A Yeti Beti Tale

It's interesting that over the years of riding bicycles what I find enjoyable has a sort of ebb and flow to it. There are times when I want to ride only on paved roads and push as hard as I can, or only ride roads at a leisurely pace; and then there are stretches when I want to avoid roads traveled by motorists as much as possible and seek out dirt, gravel and other pathways to ride more regularly. This year has been kind of a mixed bag for me, having done a fair amount of paved road riding, but also seeking out off-the-paved-surfaces possibilities too.

Over the past winter, I ended up selling my fat tire bike during my "everything must go" phase. It wasn't that I didn't like it, but we haven't seen any significant snow here for a few years, and I am not a big fan of driving somewhere to ride (at least not on a regular basis). I had intended to use this bike as a mountain bike as well, so it made sense to keep it, but it was on the heavy side to use for that purpose, so it ended up sitting around far more than I wanted.

Then one day I got on a kick searching for Yeti mountain bikes. I wasn't really looking for a mountain bike - I have a sketchy past with mountain biking - but I was finding myself riding mildly rougher terrain, and wanting to do so, which was causing me to think a mountain bike might not be entirely unreasonable. I have been particularly drawn to Yeti because it's a local company, and I have appreciated that they've listened to the women who race and ride their bikes and then modified appropriately to make the Yeti Beti line.

It was all a passing fancy sort of thought though - nothing seriously would come from it. But, once the thought was in my head, I wanted to try out some different manufacturers bikes. Finding bikes to test was more of a challenge than I expected. Rocky Mountain was doing demos at a local bike shop, but I managed to miss out on that due to some miscommunication. We tried a couple of shops in Denver, but it's fairly difficult to find a shop that carries smaller mountain bikes, and I have grown weary of having to buy before I can try. I knew that I could demo a Yeti at their home location in Golden, Colorado, but the time frames for testing were making it challenging to get there and deep down I knew that I would never plunk down the money for a new Yeti.

As Sam and I sat talking one afternoon, he reminded me that we know someone who owns a Yeti and is about my height, and she might even be willing to let me test it. A quick message was sent off and after some back and forth I was informed that she had sold the Yeti but that she was in the process of trying to sell a Trek mountain bike that she would be happy to let me test.

2012 Trek Lush carbon mountain bike

Sam thought it couldn't hurt to try out her Trek and at least it would give me an idea of sizing and even what I may or may not like about it, so we took our friend up on the offer to let me test out her carbon Lush. After riding it around the neighborhood, it seemed nice enough, but I wasn't really able to test it on anything other than cement. She offered to let us take it home. "Ride it as long as you like and if you like it, then we can talk," was her statement.

It's hard to say no to an offer like that. A test ride for as long as I desire? That just doesn't happen. The Trek was super fun to ride and I even fussed with changing handlebars and saddle to make it something that I would want to regularly ride. Maybe it was all of the rigid steel I'd been used to riding, but something about the full suspension, carbon frame was speaking to me. It was a strange feeling for someone who is used to more classic looking and riding steel bicycles, I confess.

During the process of riding the Trek, Sam and I spotted a Yeti frame online that happened to be for sale by a local. It was an incredibly good deal, but it was a frame-only sale and it was still more than I really wanted to spend to test out my interest in mountain biking. I kind of kept an eye on it but noticed about a week or two later that the frame had sold. I figured someone had got themselves a great deal and I moved on with life, enjoying the Trek.

Unbeknownst to me, Sam had bought the Yeti frame and was setting it aside to give me as a birthday/anniversary gift. To my surprise and delight, Sam hauled out a Yeti Beti SB5... while I was in absolute shock. It's something that honestly neither of us would ever splurge to buy new, but since the frame was a year old (and the deal of the century) and the parts could be sourced at bargain/sale prices, it made something that would never happen into a reality.

I was physically shaking when I realized what was in front of me. And then, I became a bit terrified which caused a whole different type of shaking. What if I didn't like the bike? What if it didn't ride the way I expected? I didn't want to seem ungrateful, but even at a great price, I knew this was not an inexpensive gift!

As if reading my mind, Sam stated, "I figured, even if you end up not liking it, we can always sell it as a whole bike and at least break even - or maybe even make a few bucks."  That seemed to put my mind at ease and I felt as though I could try out this new-to-me mountain bike without the pressure of anything else looming in the background.

For anyone who has read here for a longer amount of time, you are well aware that mountain biking is not really in my wheelhouse. I've had some terrifying mountain bike rides that have kept me from ever really wanting to be on a mountain bike - even on tame terrain. But, the fat tire bike that had been sold off did help get me over many of my fears and while I still wouldn't claim to be the bravest individual when it comes to rocky surfaces, I have become a little more confident with at least giving these types of rides a chance before running away crying like a scared little girl.

What exactly is on this mountain bike? Though it's not a stock build, it has many of the parts that are found on the SB5s: Yeti Beti SB5 Turq frame, Rockshox Recon Silver fork (Sam has a personal aversion to Fox forks, and I have no personal opinion on the matter, so thus the Rockshox), a mix of SRAM Eagle GX and XO1 drivetrain, and two different wheels (because we had one and weren't concerned about having a matching set) - a WTB rear wheel and a DT Swiss front.  I know a lot of people love their trigger shifters, but this build has a twist shifter -- and I have to say, I really like it. Because of my hand/wrist issues, I think having the twist is easier and even if my hand isn't feeling great, I can still shift easily/smoothly.

Although Sam is known here as an endurance mountain bike racer, regularly racing in 50-100+ mile events, I definitely do not fall into that category. If I complete a 10-15 mile mountain bike ride, that is "long distance" for me. I don't know why, but mountain biking has just never been something I've been able to do for any sort of distance. It's not just the terrain, but being on a mountain bike tends to do me in quickly. I can ride mileage on a road bike, but settling in for that length of time on a mountain bike has just never appealed to me, nor been possible as my body simply fatigues very early on.

For the first test ride on the Yeti, Sam came along so that he could adjust things for me if needed/wanted. I hadn't ridden the bike yet, other than down the street at home just to make sure nothing felt strange, so when we set out I expected that we were only going to ride at most 10-15 miles (and that would only be the case if things were going well). Instead, we ended up riding just shy of 30 miles. Score one for the Yeti.

