8 Miles a ridin

Had to start the week off right. 7.93 miles I call it 8.

I had to stop and take this photo though. I am amazed at how good it came out considering it was with my droid x and no filters.

So the good trails start 4 miles away. I didnt have enough time or energy to get into that area. I could get some open range space like I did my first ride but I really want to get into some better options with some loops. Then I can start tracking my progress on my bike and getting back into some riding shape. I am beat tonight, but I feel good. Just trying to get out there the hills get the legs burning and heart pumping and its not so bad with some nice riding like the picture.

My wife was using the Honda Pilot so I didnt have a vehicle to get out to the trails for a ride so I just had to go and do what I could. As you can see the sun was starting to go down, at this point I was already headed back home.

I am looking for a good option to put a bike rack on the back of my Pilot. I would like a rig that attaches to a hitch, so I need to buy a Tow rig and the Bike rack. Any good options that you know of please leave a comment.

Lungs burning, legs of rubber

So I was able to get in a good 7 mile ride in. Wow, now I remember why I bought the bike. To get some exercise which I actually like. Hockey is too expensive each year with two kids, but a $600 bike for hopefully 5 years is a good buy(5 being a lowball estimate)

The ride was good, I was able to map out where I wanted to get to and I took off on the Guardian. The bike does ride nice and I was able to just have fun getting to the trails. The couple big hills reminded me of why I need to ride, I have to get miles on the tires every week. Those hills made the heart pound, the muscles burn, and the lungs ache.

The bike did perform good. I love the Hydraulic disc brakes, they worked as expected and having a front shock was actually enjoyable. I rode down an extremely bumpy single-track that was quite the descent and had no problems controlling the bike or the speed. I felt very connected and in control.

I found a little friend as I was riding along. Nice little snake minding his own business. I was hoping he would curl up so I could get a better shot but he just kept moving along.






 I took a few photos, from the open space in the midst of the crazy California suburbs. I cant wait to explore more of the area and some more great trails.

Thank you Airborne, so far I am happy about my experience.

I need another ride this weekend, my goal is set at 10-20 miles of riding each week. Gotta keep riding.

Thanks for coming along.

Rode, but not a first REAL ride

I have yet to get in a great off-road trail ride.

I have gone on a couple family excursions riding 11 miles on two separate jaunts. The bike rides great. I really like the geometry, the 29 inch tires and how great the bike rolls. The price point really sells this bike as the quality of this bike is phenomenal for the cost. This bike now lets me work my legs and lungs and once something breaks, then I might be able to start working towards Goblin or higher level of components.

I am still getting used to having a front shock and the shifters are slightly different from the trigger rapid fires I rode with my Trek back in the day. I really like my pedals as well, the ability to go with normal shoes or be able to clip in is fabulous.

 But I am excited to get my first great ride in. This will be very soon. Rain today but tomorrow I am riding....

Getting it all together

I admit I had a few frustrations. The first was that chain dropped off the first cog on the front sprocket. This scratched the paint and was a minor irritation. But that meant the front derailleur was a little off because the low limit let the chain drop onto the bottom bracket shell.

I took all the bubble wrap, and cardboard off the frame, cut the twine holding everything tight and getting the bike rolling was a simple matter.

1)Putting the wheel on the front
2)Getting the handle bar onto the stem
3) and putting the seat tube in.
4) The last piece was the pedals. I only needed three tools for the whole process. A number 5 allen key, a screwdriver, and a wrench for the pedals.

 Getting the front derailleur tuned was a little hassle but nothing that I couldn't figure out with a little help from youtube to make sure I did things in the correct order and spacing.

Now to get some miles on the tires.

The unboxing

 The bike finally came!

 Packed pretty tight everything looked well protected.

 Only one slight problem straight out of the box, both sides of the handlebars have scuff marks on them. I will try to get em cleaned up but still a gorgeous looking bike.

The bike was packed well. Everything was tight and nothing really can move. So little has to be done that Airborne definitely needs to get some props for having everything in a good setup for you to get this bike together.

A knife, and some time can get everything ready to throw this bike together.

And now it begins.....

Bike was finally delivered today.

So I sit at work waiting for the day to be over so I can go home and put the bike together and get on it for a quick ride.

This day is taking too long.....

Soon....

According to the Facebook post my bike has hit the shores of California today. Now they just need to clear customs, and finally get on that Fed Ex truck to my place.

The agony of just waiting now is killing me.

I will provide a un-boxing and then I'll also do a  how to for getting the bike ride able. Ah the anticipation I am waiting and cant wait for my first ride.