to contend with. The Austin Cycling Assn. has weekly rides, some are easy, and one is around Pflugerville. Check austincycling.org.
Comment by rainycamp — November 25, 2008 #
Hello chap, hope you had a nice Christmas and new year! Right now that the pleasantries are over
please can you update my link in your blogroll?
Thanks mate,
Paul.
Comment by skipratt — January 2, 2009 #
Thanks for the info, Paul. Link updated.
Comment by rainycamp — January 2, 2009 #
Rainy guy, there are some serious cyclists up here in The 4th Corner, Bellingham, WA. They alternate with kayaking. Best to your calves in 2009. campbell
Comment by Reliable Robert — January 7, 2009 #
Oh, did I mention the rain here, too?
Cheers to the rainy guy. BC
Comment by Reliable Robert — January 7, 2009 #
I’m a first time visitor to your site today and I have to say that I’m already a big fan. Keep up the great work.
Comment by Wes Robinson — July 9, 2009 #
Thanks, Wes. I’ll do my best.
Comment by rainycamp — July 9, 2009 #
Hi
Great site. I’ve just started my own blog and like my riding, it is way behind yours. I take encouragement that others out there have started on the same quest I now find myself on, and they have all been quite successful.
Looking forward to reading the rest of your blog and hopefully picking up some pointers before I learn the hard way.
chris.
Comment by chrisfit2009 — November 15, 2009 #