I was surprised by how comfortable I was on the bike, honestly. I'm not sure that I've ever had an experience quite like it on a mountain bike (and there have been many attempts over the years to turn me into a mountain biker). I was a little fatigued when we arrived home, but the saddle wasn't quite adjusted to my liking and I'm sure I was death gripping the bars a bit just being on a new-to-me bike. Still, I had fun!

The next couple of rides were solo adventures in the mid-20ish mile range, but they were pleasant as well. By that third ride, I'd managed to add just over 2 mph to my average speed too, which was pretty shocking (but exciting).

What I was noticing early on was that I really like the 1x12 gearing. The simplicity of having just one front ring and only needing a rear shifter was fantastic. Plus, the gear ratios seem to be a good fit for my body. Having a 10-50 tooth on the rear pretty much gives me what I need with a 32t crank. I have yet to find a hill I can't climb, so that says something, I think... and even when that day comes (because it will - I certainly haven't been on the steepest terrain possible yet), I'll just get off the bike and walk. Truthfully, I have more of an issue with spinning out downhill than I do with climbing gears, but that just keeps down hill speeds in check.

It's strange to be so giddy over this type of bicycle, particularly as it's been several months now and I don't tend to be visually drawn to the modern shapes and forms of carbon, but I really do get excited about riding this little lady! Oh, I'm definitely not of the stock that this type of bike was meant for, but I've tried to reassure myself that just because I'm not out shredding, doesn't mean I can't enjoy this bike. And it is a sweet ride. Plus, I feel a little like a bad-ass riding it - even if I really am far from that descriptor.

I've now had the opportunity to ride this Yeti on several rides over the past months and it has yet to disappoint. There are times when I'm tired and not quite up to par, but it's always fun to ride -- even when I'm not at my best. There have been some modifications as I've continued to ride it -- the handlebars were way too wide for me and needed to be cut down (more than once) to get to an appropriate width for my body. We also switched out the short 50mm stem for a 70mm, which helped both a bit with handling and positioning (I do realize most mtbs have short stems, but the slightly longer one seemed to help in this situation). I'm even trying out a non-leather saddle currently - something I've not done in several years on any bike (I do love my leather saddles). While the leather rides nicely on this bike, I worry about it getting muddy and wet frequently, so I think a synthetic might wear better over time.

This bike came into my life at a time when I was adrift in a sea of road-bike hunting, and not having settled on any particular one (and having sold off any incarnation of road bikes I'd had), actually allowed me a lot of focused time to ride the Yeti, which was a blessing in disguise. Had I owned a road bike, I doubt that I would've realized just how much fun this bike really is to ride. I've even taken it on solo, mainly-road rides when we've had cold/icy days, just because it was comfortable and fun to use. Though it doesn't allow for typical road speeds, sometimes enjoying the ride and having the ability to veer off into dirt or gravel, just makes it that much better.

There are days when I've wondered if this is a short-term infatuation or something that will last. It's partially why I've waited a bit to write about the Yeti. It's as though I keep waiting to go on a ride and decide that I no longer like this bike because, typically, that is what would happen with me and any mountain bike. But, I keep waiting and that ride or day has yet to materialize.

A few days ago, I took the bike on a more technical ride and realized I have a long way to go when it comes to conquering my trepidation with certain terrain; however, I also didn't have a complete meltdown when obstacles were presented, as would've happened in the past, and instead dismounted and walked through the area to a place where I felt comfortable to get on and ride again. I think this speaks a great deal to the bike's abilities (and what it's given to me). I know it is capable of far tougher riding than it's been put through to date, but it has also inspired confidence in the rider that hasn't been present on any mountain bike in the past.  Every time I ride, I become a little more bold with tackling something I never would have in the past; and for that, I am so grateful.

Perhaps this same journey could have happened on any modern mountain bike. After all, I am not so foolish as to think this is the only bike that would've been able to bring about more courage over rougher paths, but it is the tool that has taken me there and I have enjoyed every (sometimes overly challenging) minute of it. And honestly, if a bike can put a smile on my face even after I'm physically spent, I know it's a keeper... and this, my friends, is what I believe will be a keeper.

Riding with saddle sores - What's the solution?

Over the just past Labor Day weekend, Sam and I had an extra long set of days together because he had a couple of days off at the end of the week leading up to the holiday. This allowed for a lovely five-day weekend -- a luxury we rarely experience. But what to do with this time? There are always projects around the house that need to be done, but instead we decided to try for a ride-every-day-together extended weekend.

On Wednesday, the day just prior to the start of our intended riding festivities, I ventured out alone on my newer road bike to give it another test (looking forward to writing about this soon after having a few decent tests now completed). All went well on that ride and I ran into a friend near the end, which made for a fun cycling finish. I'm breaking in a new saddle on this bike, however, and that's always a bit of a concern as I tend to end up with saddle sores during the initial couple hundred miles on new leather.

Thursday, we decided to ride the tandem -- the new one, that isn't really so new any longer (again, there's a post in the works to discuss this bike that we've had in our possession for several months now), so we didn't take it too far. Still, it was great to be out together at the start of our long weekend of riding together.

Unfortunately for me, there is also a new leather saddle on this bike that needs to be broke in, so once again, the saddle sores were becoming quite apparent, despite keeping the mileage on the low side.

Undeterred, I was personally determined to keep riding through our long weekend. When Friday morning rolled around, Sam suggested that we take our mountain bikes out and give them a shake out ride. Sam had bought me a frame and we'd recently finished building it up so I was anxious to do more than a couple of miles around the neighborhood. I assumed that a mountain bike ride would be shorter (silly me!), so I wasn't particularly concerned about the fact that this new-to-me bike has yet another new leather saddle on it that needs break-in miles.

What I had guessed would be a 10 to-no-more-than-15 mile ride turned into about 30 (which is a long mtb ride for me personally!), and the saddle sores that had started to develop were now in full-force. I winced every time I was on the saddle for the last 10 or so miles of that ride. Although I enjoyed the ride, being together, and the bike, my soft parts were not at all pleased with me.

