Hello everyone! My name is Chris and I hail from New Jersey.
I'm new to this forum (but not forums in general). And since I can see myself hanging around here for advice and mental well being, I thought I should make an introduction.
The story is this: I quit my job in the financial markets in December '03 and headed off to Colorado to be a snowboard and mountain bike bum. While there, I met an English mountain bike journalist who was at a race with a mutual friend. It took me a while to be sure, but it was love at first sight.
Cycling is more than just a hobby for me, it's a lifestyle. And well, he is the publisher of Singletrack Magazine in the UK. I knew I'd never have to explain to him why I love to ride, and why I'm not all that girly because of it. So, after meeting him I immediately went to Yorkshire since I was sans job and had the time.
I can say with a great degree of authority that spending the better part of 2004 in the UK has made it one of the best years of my life. Alas, I didn't plan ahead well enough, and have now reached the end of my passport entries.
I know that living in the UK is what I want to do. Should the relationship not work out (God forbid), I'd still want to live there. Every single person I've met has been welcoming, and in a short time has become a valued friend.
So that's pretty much it. I'm sure I'll ask many questions about how someone who has a deep love for the country, and numerous frustrations with her own can best go about making the transition.
In return, I'd gladly answer any questions people have about bikes or snowboards!
Cheers,
Chris
