I stare at them sitting in my basement as I work on the house. They call out to me, begging to be ridden. Tires so low on air you’d think they have been sitting all winter, dust on the top tubes. Oh the sadness.
I rode my mountain bike a total of 3 times this summer. My road bike probably 10 times. That is just plain god awful. I can make excuses all day about how I was working on the house, working, drinking too much beer, but I really regret not riding more. I’ve had a bum knee for about a year and a half now(Thank you 24 solo races) and it still bothers me enough to keep me from racing, but I can at least ride here and there. Damn, I miss riding a bicycle. When I’m on a bike I truly feel free from everything. I don’t think about anything going on in my life besides riding.
I’m most happy when I’m on my mountain bike. Oh the sexiness that is my 2006 Specialized S-works carbon hardtail. Tricked out and made for speed. Thats right I’m still on a hardtail. My dad always looks at me funny after I finish a race. I usually throw the bike to the ground because I can barely stand up do to ridiculous back pain. Thats OK, a small price to pay for simplicity I think. The excitement and even a little fear that I might get hurt today. Its all good though once I hit the trail. Barreling into that corner pushing the limits of my tires. Riding down some gnarly descent that once I hit the bottom I think “damn” that was cool. Getting away from the stress that is everyday life. Not having to deal with idiotic drivers, loud annoying people on their stupid walkie talkie phones, bills. No, the only issues I have are dealing with a deer passing by, hearing birds chirp away, or figuring out if I should take this line or that.
I’ve developed more love for the road bike over the past few years. More so after I installed Campagnolo parts. My lord those levers are damn comfy. I tell myself that at the beginning of every road ride. COMFORTABLE. I’ve got big plans for my road bike next summer. After moving stores and getting the most excellent opportunity to build and ride a Seven road bikes with regularity, I WANT ONE. Oh in the worst way. I think for what I do on my road bike its the perfect fit and can’t wait to go ape shit with my check book and build up a really cool bike. I really can’t wait for the 2010 riding season. And god willing, doing some racing.



