First ride on new bike!

[ridebikeme]

As some of you may remember, I bought a new mtn bike 2-3 months ago. Well, with the shop being busy this fall, I was never able to finish the bike. (Cannonadle Jekyll) I finally put the finishing touches on it and got out on it today.
I had a GREAT time and can't wait to get out on it more. The woods are pretty wet here now, and will be wetter the next few days.. but it was fun and I can't wait. I still need to dial the suspension in a bit, but all in all, a great bike and one that will see many more excursions.

The only bad part of this story is that I'm not able to post pictures, but will when my computer allows it.

[Catrin]

Congratulations, and looking forward to the pictures!

[thekarens]

Awesome and congrats on the new ride!

[ridebikeme]

Thanks to both of you!!

Catrin, have you found any sort of gravel/dirt roads in your area?

[Catrin]

Thanks to both of you!!

Catrin, have you found any sort of gravel/dirt roads in your area?

Not in my immediate area, but I've been given some good ideas a couple of counties west of me, and of course there are good ones around the Hoosier National Forest. My bike will need some work to get me into a more appropriate riding position however - but that was expected. It feels great on the trails, awful on the road. It will be far less expensive than a new bike So I will be scouting my options as I save for the work, and I am also scouting for a riding buddy as these are pretty remote areas.

[ridebikeme]

Sounds as though you are headed in the right direction. Would posting some info about this with your LBS or a club help to find some people to ride with? There may be others who are interested as you are and are looking as well...

[Aromig]

Have you done it before? My son and I are contemplating doing the lesser-mileage fun ride on our hybrid bikes.

[ridebikeme]

Thanks for the link Catrin... looks very interesting... may have to give it some thought.

[Catrin]

Have you done it before? My son and I are contemplating doing the lesser-mileage fun ride on our hybrid bikes.

I've not done either, though I have worked both events several times as a volunteer. It is a LOT of fun, and there are families and others who sign up for the 30 mile shorter/non race ride. Last year was the first time that the organizers had a meal catered after the event. There are also showers available. I've not ridden any gravel at all yet or I would consider the short route as well, but I will be there as a volunteer. Look me up if you come - there are usually only a couple volunteers. I will have my mountain bike with me and am planning to do a little gravel grinding myself if time permits.

Thanks for the link Catrin... looks very interesting... may have to give it some thought.

Do come! There are never many women competing, however there are more each year. Last year there were some seriously cool prizes for the winners of the different categories, as well as door prizes - and there were only a couple of women competing with each other in the Open Women category. It is a good way to ride off the Thanksgiving turkey

If I can get enough gravel practice this winter I would like to enter the Death March...but I will need a riding partner to do that.

[ridebikeme]

The reality of me getting away for Thanksgiving is more than likely just a dream... although I would definitely consider the Death March. I'll wait and see what happens with the other race that I'm trying to get into first ( it's a lottery) and if I don't get in, then I just may make trip back to the Hoosier state. I'll keep you posted...

[Catrin]

The reality of me getting away for Thanksgiving is more than likely just a dream... although I would definitely consider the Death March. I'll wait and see what happens with the other race that I'm trying to get into first ( it's a lottery) and if I don't get in, then I just may make trip back to the Hoosier state. I'll keep you posted...

Crossing my finger that I will get to see you for one of them I need a partner for the Death March, but it needs to be someone who is more interested in the experience of going to a couple of the cemeteries rather than truly competing and riding the entire 70ish miles. I KNOW my legs won't be up for that in early March...