Rollin' Thunder.

I got a bike for my birthday!!! Yes, I know I sound like a fifth grade boy here, but this is kinda of historic. I had a bike when I was in elementary school, but I wasn't really an avid bike rider (I much preferred swimming and tanning until I was an indian). But now, I'm so into the whole Lance Armstrong craze, so my parents finally relented.

I think this bike is the lovechild of a vintage and a mountain. Totally cool blue-greenish color (cannot tell from the lighting, of course), and random wires popping all over the place. I love it.

Even better...

 

It's a diamondback. I mean, the name even sounds gangsta.

I've been biking for three days now, so I should know little tips for fellow bikers/biker-wannabes...so here goes:

1. Squirrels are not friends...but neither are they food.
2. Don't try and compete with the Lance Armstrongs of your neighborhood, they'll only make you look like Fat Albert.
3. When you fall, fall gracefully (or least brush it off with a little laugh and pretend like not everyone walking by is watching you, even though they are.)
4. Beware the low-hanging branches, the leaves will totally slap you in the face before you've had a chance to duck (it's even worse on a rainy day).
5. Stop at a playground...or two.
6. When you wave enthusiastically at your neighbors, be sure they ARE actually your neighbors, speed may be hazardous to your vision.
7. Make sure you tell fellow walkers which direction you're coming in, and make sure to say it LOUD.
8. Beware the lone walker.
9. Know which direction you're going toward/Don't try and discover new routes on your first day.
10. Mud is your friend, stone is your enemy.
11. Don't try to pop a wheelie without supervision.
12. Elbow pads are mostly for kids 10 years and younger.

 That's all I have so far, folks. My goal: Bike every single day for the rest of my life. Let's see me accomplish it.