We’ve been biking a lot lately. We’ve always liked to bike, but a few years ago we got rid of our bikes since we were in the middle of house building (for those of you who don't know, we built a 3000 sq ft house with our own four hands) then I had cancer so we kinda quit biking. Two falls ago we decided to buy new bikes and while Dennis still got a mountain bike he suggested a cruiser (comfort bike) for me. We rode twice that fall before the snow fell. Then we got them out once last year.
This bike got 80 miles on it last week alone. And I really love this bike! It is a dream to ride!
It’s a Giant Suede metro series. Very comfy! But the thing doesn’t really fit on a rack well at all!
Check out that nice padded seat! Yeah, a dream to pedal! It’s a 7 speed and I keep it 6th gear generally - take ‘er up to 17 mph on a flat surface - like 25 down a hill.
Not many miles on it overall. And I think it will be getting baskets so I can ride to the store and such.
But, we discovered some mountain bike trails near our home and, well, a comfort bike just can’t do them. Heck the handlebars wouldn’t even fit through some areas. So, it was necessary to get me a mountain bike.
I wanted to make sure it fit on the rack for travel so I told the saleslady I wanted a guys bike - but who knew Trek makes a women’s bike with a frame like the men’s!
The seat is cute, not quite as comfy as the Suede’s but still good. I do wear biking shorts anyway.
Check out the tires on this baby!
I barely had the bike 5 hours when the guys decided it was time to hit the trails. I had only rode it around the parking lot where we bought it. This is me after the trails, hot and sweaty, dirty and just a wee bit bloody.
I was terrified! I haven’t been on mountain bike trails in about 6 years! So I was still in my 30s. Is it legal for a 42 year old to go mountain biking?! Around one of the tight, downhill curves with stump on one edge and rock on the other I almost fell and my knee hit the pedal. Ouch! But I didn’t cry - nuh-huh, Dennis test drove me before he proposed, making sure I was up for things like this. Heck our first vacation together was spent traveling 14 states in 10 days hiking, biking and camping (in snow even!). It was awesome!!
I did finally take a fall. Coming around another steep-loose-soil downhill curve I was confronted with a tree trunk across the path. I braked and swerved and got in leaves and fell - crash. The crankset (thing with the chain and pedal) bit me on my way down. . .
And a tree got my arm. But all bruised up I still felt good and am ready to go again!
From day one, I have done anything Dennis has suggested, (within two weeks of knowing him he took me skiing, I was on my butt more than the skis but whatev‘) why stop now! So, Hon, when are we going bungee jumping?
I have never been interested in mountain biking. I don't like falling and I don't like the uncertainty of the trails. I think it is from when I was in University and I went biking on a road bike with a friend, and I think the bike was too big for me too, if I recall and we went down a pretty big hill and my front tire hit a hole and stayed in said hole while everything behind the front wheel went over the handlebars landing further down the hill. First time I ever had to roll out of bed due to sheer pain and inability to move. I do like the open road though.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou know what, both those bike seats look big compared to the one I have on my road bike!! Awesome for you getting out there on the trails. I ride quite a bit, but haven't done much off-road stuff - looks so fun, too!
So...bungee jumping pictures next week, right?!?!?!
your one brave woman--congratulations on surviving the trail :)
ReplyDeleteI just hate to see you all broken up like that.
ReplyDeleteOuch! Glad it wasn't worse. I just got a bike last Sept. and love it! I only ride on the rail trails, though...nice and flat!
ReplyDeleteYou are one tough lady! And you are inspiring me to get out and be more active, I have gained 10 pounds since the beginning of this year and hate it! You are looking downright skinny in this photo, have you lost more weight?
ReplyDeleteI never did like my road bike. My boyfriend has it now and wore the nubbies off the tires. After going butt over head on my mountain bike & then getting the frame unbent, I don't ride it anymore. My brother is enjoying it doing pre-runs of at the off-road track today.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your boo-boo. Nice bikes...I've thought about getting one, but they ain't cheap anymore!
ReplyDeleteYeee-ouch! Does look like fun though (apart from the injuries though!). My husband loves to bike and wants me to get one too as soon as our kids are a little older so we'll actually have time to go biking! Will that ever happen, though?!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a whole lot of fun to me...blood & all! You're so lucky you have someone to do outdoors stuff with.
ReplyDeleteYou look AWESOME!!! Even with a few cuts and bruises.
ReplyDeleteMy bike has been hanging on the wall for almost 10 years now...I feel ashamed.
You are tough!
ReplyDeleteBoth of your bikes look like a great time. I enjoy a good ride... but little kids are so hard to ride with!
Lisa I love your green bicycle it's a great color and I envy you that seat. I hate the seat I have on my bicycle now. I plan to change that though. I'm sorry you wrecked on your new bike but you did have to break it in. You're so adventurous, my kinda gal. What kind of skiing was it water or snow? I've been water skiing once and I fell face first into the water the first time they tried to pull me up. Then I went for a mile jumping waves when I got comfortable. I loved it. I wouldn't mind trying snow skiing but I can't get everyone on board at the same time. Maybe someday...
ReplyDeletethis is the bike i think i want. the suede. gentle but serviceable. you look great by the way!!
ReplyDeleteI love the look of that Trek bike! My first long ride was just last week, and it did feel good! Have been a little leary since last August I ended up running into my girlfriend's bike and hitting the street with my forehead. I ended up overnight in the hospital, getting 3 stitches, and MRI and a CATscan. They kept me because I had a concussion. Now my family wants me to wear a helmet.....
ReplyDeleteWhy you little wild and crazy woman! I'm sure all the fun was worth a few little cuts and bruises, but I can almost feel the pain looking at these shots! Bungee jumping - I'm there! :-)
ReplyDelete[...] We’ve been biking a lot lately. We’ve always liked to bike, but a few years ago we got rid of our bikes since we were in the middle of house building (for those of you who don’t know, we built a 3000 sq ft house with our own four hands) then I had cancer so we kinda quit biking. Two falls ago we decided to buy new bikes and while Dennis still got a mountain bike he suggested a cruiser (comfort bike) for me. We rode twice that fall before the snow fell. ThenRead more at http://lisaschaos.com/test-drive-before-you-propose-or-the-saga-of-two-bikes/ [...]
ReplyDeleteOUCH! I'm glad it wasn't more serious.
ReplyDelete