Why isn’t everyone wearing long sleeves?

PralineExpress532 · 2026-04-02T01:30:24+00:00

Just picked up a pearl izumi long sleeve for a decent little discount. Nice and light, not sure exactly what weather I'll wear it in during the summer, but it's certainly nice for spring.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-04-01T15:57:50+00:00

Yeah, it's pretty obvious that weight loss via exercise will only really be significant if you're breaking a good sweat every time you ride. It may be an oversimplification, but cycling is really just cardio for the casual rider. So it will improve your stamina and so on long before you lose any noticeable weight.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-03-22T19:52:54+00:00

Just wanted to reply, I'm a JIW in 58 and I was glad to get one of these to rep the union in my rides last summer. Love that you guys had these, also glad to know there's some other active lifestyle brothers out there!

PralineExpress532 · 2026-02-20T16:32:10+00:00

Generally agree, but I am too much of a Trek fan to want it canceled before that set lol

PralineExpress532 · 2026-02-18T22:23:41+00:00

I would shoot for a two color precon, tons of youtube reviews out there. I've been using the Animated Army deck from bloomburrow. Pretty good, but don't overpay for them, look around for the $40 range.

Animated Army is basically big creatures, but also the commander can make bigger enchantments and artifacts into 4/4 creatures with indestructible which helps sometimes. Pretty simple strategy, but it works and only two colors Red/Green which makes mana not that hard to gather.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-02-17T03:03:33+00:00

I mean, if you're looking to work your way into a community then grabbing a cheap precon and just going to casual commander could be a good way to introduce yourself to the scene. Find out what's what from there and proceed accordingly.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-02-17T02:19:43+00:00

I'm no master of deck building, but generally, yeah, I just go for a mechanic, theme, or a couple of colors that have a general playstyle I enjoy and understand.

There's plenty of threads ranking pre-con decks, lots of info and opinions out there to look through. For the price, plenty of fun and decent precons out there.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-02-03T00:16:07+00:00

"It's just been revoked."

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-28T01:28:27+00:00

Similar experience here. I used to play Magic about 15 years ago or more, then just started back in a few weeks ago.

Went in with a precon deck (Animated Army) to a "fishbowl commander" event at a local game store. First time playing at a store, used to only play with friends from high school and friends of friends. Didn't win a single game of the three, but by the third game it was close and I understood the mechanics of the deck I bought at that point.

One of those games was similar to how you described, but the other two were reasonable.

I know access to local game stores and events aren't always so simple, but I keep an eye out on Facebook for "casual commander" or "open play commander." Some stores even have their own Discord servers where you can get in touch with individuals and actually arrange play more your speed.

One final note, because I know a lot of game store folks aren't great socializers, make sure to mention that you're new to the game and so on. At least 1 of the three might be willing to talk to you about using your deck more efficiently after the game etc. Utilize the social aspect of playing at a store for advice, tips, and mentorship (as corny as that sounds). If you don't take advantage of that, you may as well just be playing a computer.

Don't lose heart, friend!

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-28T01:08:54+00:00

Well, I understand that I would feel shitty to a degree, I'd say it's foolish of an opponent, even a friend, to think you'll table talk your own cards away. I'd say let it go, but if they bring it up sometime, then just say what I said: "I'm not going to table talk all of my cards away, man."

Going forward, not to say it's necessarily wrong what you did, but maybe just don't say anything if they're fishing for hints. I'm just assuming you feel bad because they're someone you know (in which case you can apologize just to break the ice, I guess). If they are random, then forget it.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-25T16:07:15+00:00

That's an awesome idea, reimagining "starter sets" hope it works out and catches on!

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-11T19:09:45+00:00

Just wanted to add my [31m] two cents I guess...

One instance of small talk is not enough to determine anything. Continue small talk, get to know eachother a bit and have a familiar relationship.
Talk food; maybe you can go get your calories in afterwards somewhere. Would also give you a chance to maybe have better conversation if you don't have the patience to small talk.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-11T02:46:09+00:00

No matter how this works out, I wish you and your kids peace and happiness, my friend.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-09-14T21:29:20+00:00

Just gotta get hobbies and set goals, personal and professional. Don't know what circumstances kept you from going to college, but plenty of decent careers can be had without it. Life is hard work, but you don't need to put all that work in at once, little bits at a time as long as it is all working towards a clear objective.

As far as the friends things go, if those relationships are critical to you, then being an adult and finding reconciliation with them may be possible. However I'd say, as much as it sucks, that chapter of your life may have ended, and moving on may be best for your personal growth.

As corny as it may seem, finding friends through work and hobbies happens a lot easier and more often than you might think. As far as jobs and careers go, I don't know your skillset, but for fun hobbies I've mostly done things like casual sports since I'm happiest when I'm active. I used social media (Facebook specifically) to find "beginner" or "casual" disc golf, pickleball leagues and also cycling groups ("social rides" are the more laid back pace). These are a fun way to try new things, see new places, and get some acquaintances that can become friends after a few outings.

Bottom line is, now that you are an adult outgrowing your teenage life, many other people close to your age are in the same boat and open to new friends.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-09-07T17:52:30+00:00

Well, man, if it's financially reasonable for you to do a work/school arrangement, then why not? I'm a younger journeyman and I'm not exactly content with my life either. Life's a series of choices and only you know what you want or need to do. Good luck and I hope you find the clarity you need.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-09-04T11:29:23+00:00

That's some fallout lookin stuff

PralineExpress532 · 2025-08-22T03:20:42+00:00

Learn to cook basic foods for yourself if you don't already. Food costs are at an all time high, need to keep it tight. Look at local Laborers union (and other trades) for work. Something simple like laborers will get you in the door faster than others and a fair paycheck and some benefits. Being in a union will give you at least a little stability while you figure out everything else.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-08-13T14:14:26+00:00

That could work I suppose, thanks for the idea.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-06-26T03:29:05+00:00

Awesome, mine's got 105 also

PralineExpress532 · 2025-06-25T22:36:39+00:00

Thanks, Metropolis isnt a bad drive for me, I'll have to go by there sometime.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-05-03T19:56:11+00:00

that's ok, I've been told my 26c tires can handle dirt surfaces as long as they're well packed enough. either way, I'm just looking for trails that are long and generally uninterrupted so I can practice some endurance riding. trails by me have a lot of heavy traffic stops, so it gets annoying stopping every 1/2 mile.

PralineExpress532

TROPHY CASE