Destination this morning was McDowell Mtn. Park in NE Scottsdale/Fountain
Hills. I loaded up both bikes figuring I'd give the RSS a brief ride for
mileage under the belt. Ended up doing close to 16 miles on a course I
think was designed with HT or Rigid bike in mind.
We started out on the 3.2 mile Sport Loop and I gave it all I had. I felt
good (especially after yesterday's ride debacle) and the Monocog handled
quite responsively. We finished the loop and waited for the other two
riders (who decided to bring their dogs..........) who didn't show for the
10 minutes we waited so we took off to do the nearly 13 mile Long Loop.
This starts out mellow and pretty much stays that was except for some short
steep climbs, a large 1.5 foot ledge to climb up, and a lot of loose, sharp
rocks both on the climbs and decents. I thought I did well having to walk
three sections, the ledge and the upper part of two of the steeper climbs
(one I was only 15' from the top...) The stop at the ledge gave me the
chance to tighten the head set and catch my breath.
The dh was interesting having not ridden a rigid bike in some 20 years or so
and my wrists felt it at the end. Then there was the ever annoying lower
back issues I had since July sapping the strength from my legs. Lucky for
me my riding partner was about out of steam as well. (that's why I ride
with older guys.....:-)
We finished and waited at the truck for our friend (whos wife was waiting
patiently with the dogs), ate a little and bs'd. Said friend shows up and
we decide to do another Sport loop, this time me on the double bouncy. I
was amazed at how riding the RSS first helped me maneuver the db. Had I
ridden the bikes in reverse order I think I would have had more problems.
I think the rigid bike is fun but my forearms are numb. Only time will tell
as to if I spring the front of this bike....
or find nice smooth serpentine trails to ride!
Gary