Mountain biking Returns

Another year has come and it is almost January. Christmas is only 11 days away. The year has been filled with hard work, evolving relationships, minor physical challenges, along with the change of the seasons. I have always felt if I am going to sacrifice and save to buy something material, like a bike or gadget, I should try to get something that I will be pleased with in the end and not just settle for average. Things don't always have to be the most expensive or the very best, but they do need to be of high quality and something I believe will be worth my efforts in the long run. Sometimes things of enduring quality and craftsmanship cost a lot more because of material, engineering constraints, and manufacturing requirements. But the end result comes down to answering the question, "Does the product do what it was meant to do, and does it do it well." I am wanting a full suspension bike, but it needs to be light, have a good bottom bracket clearance, strong, and ride with precision. I think that the Santa Cruz Carbon blur XC fits the bill. I am wanting to use shimano XT components with Avid brakes, DT Swiss 26 inch mountain bike wheels and affordable functional Rock Shox front shocks. Carbon all around on seat post and handlebars.

This project will take a long time because it is very expensive. Hard work, sacrifice, persistence toward my goal, and I believe I will back in the mountains, becoming at one with the great single track here in the Ozarks.

Completed Goal

With a lot of hard work, patience, persistence, tax return money, work bonus, and every spare dime I could scrape up, I was able to finally piece together my new 2010 Scott CR1 Pro bicycle. Trying to match my last bike fit as closely as possible, I went with a Thompson 80mm stem +10 degrees, FSA carbon fiber handlebars, seat post, and Sram Force groupo with a 1090 SRam 11-28 cassette, and compact drive. I also used an old Terry Titanium Fly Saddle, my Easton ea 90slx wheels and Vittoria Open Pave clinchers. Tom from GVHbikes allowed me to set up an account to pay the groupo off and pay for the shipping and build. I purchased the frameset from Competitive cyclist. I also purchase new speedplay x2 pedals and got some cheap specialized water bottle cages. I spent about 3 weeks dialing in the bike and now I feel extremely comfortable on her even in the drops. The Sram Force took some getting use to as it is very different from my Shimano 105s, but it is very articulate, which I am assured is good if you are into going fast. I still like the smoothness of the shimano and I still ride Nemo. They both have completely different feels. I enjoy both bikes.

Back to basics

With all the focus on going fast, my main goal, which has actually always been my goal, is to pedal my bike with no stress and pain. The intensity and training makes it easy to forget that my original goal is just to enjoy the ride. This is why I often ride alone. I am able to get into my own natural rhythm, to listen to my body, to meditate, to stop and take in the sights, to change my course depending on my mood. Each moment is a grand escape, a small adventure that somehow charges my soul.

Time to take care.

I have started a new bike project. I am having a CR1 Pro built with a SRAM Force Groupo, FSA K light seatpost, and FSA carbon handle bars. I have committed myself to riding in the Joe Martin Stage Race.

My main goal until then is to stay positive, eat and hydrate better, get more rest, and ride lots.

I'm very excited about having a new personal goal. I will be training on Nemo, my faithful steed as it will take around 6 weeks to pay for the groupo. The frameset ships today. The new bike is called Swedie.