Beachgrad05

So picked up my new baby after work on Thursday...Watched them unpack it from the box and start the assembly. Went to local watering hole for a couple beers while they did their thing. So by time I got home with it, it was too late for a ride (not to mention the beer).

Friday I had TONS of stuff to get done related to a career change and wanting to see Prometheus. No ride on Friday either.

So this morning, my cycling group was to be having our new monthly social ride where we stop at a place and have breakfast and chat a bit. Ended up being cancelled due to cancellations and member's plans changing. So ended up being on my own for a ride, which is fine with me, especially for the first ride on the new bike. Here he is ready to go:



I had to get use to the shifting a bit as my 3.1 had SRAM Apex and the new 4.5 has Shimino 105. The seat seemed too low and don't think they tightened the seat post enough as it felt like it was getting lower as I rode. So I stopped and got my multi-tool out and raised the seat up. The new seat post is carbon so was VERY careful when I tightened things up after adjusting the height. I initially had planned to do a 45 mile ride (which would be my furthest to date with the knowledge I have the Big Ring Metric Century coming in two weeks).

I have mild degenrative arthritus in my hips and a torn labrum with a cyst in my left one...throw in the lumbar spinal stenosis and I worry a bit about discomfort when I ride. So I took two Aleve before I left the house. The seat height issue probably was not helpful to start the ride but I corrected if fairly quickly. I stopped about 7 miles in and stretched my legs and back out a bit and that helped for a while. When I stopped to rest or eat a snack, I did some stretching. Ended up taking two more Aleve at about the 28 mile mark.

I rode north on the San Gabriel River Trail from my house and figured to turn around at a dam near the Whittier Narrows Rec area. Before getting to that tho, I had to cross the river via the San Gabriel River Parkway...and to get to the road, there was a short steep hill. I got off the bike and walked it up that as there was NO F'ing way I was falling today. I rode up the hill to the dam area and hung out eating some snacks and hydrating. I saw a coyote along the ride today as well.

Coyote I saw:


Here are some guys getting ready to head south.



View North continuing on the SGRT:



My baby up here before continuing north:



I headed north for a few more miles and turned around at 17 miles for my ride and according to the mile marker 24.25 miles from Seal Beach. My plan was to head south to the beach, then head north again to go home.

Here is the view heading back south:



Heading back south, the wind was getting tough for me and throw in my hip/lower back discomfort...and I decided to just head home and skip going all the way to the beach.

Ended up doing about 34 miles.

https://connect.garmin.com/activity/187258152

lenny866

Very Cool , great looking bike! Good luck with it.

TrojanHorse

I hate that stupid golf course... there's a nice cooler full of water right there and no way to get at it. Bah!

As for carbon stems, don't worry about babying it. I torqued mine the first time I used it and ever since, it's been hand tight with my multitool (plenty tight). Lennard Zinn says if the post fits your tube, the worst case scenario is you may strip the screws.

Sounds like your shop hooked you up. Congrats!

Daspydyr 

Good looking bike and nice first ride report. I have a carbon stem and handlebar on my mountain bike. I weigh 225 and pound it pretty well. I am amazed the beating it takes. Ride with confidence. Trek won't put you on a bike that might bring them a lawsuit.

You neglected to report on the beer from Thursday?

Cyclist0084

Sweet looking bike. Nice ride pics as well.

goldfinch

I love the blue handlebar tape. Are you getting refitted?

Beachgrad05

I plan on it. They used measurements from other bike to set it up.

Thanks about tape... Bike needed some color.

GeoBigJon

Looks good congrats!

BikinPotter

Looking' good, Beachgrad! Glad the story has a happy ending with you riding a snazzy new bike.

jethro56 

Really like the 2012's crank. MY 2011's is so plain.

Street Pedaler

Sweet bike. I got a new 5.2 last June (it has a birthday in 9 days) and love it. It should bring you many happy miles!

chefisaac

love the bike. Great colors too and I love the blue tape!