On Saturday, I was not looking forward to getting on any bike and having to sit on a saddle, but I really wanted to keep riding. We ended up on a tandem that day and I did my best to enjoy the ride, despite being in pain throughout our time riding.

Sunday morning, we both got dressed and intended to do a longer-mileage ride on the tandem. After getting out to the bike though, I knew that I was in trouble. Not only were the saddle sores completely inflamed, but my hip and pelvis issues had started up (I presume due to constantly shifting my body while riding to keep from rubbing the saddle) and I knew deep down that there was no way I was going to make it through a long ride.

We debated completing a short ride, but I feared that if I didn't give my body the rest it was asking for, I wouldn't be able to do a longer ride the day following, so Sam ended up going for a ride on his own and we planned to do a longer mileage day on Monday.

My regular routine when riding anything other than short distances or around town is to use some kind of cream or glide on my chamois to prevent the saddle sores from ever starting. However, in this particular scenario, there was no escaping the reality that I need to break in a few new saddles and I know that is quite often a trigger for me to develop saddle sores (thankfully, it's a rarity for me to have need to break in a new saddle - I just happen to be in the midst of breaking in three at once right now). Usually, I'd just stick to short distances until the saddle has conformed a bit, but because of our goal to keep riding, it just didn't work well in this instance. Since the glide did nothing to prevent the problem, it then became a situation of dealing with and healing what had developed.

On Monday when we headed out, I went through my usual application to the chamois, but also added A+D directly to the affected areas (I've read that Bag Balm works well and had ordered some, but it wouldn't arrive in time to work for this situation). I think having the day off in between was definitely beneficial, but obviously the sores were still present and easily-agitated.

I was shocked that after completing a 50+ mile ride with a fair amount of climbing, I had actually been able to survive and was in very little pain. Granted, it wasn't the longest ride by any means, but it was significant enough that I was surprised that the sore spots were relatively okay.

In reality, I know the best means of dealing with saddle sores is prevention. If I never have to find a solution in the first place, that would be ideal, but saddle sores are going to happen from time to time and it got me thinking about what the best methods are for dealing with the issue once those little buggers are present.

It seems as though (for me) the best method to get them to heal up is to obsessively bathe and to stay off the bike, but since that isn't always possible, I started wondering what others do, particularly those who have to be on a bike for long distance rides -- whether brevet, touring, or endurance racing?

I've read a variety of solutions such as using Vaseline on the affected area, Bag Balm, wearing double sets of padded cycling shorts (layer closest to the skin worn inside out to prevent additional chaffing issues), bandaging the area (again to keep the sores from rubbing/creating friction - though I'm still not sure this is entirely practical, particularly for females), and obviously, keeping the area clean (including the shorts being worn) is important.

The A+D combined with chamois glide seemed to do pretty well for me, but I'm curious if there are other methods that work well. What solutions have you used to help speed up the process of healing saddle sores and/or have you found a solution that allows you to keep riding with these spots when staying off the bike isn't an option?

Ultimately, Sam and I enjoyed a fun, long weekend of riding together, but in the event we're ever blessed with this amount of time to ride together again, or if I'm riding alone and develop problems, I'd love to be prepared if saddle sores make their way into riding plans.  So, please do share if you've had success with a product or method for keeping the pain out of saddle sores.

A Catching-Up Mix

I cannot believe that May is already here. On one hand, I've longingly waited for this month to arrive through winter and early spring, but on the other it seems as though the first portion of the year has flown by. I am grateful that even though we are still receiving occasional snow, it's not sticking to the roadways for long and before I know it, the temperatures will be so high I'll be wishing for a respite from the heat.

This week is shaping up to be a busy one, so I thought I'd do a quick update on happenings and hopefully I'll have the opportunity in between to write the post I'd wanted to type this week for next.

A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to southern Georgia (which I'd noted in a prior post). The reason for the trip was that my father was in the ICU there. He and I have a complicated history, but we didn't speak at all for about 15 years and I hadn't seen him in person until this visit for nearly 20 years. I had debated about whether or not to go, but my step mother felt strongly that he likely wouldn't make it home as he was extremely frail and suffering from numerous issues that wouldn't be resolved. Since she is a retired nurse, I figured she knew what she was saying and booked a flight the following day.

I don't have many photos of me and dad together - This one is probably from around 1993.

Initially, I thought I'd go into the hospital, see him for a couple of hours and then spend my days roaming the area, checking in occasionally as needed. I even thought maybe I'd have the opportunity to ride a bike while there, but I had no way of knowing what would happen, nor the emotions I'd feel as I stood by his side.

During my four days there, we had the opportunity to talk quite a bit. I ended up staying in his room every day, all day. It was a wonderful chance that not everyone gets in life to say the things that needed to be said and for both of us to find some peace. The day that I had to leave, I knew in my heart it was the last time I would see him. Leaving his side was probably one of the most painful and emotional things I've experienced in quite some time. I cried the entire three and a half hours back to the airport in Atlanta, but I knew he was receiving the best care possible and tried to hold on to hope that I would be able to make another trip to see him soon.

This past Saturday afternoon, almost exactly a week to the minute of my departure, dad passed away peacefully in the hospital. It's been difficult to come to terms with everything and not have regrets about the time that was lost. I am so grateful though that we had the opportunity to clear the air and know that we both loved each other regardless of the things that took place in the past.

I bring this up only to remind anyone who reads here that it's so important to forgive and move on. I know that there are things that happen that seem (and often are) unforgivable, but there are few that should keep us from the ones we love. I know for me, I needed time, but I am also aware that I drug things out longer than I should have and I missed out on valuable moments because there was a small part of me that couldn't let go of the past. If you've been at odds with family or friends, I hope that you'll use this as an opportunity to make amends and tell them that you love them.

On a more bike-centered note, while we've been living through a couple of spring snow storms, Sam has been building up a second hand mountain bike for me. I've been a bit leery of mountain biking over the years, but this one actually seems to fit decently. The frame that was picked up a couple of years ago was a bit large, and this one seems to have much better stand over, so I'm looking forward to trying it out soon (other than up and down the block).

