Summer of the Bike

After a fun filled weekend on two wheels I knew I wanted a set of knobbies to call my own.  So I started to search the internet and bike shops and put the word out.  I was looking for a mountain bike.  After countless rides and one potential Craigslist scammer I found something rad.  A 2010 Specialized Stumpjumper on craigslist.  Last Friday afterwork I motored down to San Jose to check it out.  The owner was meticulous, from his car to his haircut to the color of the Stumpy (He said it's "Root Beer" not brown) he was selling.  On top of that he worked at Specialized HQ here in Northern California.  He had the bike tastefully tricked out with with components he probably got for a song, a favor, or a 6-pack.  I rode it.  I loved it.  I bought it.

Root Beer Float

And for the last week I've had a mountain bike.  Six of the last seven days I've ridden, heading up to either the Oakland or Berkeley hills for a trail ride afterwork.  It has been great dipping my toe in the waters of a new sport.  So much to learn and every ride feels like a completely new experience.

Joaquin Miller, nicknamed the "Poet of the Sierras".

Last night I joined Pablo and Yu for what will hopefully become a weekly Thursday night ride.  We headed to Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland hills.  If you were dropped into the middle of this place you would have no idea you were in Oakland.  500-acres of hilly redwood groves and a web of fun single track don't scream stereotypical Oakland.  But that's why this town is so great.

It's tough to keep up with these dudes.  Just off a mega road ride, Yu led the charge with lungs and heart of steel.  Paul poked around roots and ridges like a ballerina on his fully rigid cross bike.  I took up third spot huffing air like it was broken glass.  Good times and a great way to celebrate the Summer Solstice.  Looking forward to more.

Pablo and his fully rigid machine.  We don't need no stinking shocks!