A Slacker Looks At 30

So I’ll start with an update on what I’ve been up to related to my bike.  There’s a lot to tell, so this will definitely be more than one post.

For those readers that didn’t read my blog before I deleted all of my entries the FIRST time (yes, this did happen more than once), a quick run down:

At the bottom of a MASSIVE hill in Stillwater, MN

Last year, on my 29th birthday, I decided I wanted to build my very own road bike. I had never built a bike before, nor had I even ridden a road bike, so I set out with the ultimate Beginner’s Mind.  It took a little over two months and a little more money than I planned on spending, but my time, money, and efforts were rewarded with a bike that I am proud to call my own.  I may “backtrack” a little on a future post (or series of posts) to recap some of the building process, but suffice to say I love this bike.

I have spent much of my free time this spring and summer on my bike, including doing the 50-mile Tour of Saints in July (which is the longest I have ever biked in one day) and a ride from St. Paul (Minnesota) to Stillwater that included the largest hill I’ve ever descended and/or climbed.

Photos of my bike to come soon, but this is what I have riding alongside me

I have also been extremely fortunate to have company for many of my rides this summer; my wife has agreed join me on my adventures with her new Specialized Dolce Elite.  I’ve got a whole year of conditioning ahead of her (plus a lot more cycling in my past) so rides with her are not quite the intensity level that I would subject myself to on my own, but she continues to amaze me with her progress and I am thrilled to have her along for the ride.

That’s it for now; more to come soon!