The Shrine

I believe I mentioned that I picked up this classic piece of art back in April, but I can't see where I posted it. I must have been waiting until I got her displayed before I introduced her.
You are looking at a 1982 Specialized Stumpjumper, one of the first mountain bikes ever! A guy in Kansas City listed it on Craigslist, and I happened to be on there that morning. I called, and the line was busy, so I kept calling. I was sure he was on the phone selling it to someone else, but lucky for me, I was the first to get to him. (he told me that at least 2 other people wanted it if I didn't buy it. I decided I'd better not try to negotiate the price.
ALMOST EVERYTHING IS ORIGINAL ON THIS BIKE!! She belonged to one lady who bought it from a shop in Colorado, and she gave it to the guy I bought it from. I've been slowly cleaning it up, taking off the excess stickers, and finding some of the few missing parts. (I just need the seat, seatpost, original stumpjumper tires, and cassette) With the loving support of my wife, this beautiful masterpiece now hangs in my family room for all to see. My 20 month old boy Jack loves to touch it every time we walk by it....so do I. We love the Stumpjumper. Many think I am crazy for displaying such a thing in my home. Thank goodness my wife understands me.

Moab's big "plunge"

This is from the Spring 2010 Moab trip this year. I was afraid to do this drop last year, but I kind of had it in my head that when I came back, I was going to drop it. I was nervous, but I did it none the less, and here is the video to prove it. I even had my friend Rob Kelsey follow me down willingly.

lake leatherwood downhill experience

Took my first ride on the downhill course at Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs. I've ridden some of the other trails before, but what I rode yesterday was a new downhill course designed and upgraded by the Progressive Trail Designs team. Not sure how long it it, but it had plenty of features I was unwilling to try. We found out that there is a road that you can take to the top, so next time, we'll have to plan our strategy with a group.