Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Badger's Inaugural Ride

On Sunday, I took the Badger out on its first outing (in its current form, anyway). Technically, it's still not completely finished. There are a few parts on it that are temporary, but it's certainly rideable. And man, is it one sweet ride.
I wanted to do a pre-ride of Addison Oaks before the race in October. Marty and Kristi offered to show me around the trail. I seem to have this thing with getting lost on trails lately, so I thought it would be a good idea. Besides, having company is always good. Marty and Kristi decided they wanted to get some extra miles in, so we met in Rochester and rode the Paint Creek Pathway to Addison Oaks.

On the way out, we got flat #1. Well, actually, Marty got flat #1, but she changed her tube out pretty quickly and we went on our merry way. The Badger felt pretty good. The saddle was a bit uncomfortable, but Chris is going to swap it out for the saddle from my Haro, so it's all good. It was a great day and the trail was a really nice way to get across town.

I really liked the Addison Oaks trail, and I love the Badger. I feel so much more confident on the Badger than I did on my Haro. It's really amazing that a bike could make that much of a difference, but things like rock piles and logs that would have completely intimidated me on my Haro seemed like they weren't even obstacles. I was invincible!!!!!!
Marty also gave me some tips on riding downhill and that also helped a lot. It was the most competent I've felt on a trail ever. I can't wait to do the 6 hour race there.

When we were about half way through the trail, Kristi got a flat, too. Unfortunately, she didn't have a pump or CO2, so she went to the parking lot to find some air.

Luckily, there was a rider in the parking lot who was able to help. When it was fixed, we headed back with me wondering if I was going to be next. Luckily, we made it back without a third flat, since I had no supplies whatsoever to fix one.
After the ride, we stopped at Rochester Mills Beer Co. for food. All in all, it was a great day with good company, fantastic weather and about 34 miles.

3 comments:

Laurie said...

Glad your new bike is so awesome, Andrea! Best of luck at Addison!

Anonymous said...

Do you like your Badger???

SpeedyChix said...

Glad to see you finally got in the first ride on it.