Fourth of July rides, anyone?
I'm sure I can't be the only one here who took a ride today. We've never seen so many cyclists of every ilk, kids, adults young and old, even a recumbent trike, out riding here (KC area) as we did today. DH and I did 28 miles, about half of which was on a very nice, long MUT, but unlike our usual mid-week rides, we really had to stay on our toes today with all the other riders (and walkers/runners) out. It was nice and cool and very shady along most of the trail, so provided a wonderful environment for a more casual "fun" ride.
I had no idea how much I'd enjoy riding a full-suspension mountain bike on pavement. A lot of the pavement is cracked and rutted, so the suspension and fat tires really smooth things out versus riding my road bike. I have the rear shock tuned to be rather stiff, so I'm not bobbing and don't even sense it's there; just that the ride is super comfortable. (I'm loving the Jamis, Catrin, if you're reading this!
)
We finally reached a good turnaround point here. We didn't have much choice in the matter! 
Attachment 16435
Hope everyone in the US has a great fourth!
Emily
2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow