All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

samba velos are in my near future

 

that was one of the very first things we covered as my wife and I started to get serious way back when. I told her: " look, here is what I do, and when I do it. If you don't like it, then lets stop now, b/c I don't want you to waste your time. And the same, I will never expect you to ask me permission to do anything either. We are adults. We make our own choices, and suffer our own consequences for bad choices""...of course, we communicate about stuff, and work together to make positive choices about finances and scheduling, but I dealt too much in the past with being told that "you are not allowed to do x,y,z anymore"

 

DARKNESS!!!!

 

I think the easiest way to avoid all conflicts in that scenario is to properly manage expectations. I expect to be able to ride my bike a few times a week and will be out for a few hours, but also I let my wife know when I expect to be home and make sure I uphold that. If things are going to be longer, I send a quick text and make sure everything is going well, otherwise I work to keep it fair. I don't schedule all my free time

My riding buddy who has a wife who he has to "ask permission" to ride has blown the expectations too many times. Too many fights and arguments about why are you riding AGAIN when you just went. He (like most of us) has a wife and kid, but didn't adjust properly to the needed family time. Using every Saturday and Sunday, as well a few nights a week to go for a ride put too much strain on the household which as expected, caused issues. Now he feels like he needs to ask permission and holds a grudge over it.

 

Weekly date nights would do wonders for that guy...

I don't do weekly date nights, but do spend time nightly watching at least 1 episode of a series, playing Mario Kart, or currently painting the houses window trim, crown molding, and baseboards..
I'd say I have a pretty good schedule, a Tuesday/Thursday night ride for 2/3 hours from time I leave to get back to the house, and maybe 1 ride over the weekend for 3/4 hours plus whatever travel time if I'm trying to go somewhere not 10 mins from me.

 

Pretty sure most of those time you're 'out longer than expected' is because the guy your riding with is sucking wind and the pace has slowed more than anticipated

 

Nah, I just wanted more miles.....too busy being selfish!

 

I also did the ride to work in winter today (I ride everyday since my previous truck died and I am waiting for Toyota to graciously allocate me a truck.)
Not sure how many layers to wear, it's gonna be 87 or so today.

 

Big weekend for my little one. Just picked this up and a Mac Ride seat is on the way. Can’t wait to get her out!

 

I’m that guy!

 

Now, I just need my new wheels

 

NorCal skipped Spring and went right into Summer. OHM in Calistoga.

 

Skyline (Napa) never disappoints.

 

Love that trails are starting to melt out. Still lots of snow and mud here in northern Utah.
Took the Decoy out yesterday to test the knee again, and do some exploring. So worth it, found some bandit trails that were incredibly fun and steep. Of course I didn’t stop to get pics, but one from the bottom. Definitely some no fall zone out there.

 

Got out for a quick spin today after a few hours at work. Sad to say that was only the second time this year.

Spoiler: My local trails and scenery don’t hold a candle to some of what you guys have available.

Decide to sample a small loop that was just competed a few months ago that’s around the corner from where I’m working currently.

Made some poor judgement and rolled into a rock section blind. Turns out the more ideal line is riders left the whole way rather than left to center like I attempted. It’s deceiving as you roll in as there’s actually a sizable gap between the preliminary and secondary rock sections.

Honestly the only way I see possible to clean the whole thing is to Danny MacAskill trials hop from the first to the second. Didn’t go down and no physical injuries. But definitely added some love marks to my frame and fork.

Oh well, ride on.

 

Not much going on up in SWPa, but I have been on my fat bike pretty regularly with the snowfall and cold temps allowing it to stick around more than usual.

Have not been on the Honzo CR much since I did the mullet but I also added -1 degree headset. Cant wait for spring to give it whirl.

Also since I have no restraint on pushing the "buy it now" button I have myself a Honzo ST build going on. As my bones get older the carbon is beating the snot out of me a bit, I love riding a hardtail so my hope is the steel frame will be a bit more forgiving so I can enjoy myself over the next few years. Heres a list of the build...

Honzo ST frame L w/WolfTooth -1 degree headset (65 degree HTA when finished)
DVO Diamond 140mm
XT 4 pot brakes 203/180
GX AXS
OneUp post 180mm
WTB Volt saddle
OneUP 35mm by 35mm rise
Renthal 40mm stem
XO carbon cranks w/32t oval
chester pedals
I9 Hydras laced to DIY carbon hoops 32 spoke
2.3 Butcher F, 2.3 Purgatory R
Slow build, should be ready for April. Carbon Honzo might be for sale...

You will have top take my word for it fellas, if I was able to post pic's I would. I am very challenged with techy stuff and thats being nice to myself, lol.

 

Chicks dig scars

 

Honzo are some good looking bikes. I saw like a cream honzo cr with i9s built “XC race” style and that thing was sick. I should have gotten it when I saw it on pinkbike