I suspect most of its use will be on dirt roads and the like, but who knows what may come from it? I plan to be able to share more about it in the coming weeks and months.

For locals, I am also looking forward to a new bike shop opening up in town. Longmont isn't exactly overflowing with choices when it comes to bike shops, and we are very excited to see that the new LBS should be opening (knock on wood - as they've had several delays with construction and permits) around the middle of May.

If you're interested in learning about what they'll be carrying, you can find more at Long Mont Velo's website. I'm also hoping to do an interview with the owners soon (they've understandably had a very hectic schedule), so hopefully we can get a little more information about what they hope to achieve with the shop.

Hopefully, you are enjoying lots of bikey goodness with spring upon us. I'd love to hear about your adventures this spring, so feel free to share them. If you completed (or tried to complete) April's 30-days of biking challenge, I'd love to hear how that went as well.

RME Battle the Bear

Way back in the early part of the year, Sam had been looking for local(ish) races as training for participation in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. Because he knew at the end of summer last year that he'd be entering Leadville again this year, he was trying to get a jump on some rides that might help. He came across the Rocky Mountain Endurance series and the Battle the Bear race that was scheduled for spring time, but just as he was preparing to sign up we received a lot of rain which flooded and muddied local trails.

At that point, organizers decided to cancel or postpone the ride (depending on what became of weather and ground conditions). When Sam realized it had been rescheduled for early October, he decided to go for it, even though it wouldn't be training for Leadville as he'd originally hoped. Instead, it would act as kind of season closer, of sorts.

I had assumed that he'd go alone to the race because (at least compared to other endurance races he's done) this one is fairly short distance-wise, and only about an hour and a half from home. Additionally, it's a lap race, so he'd be coming back around to aid every 10 miles, so I kind of figured I'd just be a useless body standing around for no real reason.

But, he requested my presence, so I ended up standing at the start/finish line watching riders come around each lap. The announcer was actually fairly entertaining, so that helped with keeping the watchers somewhat energized, and there wasn't too large a crowd riding so it was pretty easy to spot specific riders as they came through.

Rather than boring you with my stories of self-entertainment while waiting for Sam, I figured it would probably be more entertaining to hear his side of matters [Hint: I do a lot of jumping jacks when it's cold to keep warm or I attempt to lure strangers into conversation when it's not so cold], so here is his take on another new-to-him endurance ride.

Why do I do these random end-of-season things?

I had originally planned to participate in the RME series Battle the Bear race in May, but it had been rained out. My mom found and reminded me that they'd rescheduled for October 4, and I reluctantly registered for the event - and then quickly forgot about it.

The weather and a small portion of the course

Battle the Bear was supposed to be the second race in the RME series of 4 races. It was originally a 6-lap, 60-mile race with about 800 feet of climbing each lap; however, they ended up shortening it due to the change of schedule to a 5-lap, 50-mile race.

The week prior I hadn't tapered or really rested. I was viewing this event as a season closer and an opportunity to test out my "new geared" bike, and to get it dialed in just the way I wanted.

The park was a good venue that was clean with nice people running the show, but it was pretty quiet. There wasn't the buzzing that has been typical around the Leadville series I've been more involved with riding.

We arrived plenty early. [G.E.'s note: Much to my dismay - both because I missed out on sleep and I don't do well standing around for too long a time.] I checked in, got my designation and my AGE marked on my left calf. This was a strange thing to me. I don't really want to know the age of everyone because then I KNOW that I'm competing against them directly.

It was cool outside and very overcast, and it would stay this way all day. [G.E.'s note: It was very cold, I'd say. Maybe not for Colorado winter, but certainly compared to the weather we'd been having.]

An hour passed and it was time to get setup and ready to ride with the Endurance group. [G.E.'s note: This particular series has different categories and ride lengths that starts with the Endurance group, then the XC group, Appetizer, and finally juniors with each division riding fewer miles on the course.] The Endurance group started with the single speeds, the pros, and then in age group waves starting with the youngest and heading to the oldest. I'm getting older for these races, so I waited a bit to get going, although they did start each group fairly close together with all groups headed out in under 15 minutes from the start.

The pros starting their first lap

I didn't think that I would be caught in such a fast event. Whoa, did they start and maintain quick speeds. I spent the entire first lap getting passed over and over again, and I couldn't keep my eyes off the "calf markings," and realizing how many were passing me. The majority of the course was comprised of single track with a small amount of wooded area, a stretch of sand, a public park, a dirt path on the side of the road, two water crossings and three climbs - one very small one, one steep and short, and one reasonably long and steep climb right toward the end of the laps.

Lap 1
I'm dying. I'm convinced of it. I found myself caught up chasing a group. I have no idea why I do this, but it seems to be consistent whether riding or running. I nearly blew out my lungs the first half of lap one. The first half felt like a gradual climb until the half way point, after which there's some up and down. At about mile 7.5 there's a 1.5 mile climb that is 4%+ grade, and in between everything were many, many goat heads, some sandy points and a water crossing in the last half-mile stretch of the course that continued to get deeper throughout the race.

At the end of this lap, I was not feeling well, but I stuck to my plan and didn't stop to re-fuel as I came around to start lap two. I had all the GU I needed and I was sipping my water/energy drink mix while riding, so G.E.'s attempt to hand off a fresh bottle went unrewarded as I went on to the second lap. [G.E.'s note: I think I'm getting better at the hand-off though - even if you don't need/want it.]

Lap 2
Someway, somehow, I actually felt good. Everyone who was going to pass me had gone by and I was with racers going similar speeds and who would likely have similar finish times. One in particular was stationed about 50 yards in front of me for most of the race. I would refer to him as my "pee buddy." We'd actually had a conversation at the porta-john prior to the race start, hence the nickname. And I wonder why I don't have friends. Anyway, the lap was going well.

I felt good and I was putting up consistent speeds and starting to get used to where everything was on the course.

What I am not used to riding is a suspension fork. Normally I ride with a rigid fork on my single speed and I found that the ride felt squirrely the entire time with the added cushion. I'm considering dropping the squish because it didn't make my hands feel much better.

At the end of lap two, I stopped briefly, didn't say much, [G.E.'s note: Nor would I expect you to - you're racing!] swigged the rest of my bottle and swapped for a fresh one.

