What happens in Vegas...well, I'd like to find out.

I am hoping that I may finally get to see what it's all about. I've been to Las Vegas a handful of times, but never more than traveling through on my way to somewhere else. But this year, a friend of mine has hooked me up with a ticket to Interbike! If you don't know about Interbike, it's where everyone who is anyone goes in September to show off their stuff for the upcoming year. It includes 2 days of demoing the new rides as well.
At first I was planning to make a week of it, and end the week with a few days in southern Utah riding Gooseberry Mesa for the first time. Unfortunately, I found out that my girls have a church program that day, so I will have to cut my trip short if I end up getting to go. The next hurdle is finding affordable airfare. Hopeing something will work out. It's time for me to see what the BIG show is all about.
I am headed to Kansas City tomorrow to spend some time with family. There is a 12 hour race at one of my favorite biking spots up there this weekend, but sadly, I have neither the time nor the money to participate. Next year.....

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.

It's HOT!!

Riding back and forth to work in mid 70s and mid 90s is not fun when humidity comes with it. Gotta love riding the bike though.
Lately, I've been out riding with some guys that are in the market for bikes. When possible, I jump on the 29er and let them have a ride on the Enduro. They definitely love the ride. I confess at this point, though I love the 29er, I really enjoy the comfort of the Enduro on the trail. It makes for a great ride.
Next big bike adventure could be a rendezvous at Interbike in Las Vegas and then a weekend ride at Gooseberry Mesa in southern Utah in Sept. We'll see if the funds are there and the plane ticket is affordable.

The 29er is in business!

Last night, I completed the build on the 29er frame that I bought. I was planning on enlisting some help with the build last weekend because of my lack of confidence in my abilities. When no one was available, I started piecing it together a little at a time each day. Last night, with the help of my neighbor Donald Francis, the gears were adjusted, and she is done! I can't believe I was able to do almost the whole thing myself. I spent 2 hours in the bike shop cutting and installing cables yesterday. Obviously, I'm not real fast, but it works.

Rode to work this morning, despite the 100% chance of rain, and it looks like I'll have a clear shot home now that the storms have passed for the moment. It feels strange to be back on a hardtail. Will I get used to it again?

2 weeks out commission...NOT RIGHT

Not sure that I mentioned that I came home from Moab with a broken bike. My rear hub locked up on my way down my last run in Fruita, Kessel Run. Mike B. helped me remove my chain so I could at least coast down the trail. Thank goodness! That was the right trail for that to happen on too. I only had to push a couple of times...and it was skateboard style pushing.
To top it off, my mechanic was out with an injury, so my bike sat in the shop for almost 2 weeks before it got any attention. Once it finally did get worked on, it wasn't my trusted mechanic that rebuilt my rear wheel, which is probably why the wheel was rubbing against the front derailleur when I left. The guys in the shop were convinced that my bike frame was bent. I couldn't see it, but decided the only thing to do was call Tan at Specialized. He referred me to a service rep, Cody, who told me to take it to a dealer for inspection. I decided to take this as my opportunity to visit Eureka Springs for the first time. I've ridden a great trail over there, but never actually been in the town. I met the Specialized dealer from over there at our local trail here and since then have wanted to get over there. The shop owner is Denton West. He took a quick look at the bike and told me he was pretty sure that it was just a wheel issue, and to give him an hour to fix it. Sure enough, the wheel was not dished properly. Denton and I talked for about half an hour about business, bikes, trails, and future group rides. I look forward to seeing him more and riding with him this year.
In other news, I now have a Stumpjumper Marathon 29er frame that I bought on ebay for $500. It came with a Reba fork. Now all I need it PARTS! Can't wait to get it built up so I can ride it to work and back, but my budget is spent, so it could be weeks or months before I can ride it. Today, I am just grateful to have SOMETHING to ride! I love my Enduro. However, I've wanted a 29er since I rode one in Moab 2 years ago. I finally just did it....and by the way, that picture of me on my blog on that green Specialized...that's me on the 29er in Moab 2 years ago.