New Mountain Bike. It's Mine!!!

[Muirenn]

Picked up my bike today. Total cost was 400.00 plus 20.00 for some very basic pedals. They 'stick' well.

Rode it around my yard , which has very soft, composted earth; adjusted the saddle and the brake levers. Seems perfect!

It's clear and cool. And there is a new trail just cleared near my house--a rail trail. Smooth compost. A good place for a first ride. Will try to take more pictures.

Still need to get that Day of the Dead saddle bag from TE. But the funky orange one will do for now.

This was a Team Edition bike, hence the Salsa do-hikkies on the brakes.

[Muirenn]

First ride took 45 minutes to go 6 miles! The path is in the process of being converted to a hard-surface MUP. . Too bad. Because the part they haven't gotten to yet is excellent. There were many areas with fresh, SOFT sand poured--I suppose for construction purposes. Had to stop a lot until I realized the bike needed to put it in the easiest gear.

[Bike Writer]

Congrats on the new ride! Sounds like you're in for some fun.

[indysteel]

Congrats on the new bike! You are so gonna love mountain biking!!

[DebSP]

Congratulations on the new bike! It looks like a steal of a deal! Enjoy!

[Muirenn]

Just looked up a bunch of mountain biking in my state. Not much on the coast. Other areas, sure. Would really like a skills class nearby.

[Artista]

Welcome to the dark side Irulan has linked to some good demonstration videos in the Mountain Biking topic. The videos can help you get started until you can get into a skills clinic.

[thekarens]

Awesome! I think it looks great! I find it takes me twice as long to go the same distance on my mtb as compared to the road bike. Today I went 9.85 miles and it took me 2.25 hours. And it's a full body work out.

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo!!! Enjoy!

[murielalex]

Congrats and enjoy! I like how you girlied it up with the saddle bag.

[Muirenn]

Thanks guys!

May just use that saddlebag, and forgo a new one for now.

Can't find the videos Irulan posted, but I'll keep an eye out.

[Muirenn]

Former rr tracks in the process of becoming a paved trail. Wish they'd leave it as is. It's so close to my house.

I liked going through the marsh on the ride. The picture at the end with my bike lying on its side in my yard is exactly how I felt.

[emily_in_nc]

Congrats Sheila! Your new MTB looks great. I really like mountain biking in the winter. Keeps you out of the worst of the biting wind that can make winter road rides pretty miserable. ENJOY!

[Muirenn]

Congrats Sheila! Your new MTB looks great. I really like mountain biking in the winter. Keeps you out of the worst of the biting wind that can make winter road rides pretty miserable. ENJOY!

From what I understand, mountainbiking in the summer is considered too hazardous in this area due to humidity creating super slick tree-roots. Winter is it.

It got up to 68 today. Chilly.

[OakLeaf]

Yayyyy! (If you got the same front we did, you won't have to worry about that 68° any more for a while. )