Lap 3
So, I'm feeling pretty good, chasing "pee buddy," and maneuvering better as each lap goes by. At this point, I could anticipate what was coming next, how to handle it and so on. It was actually kind of nice and I was thinking that I wish the race were a bit longer.

I had not flatted like many others had (as I would hear later) [G.E.'s note: The announcer had made several comments about the course having a ton of goat heads and stated that a few who were expected to win ended up dealing with flats because of these darn thorns.], the bike was doing great, and I had grown somewhat used to the squishy front end.

As the lap wrapped up, I was getting tired, but feeling positive with just two laps to go.

Lap 4
Half way through this lap, I started to get the I-don't-want-to-do-this-anymore feeling. I was starting to drag (not bonk - I actually never bonked). It was just the reality of realizing that there was still 15 miles to go and it's all going to look the same as what I've just ridden.

This time, chasing him up the big climb, at mile 7.5 I caught "pee buddy." He had tapped out while climbing and just pulled over.

Sadly, by this point I was being lapped by guys with the "P" written on their calves, and the demoralizing part of the race was back. Once or twice I pulled over to just allow the pros to pass on climbs. Yes, it slowed me down a bit, but I didn't care because I knew I wasn't going to come close to winning with such a swiftly moving group. [G.E.s note: They were a really fast moving group! The professionals were actually finishing before many had even completed their third lap.]

Lap four was coming to an end, and I was tired. But, at least there was only one lap left. I stopped briefly one more time to re-load water and I was off for the final round.

Lap 5
I happen to hear the announcer talking about the woman riding through the lap with me, who is a local Cross champ. I decided I would chase her and that would probably put me in a pretty good position to finish.

She was fast, but not crazy fast. Through the first four miles of the final lap, I stuck within 40 yards of her.... and then, we came to the small first water crossing.

There was a slower rider coming up. The Cross racer was prepared and passed the slower rider on the inside of the mud hole, but I wasn't close enough to make it by. So, the slower rider proceeded to sit in front of me for the next half mile so that I couldn't get around.

Finally, he bonked out, but it was too late at mile five for me to catch my rabbit.

I pushed hard up the last climbs and felt decent ascending up the final climb at mile 7.5. As I started to head down the last descent, I took a peek at my front tire. I was getting my first flat on a mountain bike in three years! I was not happy. At this point, I was hoping it would be a slow enough leak to get me through the last mile of the race. But, as I descended, things were not looking good.

With about a half mile left in the race, I had to stop and make some sort of fix. Using my CO2 cartridge seemed like the quickest fix because it would take a bit of time to swap the tube or patch it on the race course and I was almost finished. I still probably killed about three minutes here, but I was back in business.

I rolled through the now three-foot deep water crossing and right into the finish... and for some reason, kept pedaling. [G.E.'s note: It was rather amusing because the announcer said, "Dude! You're done. You can stop pedaling now!" I think Sam was just getting his second wind and was ready to go for another lap. :)] The announcer made a comment about stopping, but I'm not sure why I kept going.

The Finish
04:06:XX was my finish time. It was pretty fast given my recent history, lack of training, and so on, though certainly not anywhere close to finishing with the fastest riders. I averaged over 12 mph and got my first MTB flat in quite awhile.

It was a fun day. It didn't have the enthusiasm of the Leadville series, and people were less prone to chit-chat, but perhaps that was because it was a "make-up" race and the day had been super gloomy throughout?

I would consider doing this one again, and possibly the whole series of races next year. The registration costs were reasonable, it was a distance that is easily traveled from home the morning of the race, and it was pretty fun.

Maybe I'll even be fast someday!

The Words We Use: Bicycle Type List/Descriptions

One day many months ago, I was walking through a bike shop, perusing and just listening to the conversations around me. As I meandered down the rows of bikes and products, I overheard a conversation between two women who were talking about all of the different terms that are used to describe a bike. From the sound of things, they did not ride much except for short purposes around town, but they'd been talked into a visit to the shop by their partners and were musing about all the different particularities of bikes and parts.

As they continued to speak, I started to think about how many different labels have been given to different types of bikes and how very confusing it would be to hear these terms and not really have a grasp on what these words truly mean.

Then I stopped and asked myself if I truly know what all of the labels mean. Sure, I can identify different sorts of bikes, but because we often use similar descriptors for differing bicycles, how confusing it could become to try to distinguish one from another.

It became an interesting idea to ponder, and soon I began to think about all of the different varieties and possibilities with bikes. I know that I have pretty specific ideas of what a particular bicycle is and what it does when a label is used, but then realized that this, of course, is formed by my exposure and experience with these types of bikes.

*Image found here

I have heard the term "touring bike," for example, used to refer to a bike that I would not label as such, and so I thought perhaps we could come together as blogger and readers to make up a list. I very much doubt that we'd all agree on the nitty gritty specifics for each category, but perhaps it would help someone who has wondered what exactly a specific bike type is and/or why it is separated into its own category.

With that idea in mind, I hope that as a reader you'll offer your experience, thoughts, and/or expertise in the comments so that if I have missed something or your definition differs from mine, we can help sort this out a bit. It really can be a confusing topic when I stop and think about it. Perhaps the basic categories are better understood, but as the labels continue to be created, I do think it can get overwhelming.

These are the categories that I hear frequently discussed, but if you have others, please do add them in the comments. The descriptions are brief and definitely not all-encompassing, so feel free to add your own observations at the end.

Road:
I've personally heard people use this category for any bike they typically ride on paved roads. But what is it really and how is it distinguishable as its own category? I think this type of bike is generally characterized by a couple of qualities. First, road bikes tend to be lighter in weight than other possibilities (though not always) and often have a more leaned-over-the-handlebars positioning. Usually, we see these types of bikes with drop handlebars, but the handlebar itself is not the defining characteristic of this type of bike and certainly is not a requirement to call a bike a "road bike."

This is also likely the category of bike one would use for racing or swift rides on paved roads. There are a whole slew of possibilities to fall into this category, and the specifics of each can be quite different from one another. Tires found on this type are often on the less-wide side of possibilities, ranging from 20-28mm, typically (Although, tires do not define a road bike either).

