Big wheels I know you're the one...

Greetings from Phoenix, where the sun actually shines.

My plane arrived late Wednesday night. Normally I try to tune everything on the plane out, but when the pilot mentioned that we were battling a 130 mph headwind I perked right up. Headwinds slowing us down? A scenario I know quite well!

I'm still on East Coast time so I woke up early. Shocking, I know. Jason works right across the street at South Mountain Cycles, and that's where my bike was waiting.

Blogosphere, I would like to introduce you to my bike...

I mentioned this before, but I'm still waiting on brakes, and my fork. But other then those 2 parts, the bike is built up like I'm going to race it. Jason had to fix a brake for me, and I watched and took more pictures. I'm not going to post them, but rest assured that I managed to capture a few more of my handlebar :-) I swear, I'm like a proud parent.

And then it was time to ride! I was so excited. And to be honest a little nervous. We were riding with Jason's friend Mo, a pro downhiller. This was my first time on singletrack in months and my first time on the Dos Niner. My coach wanted me to take it easy and get to know how the bike handled. I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to keep up.

Actually the guy's couldn't keep up with me....

Ha ha, totally joking. But here's what did happen. I fell IN LOVE with the Dos Niner. Instantly.

We went riding on South Mountain, and it was the perfect place to get to know my bike because I've ridden there before 2 years ago, when I was here for team camp. The trail is swoopy and fun, with lots of rocks and a few steep climbs.

I felt comfortable on my bike instantly. Like one pedal stroke down and I was smiling. The Dos Niner feels completely responsive, but at the same time I feel completely protected when I'm riding it. I was able to ride over rocks, down drops, and over more rocks without ever feeling the bike bob. It was so awesome.

The bike climbs incredibly well too. I was cleaning a lot of stuff that I was walking the last time that I was here. In the past I used to have a hard time getting over rocky ledges while climbing. With the Dos Niner I was able to just roll right over everything.

Jason climbing away.....

The climb was totally worth the views...
Me and my Dos Niner....
So yeah, I was smiling the entire ride. After we were done we basically had to throw the bikes in the car and then go pick up Juli from the airport. Then we met up with Jason's wife Kristina for awesome Mexican food. A perfect day!

I had almost forgotten that good, tired feeling you get from riding outside. Luckily we have lots of provisions in the form of chocolate :-)

Last night Juli came into the room and found me lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling and smiling. When she asked what I was thinking about, I told her, "my bike." She started laughing, but it was true. I can't wait to ride today!