New Title and New Start

It has been way too long, but I am back. Many hard lessons were learned three years ago on the GDMBR, and I will not be repeating the same mistakes. The two biggest lessons were: (1) trying to haul too much stuff; and (2) having a bike that did not fit properly. I was glued to the saddle, because I could not stand up on when it was loaded. It was too unstable. I also carried too much weight (water) on my back, which when combined with being stuck on the saddle made me prone to saddle sores. There were many other lessons for sure.

A couple of weeks ago I signed up for the Adventure Cycling trip of the Canadian end of the GDMBR! Last Friday I bought a Trek (Gary Fisher) Superfly. Wow, what a ride! I was actually trying to buy a Cannondale Flash 2, but none were to be found in Albuquerque. There are various versions of the reason why there are no decent Cannondales in Albuquerque, but it does not matter anymore. The deed is done. I will be eating Alpo and sleeping in the doghouse for a while, but it is worth it.

The first time my wife saw me about 37 years ago I was carrying a bike up some stairs at the college where we met. I had just ridden it from Boston to Santa Fe, NM. I still use that bike to commute. I doubt my new carbon Superfly will last anywhere near that number of years, but while it lasts the new ride even beats steel.

I have had very painful bilateral plantar fascists for about a year and a half. Actually one foot healed up this summer, but the other has persisted. Other than a very pleasant half day bicycle tour in Atlanta this summer I have not ridden for well over a year. Yesterday I rode the Superfly about ten miles in some tough terrain in the foothills. I was able to do every trail with ease. This is the bike I have been looking for for several years.

As a bonus, my Epic Designs (now Revelate Designs) rackless system fit perfectly from the "Bloated Mule." I added a new rackless handlebar system, and I need to make some minor repairs to the the old gear. In any case it really feels good to be back on the bike again. It is also great to have a goal and a plan.