Within this category falls a variety of possible terms such as a performance bike, sport bike, competition bike, time trial, and others.

Mountain:
Mountain bikes are typically categorized by different handling than a road bike, as well as having much chubbier tires, often with deeper tread patterns. The term "knobby tires" is often associated with this type of bike. Tires are typically ridden at lower air pressure as well.

Those who opt for a mountain bike fall into a variety of categories. Some grew up knowing only Mountain bikes, and thus it is what they ride today. For others, they love the call of local hills and mountains and have purposely purchased a bike that handles rock, dirt, trails and so on more efficiently.

Some who use mountain bikes also race - but their races take place on unpaved roads (at least for the most part). Since these bikes tend to be heavier, it is more difficult to keep up with the speeds of those riding a road bike, but the sacrifices made allow for better handling and comfort over varying terrain.

Within this category there are also other sub-categories such as a downhill, trail, cross country, and race or trials bikes.

City:
In my estimation, a city bike can truly be any bike. That bike you've had stored for years? It could be a city bike. That Craigslist find? It might be a perfect city bike too. I've seen all categories of bikes being used as a city bike, but I believe the quality that makes this type of bike functional as a city ride specifically is that it is easy to ride in traffic (possibly far more upright than other bikes, though not necessarily true of every city bike) and that it has the ability to carry goods such as a basket, a rack, panniers, and so on.

This type of bike is also frequently set up with some sort of platform pedal (meaning non-clipped pedals), but I've come in contact with those who prefer to always clip into his/her pedals, so it's not the defining quality of this particular type.

With the Dutch bike craze that took place here in the U.S. a few years back, I would say the city bike title is a good match for this type of bicycle, but it is not the only type of bicycle that can fall into this category. Typically, I think of a city bike as one that is ridden over shorter distances more as transportation and at slower speeds than many of the other categories of bikes.

Upright:
Separating upright bikes into its own category may be a bit of a stretch, but I hear this terminology used frequently on its own, so how do we define it?

I often see upright and city used interchangeably, but as pointed out in the city definition, a person may choose to ride a bike that is more leaned over as a city bike, negating the term "upright" entirely. I believe an upright bike is just that - upright. It allows the rider to sit in a position to see all traffic with ease, and it relieves the pressures on arms and hands by placing the majority of weight distribution on the saddle. Of course, this is not an ideal riding position over long distances for most people, and thus this category of bike is often seen about town, running errands and the like.

Cross (Cyclo-Cross):
I was once described a cross bike as that of a love child between a road and mountain bike. Who am I to argue? In many ways, most cross bikes I've seen tend to resemble a road bike more so than a mountain, but it doesn't mean that there aren't those that lean more to the mountain side, certainly.

Late summer and early fall tends to be the time of year for cross racing season. If you like to get muddy, it could be a side of cycling to try out. But, of course, cross bikes can be ridden any time of year and allow the rider a kind of middle ground bike that is perhaps a bit swifter (lighter weight) than some mountain bikes, but often not quite as lightweight as a road bike. Tires tend to be a bit wider on a cross bike too, falling somewhere between the typical super-slim road tires and heftier mountain tires. The larger tires help with the mud and dirt accumulation on this type of bike.

Gravel:
This seems to be newer terminology used as the industry apparently wants to create a need for consumers to go out and purchase another bike, but I do think there are qualities to a good gravel bike, and it may very well be one already sitting in our bike fold. In my mind, a gravel bike can certainly double as a number of other possibilities such as a cross bike, a touring bike, a rando bike, a mountain bike, a hybrid, a single speed, and perhaps even other possibilities.

It seems the biggest definition for this type comes with handling and tires. While one could ride gravel roads with a skinny tired bicycle, there are options better suited to this type of riding. I know some people who use their road bike as a gravel bike by simply switching out brakes and tires. If it's comfortable for the rider, why not? If it can handle the roads, I see no reason not to use it as a gravel bike.

Hybrid:
Hybrids may perhaps be the most perplexing of all the categories to me personally. As the name implies, it is a bike that brings together two different categories of bikes into one. What I find most interesting about this category is that a hybrid could lean more to the ride qualities of a road bike, or more to a mountain bike. It may also be completely upright as is sometimes the case, or it may have more of a racier stance in the saddle.

While most of the hybrids I see on the roads tend to sit pretty upright, there are a number of these type that have more of an aggressive posture while riding.

Cruiser:
Any bike that allows or maybe even necessitates a slower, cruising speed on two wheels could fall into this category, in my mind. Typically though, a Cruiser has 26" wheels and wider tires. They often have very upright handlebars and wider saddles as well. These bikes often have a more relaxed and upright riding position. They range from classic style conversions to those built new and found in bike shops all over the country.

Touring:
The Touring bike category may be the one that causes the most confusion and debate among cyclists. I think the definition truly depends on what the individual defines as "touring." So as to not confuse the starting point, I define touring as a bicycle to pedal long distances while staying overnight away from home between the starting point and the destination.

As such, a Touring bike is typically able to handle the load of both the riders weight as well as all of the goods needed for travel. This bike is typically heavier (more stout tubing to allow for the extra load) and geared in a manner that allows the rider to spin while carrying the excess weight. These bikes are often seen with multiple bags and/or panniers attached to the rear and/or front of the bike via racks and other contraptions.

While there are touring-specific bikes available for purchase, many use other categories of bikes for touring activities such as mountain or cross bikes. I think what matters most is that it's comfortable to the rider over long distances and that it can carry the weight needed for such travel.

Folding/Brompton/Bike Friday:
These tiny bicycles are the ideal solution for those with tight spaces and no room for bike storage. Built on 16" or 20" wheels (and sometimes, though infrequently, 24" wheels), these small bikes fold up even smaller, allowing for easy storage and travel.

I once knew a woman who carried her folding bike with her in her car in case of emergencies or the desire to take off on a quick ride. She said she never worried as long as she had her folding bike with her.

