Saturday and Sunday where idea weather for mountain biking. I have been feeling pretty beat and have been avoiding working out at all costs. I think I have been on my bike 1/week for the last 4 weeks and thats it. It definately was a well needed break and I got to spend time with my family. I feel like I haven't seen them in forever!
I did not ride last year when it was cold. I was the typical occasional rider who is scared away by the first cold breeze. The bike went upside down from the rafters collecting dust for 7 months while I spent time at the gym and avoided being outside as much as possible.
I finally got up the courage to pull together the needed winter weather gear and hop on my bike for a go of the chilly weather. Saturday was in the low 30's. I met a friend at Salem Hills @ around 9 a.m. in Inver Grove Heights. We had a nice moderatly paced ride. Two loops around, we were both sweatin' buckets. Not bad for a first attempt. I would much rather overdress and shed when needed than go out there are freeze our butts off.
Saturday was so enjoyable that we decided to give it another go on Sunday Morning at the River Bottoms. We were joined by Andy, Kev, and Jamison. The ride was a welcomed change. I havent rode with Andy since the start of the season. He is at such a higher level than me at this point and it just doesnt make sense for us to ride together while we are training.
It was great to have more experienced riders note that progress has been made over the year. I was complimented on the lines I was choosing which was great to hear!!! So much can be learned by riding with others, especially those that excel ones own abilities. If someone is so gracious as to invite you along for a ride. I highly recommend that you go for it. Their asking because they want to ride with YOU! It doesn't matter what level you are at and there is a ton of fun to be had, and great things to be learned.
So next thing to determine. What lights do I buy for night riding and do I buy a new bike or fix up my great, reliable Cannondale. The problem with the cannondale is the shock I want is $428 and the cost to upgrade to the disc brakes I want is $330. Than I also need new rims that can support disc brakes which are quite spending so I could have already bought a new bike with the money out the door.
So I guess the question moves to: full suspension or hardtail?
