(((((((Hugs)))))))))

I was always so impressed with your attitude and tenacity when you brought that bike home and decided to rebuild it. That doesn't mean you have to love it... I just want you to know that you are inspirational.

I have gone through a lot in the last 6 months, it's the reason why I haven't been on the board for a while. All I can say is that your character shines through and maybe you don't have the nice new shiney trendy bike... who cares, you did something for yourself and that's worth way more that buying something trendy off the wall because you've got the money to do it.

I came from a family of "have nots", went through 6 years of University with no money, ended up with a professional for a partner for 17 years and then we split. I'm back in the financially scketchy category. I am struggling to save enough money per month to hopefully buy a mtn bike in the next year. I've decided that I want to do an XTerra race and I had so much fun in Moab on a friend's bike I can't not own a mtn bike.

As for mtn bikes: Honestly, with your attitude I would say you're a rigid single speed kinda girl... build one of those and that'll quiet the peanut gallery. Not only that, they are cheap because they are simple and elegant because they are simple and it takes a special kind of person to ride one... you fit the bill. Yes you have to be super strong to climb a lot on a single speed... but it's mostly mental and I think you can do it.

And I agree with you about your horse. I grew up with horses. Nothing beats crying into a mane.