Fat Bike:
Fat bikes seem to be a category that has come up in the relatively recent past. They get their name from the very wide tires found on this sort of bike. Sand bikes, mud bikes, snow bikes all fall into this category for me. These bikes are built around wide forks (to allow for the bigger-than-average tires) and can be used with very low tire pressure, making them a good choice for traveling places that other types of bikes may not fare as well. Often this type of bike resembles the stance of a mountain bike and on many models it's easy to see the reflection of mountain bike history.

Cargo/Box Bike:
I'm going to include in this category a couple of different types of bikes. Longtails and box bikes don't look very similar, but their purposes are often along the same lines. Allowing for easier transportation of larger goods (or even people), those falling into this category are definitely the working-type of bicycle. While weight capacity varies depending on the manufacturer, their commonality is being able to haul the items we like to get around.

A box bike typically has a large box in front of the rider to carry the load and come as a two-wheeled, three-wheeled, or even four-wheeled bike, while a longtail or cargo typically holds the load in an extended portion behind the rider using an extra long wheelbase/frame and an extended rear rack.

While some people ride these types of bikes over long distances, most I have come across use these as around-town type transportation, to get groceries, to get small children around town and the like. Longtails are a little easier to use over longer distances because they don't have the bulk of a box bike.

BMX:
I don't hear as much as I used to in my youth about BMX bikes, but from my understanding they do still have a following and I do, on occasion, run into someone riding a BMX.

These bikes are recognized by their smaller size in relation to other adult-sized bikes on the market and sometimes resemble a small motorcycle (though not always). It makes sense though, since these bikes got their start as kids began emulating motocross racers by riding on dirt tracks. In the mid-70s and even into today, the BMX bike has had its own following. Within this category are a slew of different types of riding, but I won't get into that here.

Randonneuring (Rando)/Brevet:
Not to be confused with a touring bike, a rando bike is also ridden for long distances, and may at times include a stop over for sleep (depending on the distance), but the rando bicycle is one that carries far less weight (generally just a front bag or a rear bag) with the intention of finishing the ride sooner than later. In fact, on official brevets, there is a time limit so the rider must work to hit each check point in the allotted time frame.

Some people use their road bike as a rando bike, some people use their cross bike, and still others have very specific needs or desires in a randonneur bicycle and purchase or have one made specifically for these types of rides.

Fixed Gear (Fixie):
Ah, the fixed gear bike. It has a reputation of its own that conjures an image of the skinny pant wearing, beard-donning guy for some people. While the fixed gear may have been a hipsters dream, the bike has moved beyond that stereotype and different types of people are found riding fixed gear. Really, nearly any type of bike could be a fixed gear as it has to do with the hub and not the frame itself.

Single Speed:
Unlike a fixed gear, a single speed may very well have a freewheel, allowing the rider to spin the pedals backward without slowing the bike. However, a fixed gear could be categorized as a single speed as it has only one gear. Single speeds can also fall into other categories as there are many road and mountain bikers who like to ride single... and, there are many commuters who prefer this type of bike as well.

I would describe a single speed more as a sub-category or possibility within other categories and not necessarily a category of its own. However, since it is quite popular to refer to a bike as a single speed bike, it only makes sense to have an understanding of what we're discussing.

Recumbent ('Bent):
I will admit up front that I have little experience with this sort of ride, so I won't be horribly descriptive here because I realize there could be other sub-categories within this one as well. A recumbent though is a bicycle that sits low to the ground and has more of an automotive looking seat than a traditional saddle as found on most other bicycles. The rider sits toward the rear of the machine with legs extended out in front, sitting in more of a laid back position.

While it may seem like an odd position, those who ride recumbent praise the lack of strain on their hands and arms, and I've personally witnessed many of them kicking some booty on the roads. I've learned never to underestimate a person riding a recumbent. They can definitely haul when needed.

Trike:
A bicycle that is set up on three wheels would be categorized as a trike. I realize that by having three wheels, it is not longer technically a "bi cycle" but since we're discussing this in general terms, I think it's a valid option to bring up.

Most frequently, trike's are set up with two wheels in the rear and one in the front, but they are also built with one in the rear and two in the front. For those with stability issues, trikes can be a fantastic option for riding.

Usually, this type of bike is heavier and slower, and often used for short-distance travel. However, I have also had the opportunity to see road bikes, mountain bikes, fat bikes and others set up in a trike format, so they aren't all necessarily heavy and/or slower than other bikes.

If you don't have a headache yet from reading through all of this (how is that possible?!), I have great respect for you. It was a bit dizzying just typing it out and the descriptions are nowhere as detailed as they could be. As I thought I'd reached the end of my intended list, I would think of another to add and I have no doubt that I have still left off categories unintentionally. Even as I type, I realize I could probably categorize types like pedicabs and rickshaws as well, but for the time being, I'll leave those as a kind of sub-category of a cargo bike.

Through all of these descriptions, I realize that there is much in between or grey area. Not every category is absolute, and in fact depending on the person asked there could be a different answer given for particular categories. Some may feel quite strongly that a certain category should be defined other than the way it is described here, which is perfectly acceptable to me (and please, do share your thoughts in comments as I'm not attempting to be the absolute authority on such matters).

When a friend recently asked about what type of bicycle she should get, I couldn't help but pause for a long moment. This is truly a difficult question to answer when it comes to a person who hasn't ridden since his/her youth and who doesn't quite know yet what s/he will prefer. With so many categories and so many different possibilities for riding, how is one to offer up advice?

Of course, we start with questions about the intended use, but often a new rider isn't sure what they plan to do. When all else fails, most tend to recommend a mountain bike as it is capable, at least generally speaking, of being used anywhere a person wishes to go. After riding a mountain bike over long distances though, a rider may soon discover that they have need for something lighter and/or that allows them to get quicker speeds and into a more powerful position. S/he may also find that s/he prefers a different set up entirely. It is nearly impossible to get it right the first time, in my experience.

So, what is your favorite category of bike, or do you have a preferred style of riding? What other categories do you hear brought up that haven't been mentioned here? How do they differ and/or how are they similar to other categories? Who knew when we had our first banana seat or BMX that there would be so many choices to select from!

Opinions About Bicycles: "What Should I Ride?"

