The doc finally cleared me to start riding again after my shoulder surgery
in early Feb. I took the boy wonder with me just to keep the pace down and
make sure I didn't push it to fast or hard the first time out. The boy was
a bit nervous since he hadn't done any off-road riding for months. The
trail was in perfect shape -- dry, hard, and clear of winter crud. Weather
was about 74 F with a slight breeze. It just couldn't get any more ideal.
Amazingly, the boy wonder was on fire. He was clearing stuff and carrying
speeds that he'd never done. It seems a few months growth, and a bit of
extra height and strength were the ticket. He was all over the technical
sections and only bailed on a few climbs. I on the other hand, felt like a
wounded walrus out there. The lad led the way and set the pace. Normally
following behind him is excruciatingly slow. Today it was just perfect.
He's improved enough to actually carry some speed, and I had no desire or
fitness to go much faster. He finished the loop with a big grin, and I was
pretty satisfied myself. The shoulder managed okay, nothing ice and tylenol
can't fix.
It was my first real ride with the new LX cranks, too. Shifting was great,
but that's what I'd expect with a whole new drivetrain. Otherwise I didn't
notice much difference from the RF I had on before. No complaints either,
so I guess that's a thumbs up.
Tom