Well shit, it has been far too long since I’ve pounded the keys for a proper DC post. Oh well such is the case when you are powering through the life you must live, as opposed to the life you wished you lived. Work (in the form of extended to trips to West Texas and Kansas) got in the way of fun for several weeks, but as of last week shit got figured out. To celebrate I did the only thing that made sense to me, ride bikes and spend a bunch of coin on some new bike toys.
In the past week, I’ve made two trips out to Buffalo Creek, one by myself, and one with friends. Buffalo Creek can be a pain in the ass to get to (one hour drive each way), but the riding does not disappoint. Having not been there in a few months I was surprised to see a new “picnic area” with communal bike tools, floor pump, trail maps, and a lost and found box. Additionally there was a box full of bags of chips, and three coolers loaded with water, Gatorade, cookies, energy bars, and granola bars. A sign simply said to return any tools that you used, and leave leave whatever donation you thought was appropriate for the food and drink. It was great to see this new feature at a trailhead, and it was even better to see that it didn’t appear to be being abused. A cold beer at the end of my ride was great, toss in some cookies, and I was in heaven. On my second day of riding this past week (with D2 and Peter), I put all my remaining singles into the donation box and felt good about myself. Any trip to Buffalo Creek, also requires a post stop ride at the Bucksnort Saloon. A few miles up a narrow canyon, the Snort makes no apologies for what they are, and the customers wouldn’t have it any other way.
Onto the new bike toys, I moved out of the stone age and got some suspension for my singlespeed. Granted this is probably the smallest step out of the stone age, as the fork has a straight steerer tube, and uses a 9 mm QR (my progress is pretty slow). The Angry Bhuddist turned himself into “Bike Santa”, and was kind enough to hook me up with a Fox Fork. Once I get back from this upcoming work trip (North Dakota here I come!), I’m looking forward to a life of squish.
But a new fork wasn’t enough, so I went ahead an bought a new mountain bike. The great guys at Niner made me an offer I couldnt refuse on an geared Air9. Having borrowed the Air9 D2 reviewed last year, I new Niner had their shit together as far as the frame was concerned. Throw in a fine XT drivetrain, and I jumped at the chance to pick up this bike. I haven’t owned a geared mountain bike since 2006, and over the years I have been hesitant to give geared riding a try for the same reason I was hesitant to try cocaine in college, I was afraid I would like it too much. Well I got my ass on that geared bike, and rode up the whore of a climb at White Ranch outside of Golden. Not being hunched over on that climb with my nose an inch away from the stem felt pretty fucking good, and I never once heard a “click” in my knees as I cranked away at 12 rpm (which was common on this climb on my SS). So yeah, getting out and riding and picking up some new bike toys was a great way to spend the past few days. I suggest you all do the same.
….new bike toys are always fun! Where are you heading to in ND….Maah Daah Hey trail on the agenda?
Mmmmm White Ranch. As PA boy this is one of the few rides I’ve done in CO. I remember that climb as I was on a SS and bound for Durango (D9) in the near future. Good times good times. Now I too am enjoying the shiftie life and finding it quite nice. (until it all blows up and gets hung on a hook). Stay calm and shift on my friend. Stay off the blow too.
Well that Niner/XT looks like a might sweet piece.
But I’m gonna have to go ahead and quibble just a little bit. Beer has four ingredients: water, barley, hops, yeast… Do you see ‘rye’ on that list?
Gears are fun. Ride em if you got em.
Make sure to make the pilgrimage to where that beer is brewed….some of the best riding I’ve done in CO.
Straight steerer and 9mm QR! Testify, brother!!!
There’s a hell of a lot of ground between your old Kona and this sweet steed. Welcome back to DC and the land of gears and suspension.
BUCK sweet lord you need to ride yer ass back out to CO to ride some CO sum MO
I am in need of a haircut Mr. Slappy sir. DO you have any open appointments?
This post is full of win! I have done the Buffalo Ranch/Bucksnort day…it was spectacular. One of the best days I’ve had on a bike.
Finally got me some new-bike goodness put together this weekend…custom Quiring fatbike. Broke it in proper with a 4+ hour ride Saturday.
There’s nothing like a new steed to stoke the riding fire.
Happy new bike!
Follow up post.
geared bike died :(
back on the SS. :)
Follow up to my follow up post:
after 5 months of shifting I still love my SS, and it forgives me too.