Over the last couple of months, I've received more than the usual number of e-mails asking for suggestions about bikes (either for the individual who is writing, or for a family member). I suspect it has to do with the warmer weather months hitting most of the country, but it could simply be coincidental as well. I should also say that I love getting these e-mails, so I wouldn't want anyone to think that s/he shouldn't send them, but, quite frankly I am often a bit unsure how to answer these inquiries. Ultimately, I tend to reply with ridiculously long responses that I often fear aren't at all helpful to the individual looking for a bicycle, or I think I am simply overwhelming the person inquiring with too much information. I've surprised myself more than once at the length of a reply because I'm trying to eek out any/every possibility I can think of for the person.

*Image source here

I have stated this in the past, but it has been some time, so I just want to reiterate that taking one persons (or even several people's) opinion about what type of bicycle to purchase and ride should be a path taken with great care and consideration. There are many who point this out in various spots online, but I thought I would mention it specifically here because of the sudden rush that seems to be happening. After all, the type of bicycle I find easy to ride may not be the same for the next person. There are other factors to consider as well, such as price point, ability to build/repair a bicycle, need/want for positioning, size of the rider (both height and weight), how far the bike will be ridden regularly, geography/terrain, etc. With that said, I'm offering my thoughts - and it is nothing more than that - my opinion, so please take anything I offer as it is intended - to try to be helpful, but knowing that the individual will do their own homework.

One of the major factors that seems to influence the decision of the individual seeking a bicycle is price. Let's face it, when times are tough (and even when they aren't), spending a ton of money on a bike doesn't seem realistic, especially if the individual hasn't been on a bike for years and isn't sure if s/he will ride. I have owned bicycles from the inexpensive ($70 - thank you Craigslist!) to those that were not what I would call "cheap." Am I made of money?  Absolutely not. I see the value in both finding a great deal, and in getting what the rider truly needs. If you've been reading here for awhile, you may recall the "hooptie" bicycle Sam found for me on Craigslist because I wanted to try out road bikes. I was terrified that I wouldn't be able to master this type of bicycle, and didn't want to spend tons of money on something that would sit unused. I ended up starting to understand what worked and didn't from this bike, and honestly, had the bike not been too large for me, I would've kept it, cleaned it up/painted it, and continued to enjoy it. Just because something is inexpensive doesn't mean it won't work - however, it does need to properly fit the cyclist.

That said, there is something to be said for, under the right circumstances, spending a bit more and getting a bicycle that really works for the individual. If it isn't something that can be found in the various second-hand spots, maybe saving for a bit to get the correct bike is worth it? That is, of course, something the individual buyer must determine. The problem for many of us across the U.S. is that the bicycle we think we want may not be available for test riding prior to purchase. This creates a dilemma. Do we spend our hard earned/saved money on what we think will work and hope for the best? A bicycle is always sellable later on if it doesn't work, but I can nearly guarantee that there will be a 25-60% (or more) loss on the price paid. I always ask myself if this potential loss is worth the ability to try out something that could work extremely well. Sometimes it is worth it - other times, it just isn't.

When price point is important (and when is it not?), looking for second hand deals can be a godsend, as well as taking advantage of friends or friends of friends who may already own something we have interest in trying. It can be difficult if the riders are different heights, but sometimes it's easier to get a feel for a bike, even if it's a bit large or small. There are plenty of us in the world who have purchased something that was perfectly great and usable - for the right person - but it just didn't work for the individual who originally bought it. Taking advantage of these situations as well can definitely be a great way to get what you're looking for at a more reasonable price.

I also think it's important to not immediately give up on a bicycle. Sometimes a small change can make a huge difference. A saddle substitution or adjustment, moving handlebar height/tilt, or even changing to a different handlebar or stem are just a few things that have made a huge difference for me personally on bikes. Although I tend to be a person who wants instant gratification, it doesn't always work that way and there are situations when I've had to be patient and wait out the trials of a new bike. If it doesn't work though, I have had to be ready and willing to let it go, count my losses as a lesson learned, and move on to the next.

Some new riders (or returning riders) seem to be drawn to city bikes. It makes sense to me that this happens because it's an upright option, the rider pedals slower, can see surroundings easily, and it simply seems less intimidating to many (including myself). However, if the rider intends to travel to long distance locations, a city bike may not be the right option, or if the terrain is extremely hilly, s/he may not want to be panting and sweating profusely when reaching the final destination. City bikes have their place and are wonderful for moderate length trips, but expecting that it will perform like a road bike is generally unreasonable. In my experience, I have tried to turn slower city bikes into faster rides, and vice versa...and honestly, it has yet to really work for me. There may be small benefits to these changes, but ultimately if a bike is made for a specific purpose, it seems to function best as it was intended (though there are always exceptions).

I've also had a few people contact me who are carrying some extra weight on their bodies who are looking for my thoughts on bikes. There are a few resources online that can answer some questions (check forums and/or Google search), and while I'm no expert, I am an overweight rider who has had my own experiences with bicycles, so I think these individuals are looking to see what I would do in their situation (though I may be way off on this assumption). I have personally been drawn to steel, however, this doesn't mean it's the only material that can be ridden by those carrying some extra meat on their body. I have owned aluminum bikes in the past and they worked just fine. The problem for me was the rattling that took place in my hands, and I just couldn't seem to make it work with my wrist/hand issues.  I know individuals who ride aluminum and carbon though, and are happy with that decision, so I don't think it's necessarily something to shy away from.  In most cases, steel has longevity and can be repaired if damaged (depending on the damage), whereas other materials probably won't be repairable.  If you're hard on a bike, perhaps steel is the way to go. I happen to like the ride quality of steel, but it tends to be a bit heavier (generally - though not necessarily always the case), so testing out many different styles and materials is going to be the best way to go for many - whether carrying extra pounds or not.

While I realize I haven't covered every topic here, I hope none of this is viewed as an attempt to keep folks from asking questions or sending along notes, but rather I just want to do my best to be clear that when I do respond to e-mails or comments, it should be viewed merely as my thoughts on the matter, and not the only possible conclusion. While this seems somewhat unnecessary to point out (since this is a blog, and by its very nature generally consists of opinion), I felt it was a good time to revisit the subject. Keep riding out there... and of course, sending along notes as well.