The time was bound to come. I think this is it!
I always look for options to turn a bad thing into a good thing.
I shouldn’t be pushing for high speed right now anyway. I’m in serious
pain today (from my lower back all the way to my foot) from the
55-minute ride yesterday. Yes, it was worth the pain if that’s the only
choice, but let’s sit back, re-think things, and make the best of a bad
situation. Since I’ve been thrown out of my riding area, why not use the
time while I have no place for high speed long distance riding, to
re-train myself to a sorely needed new unibike! Now there’s a plan
that’s long overdue!
This is the lightbulb that wouldn't turn off today:
Special order a new toy with all of the best components to suit my picky
taste, put in the time to get used to it while I’m in bad shape and need
to take it easy anyway, and by the time I’m healed up and ready to rock,
I’ll be accustomed to a lighter, stronger, full suspension (if I can
find a very stiff rear suspension setup), brand new unibike with all of
the best components, that will suit my needs for unibiking AND that will
take the beating of mountain biking/bmx'ing! Hey, I can clear a bike out
of the garage! The biggest concern is the quality of the new index
shifters. I'll have to check the past threads. I think John Childs
mentioned a Rapid Rise system, which I haven't gotten around to testing
yet.
Maybe that rent-a-cop did me a favor.
Does anybody know of a good internet source for something like this? I'd
like to pick and choose the ideal combination late at night when I have
the free time (standard 12 to 2am surfing - I doubt if any shops are
interested in me browsing at this hour). I expect to be hearing from
John Childs, who has already provided much useful information in the
past.
In addition to having nowhere to ride, this idea was prompted in part by
the extreme improvement in the fun factor of this new motocross bike, as
compared to the bikes that were available when I was racing, which by
the way, a comeback is being considered. The main reason for giving it
up was the waste of a whole day to ride four 15-minute motos (there were
only two classes that I could run in one day). Not that I have a need to
win, or space for any more trophies; I just enjoy the battling with
other riders, whether it's for 1st place or 20th. At my age, there are 5
or 6 different classes that I can compete in (but I'll start with only 2
or 3), and I'm in better shape than when I was 20 (except uh, that spine
thingy, which continues to force my good side to get stronger by
itself). On a good, challenging practice track which I currently have
access to, I burn up a full tank of gas on nearly every ride, which on
this 450 only lasts 45 to 50 minutes (yes - in Louisiana - in July), and
that time continues to get shorter as I'm coming up to speed. I'm
currently searching for a suitable high volume tank. There's nothing
like fun exercise.
Miraculously, this thing is much easier on my back than running,
walking, pedaling, or even sitting in a chair, since when I'm standing,
my torso is supported by my arms, and whether I'm sitting or standing,
my back is in constant motion. With a little extra focus on the balance,
I am easily able to absorb 95% of the impact forces with my arms and the
bike's suspension. My back is just along for the free ride! Physical
therapists take note! This is super fun rehabilitation.
The goal after healing? In addition to a return to the motocross scene,
if I could take the liberty of borrowing a headline from Greg Harper,
and slightly modify it, it would read 50-B4-50. A 50-minute, 15-mile TT,
before I reach 50; a challenge that will keep me motivated to improve
for more than 5 years. Going out on a limb, considering last year’s
56:09 on a 30-pound tank (I was hurting like hell after that one too),
with a lighter ride, I think it’s doable.
Of course, any sponsorship ideas are welcomed, but not necessary. I’ve
never promoted any products, but it might be a thought. I do seem to
attract very close to 100% of the attention of everyone within seeing
distance, whether on the unibike or on a motocross track.
Any thoughts?
--
unibiker - What is that thing anyway?
Jeff Baker
[email hidden]
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