Today I ventured out on the Bianchi Infinito demo for my first road ride in six months. It was a pretty decent turnout w/ seven riders in all. Kirk mapped out a nice course that kept us spinning, but not straining in the "brisk" air. The first lap was just under 22 miles and I must admit I felt good coming off being sick and no riding for a month or so. It is so different going from the mt bike to the road bike for me. I was never much of a "roadie" and only used the road bike as a training tool when I raced back in the day. Now, I have to admit that I like getting out and putting in 20-30miles on the road bike. I am hoping that this will build some base miles for what I suppose will be my re-entry into mt bike racing this spring. Really hoping to do a few local races along with the 24hrs of Seven Springs. While Tom, Sue and I turned left Kirk, Jim, Chris and Cramer went right for what can only be described as a somewhat more spirited run of the first lap. It was nice of them to take it easy on me. It was even better to get back to Kirk's casa and have some fresh out of the oven pumpkin spice chocolate chip cookies & hot coffee that Shannon and Kalina were nice enough to make.
The most important thing today was the camaraderie shared by the group. The pace wasn't slow, but not fast enough that I couldn't chat with people on the ride that I hadn't seen in a while. Looking forward to doing it again real soon. In addition to the Infinito(which was smooth as ever) I also tried out some Neo Protect booties and an ExoNerve helmet from Garneau. The booties did a great job of cutting the cold/wind and the dial on the helmet made the addition of a beanie super easy.
New 2012 bikes are coming in everyday along with winter clothing from Garneau. Also, this is the time of the season to get your bikes in for a tune w/ a quick turn around. Trainers are coming for those of you who don't like the cold or those really crappy days when we get hit w/ a blanket of the white stuff. Kirk and the crew are heading to Raystown to ride next Sunday the 18th. Leaving from the shop around 8am and planning on riding for 4-5hrs. Anyone interested call the shop.
Sorry for the lapse, between my other job and sickness I have totally slacked on my blogging duties. Going to try to keep up on this stuff!
GET OUT THERE and RIDE! Cold is only temporary, memories are forever!
Mike
