trailboss7

It's sunny and warming up outside and I'm anxious to ride ... but first a introduction post. Team Astana is in town ... maybe I'll see them on the road?! I didn't ride last week, not even a commute to work, but I got in some great skiing.

I've got a good fitness base to start from (winter spin cycle, swimming, some running, fairly regular bike commutes, ashtanga yoga) and want to get into MTB endurance stuff (an event coming up in March) and possibly work towards some road climbing events (Durango Iron Horse, Mt Evans?).

My road bike is a recreational custom steel Fabris (Columbus Aluthron tubes, Campy Chorus 9sp) I bought while living in Italy. My MTB is a Bontrager 7sp I'm anxious to replace with a 9sp steel hardtail, (possibly aluminum), 26 or 29? ... I don't know. My confidence on technical sections is not great (it's been awhile and I'm out of practice) but I love long climbs and the rewards of carving long downhill sections.

I will possibly get the Bontrager converted to a single speed for short rides around town and in the foothills. It's served me well but I want to get a better, more responsive geometry (the Bridgestone MB-1 was the best) for my short torso, long legs and to stop having to worry about worn obsolete components if I'm far from the trailhead.

Getting ready for a ride ... I'll check the forum when I get back

Ciao

East Hill

Hi trailboss7, let's see some photos! The Fabris sounds like a fun bike. What were you doing in Italy that you had an opportunity for a custom bike?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

trailboss7

I just posted a couple of pics at:

https://picasaweb.google.com/trailbos...lbum12608225PM.

My job managing contracts with Italian companies (mostly for US Navy, some Italian/Spanish Navy) brought me and my family there. I could go on and on about riding in Italy, but am interested in what rides BF folks are doing today.

East Hill

Very nice! Pretty blue colour, too.

My ride today--20 miles in the (cold) rain. It was a good day!

East Hill

cycle17

Welcome to Bike Forums trailboss7! I have family out in that area. Nice country out there!

castanagajt

Nice ride you got there and welcome to the site, I am sure you will like it here. East hill riding 20miles in the rain? wow that is something.

East Hill

We get used to it here in Puget Sound! As long as it's not freezing it's not too bad actually .

East Hill