The Shoulder Season, and Material Things

It's that time again, time to tighten the belt.  Been a soggy past couple of days but when the clouds part it has been spectacular.  

Work is getting slimmer as people start to migrate.  We had some good friends pass through with their new rig and gig.  

They let me try one of their bikes, and once again I am blown away by these new trail bikes.  It has changed the game of riding so much for me, but I simply do not think I could afford one of my own anythime in the near future.  I feel lucky to be close to the industry and amazing trails.  I feel shallow for wanting a fancy bike.  I was trying to explain to Eszter about how you could pump the suspension through roots/rocks but still be able to pedal out of the sadde on an uphill.  Tipping the bike over feels like you are carving a turn on skis.  She gave me a look that simply said, "It's just a bicycle." Am I shallow? Putting some tunes in and ripping through the forest gives me the freedom of expression that for me can only be related to carving turns through un-tracked powder. It is an endorphin/adrenaline cocktail garnished with the solitude of the dark woods and alpine meadows.   

But bikes are just things. They take us somewhere though, beyond material things.  They let us fly.  

Needless to say what bikes we were riding the trails were amazing.  A little rain and an aspen carpet.  

Tipping the bike in corners the brush soaked my clothing but I maintained my shit-eating grin.  We hooted and holered as we pumped through slipery rocks and carved corners as golden aspen leaves fell like snow in a snow globe.  

It was fun riding with Bama again.  

It was also nice having folks to share camp with...

...

This is the time of year when I start buy my coffee with coins from the change jar, and start to really think about those "material things" that own us.  Speaking of fancy bikes/"material things" here is my review of the "Slayer" that I felt lucky to ride this summer. 

Cheers,

Chris 

Comments

[Carey]

You're not shallow, big bikes are fun and create a different experience and can take your riding in a whole new direction.
But I will say that the cost of these newer bikes is out of control expensive, it's becoming a rich man/woman's sport I'm afraid.
At least you can see things clearly.

[Cully Todd]

There is no shame in wanting a piece of equipment that can truly change how you experience an activity that you have dedicated your life to persuing.Cully Todd

[reverend dick]

You are not shallow. There are bikes and there are bikes. You can be happy with a fully rigid and have a great time, and still recognize the different great time to be had aboard some squish.

I think full squish bikes are SUPER fun to ride, but they are throw away bikes in the end- too many moving bit s to play out. I don't own one these days. Easy for me to say, working in a shop with a rich and varied demo fleet. Still, if it was on me, the squish would be had occasionally and not for keeps.

[Beth Rowley]

Bama is evil. He let me demo one of the Tallboys which led to a bunch of other 29er big bike demos which ultimately led to Keagan and I dropping far too much bling on fully amped carbon Niners. I feel like an industry sellout myself but omg they are so, so fun to ride!