I think I get it...

mitchgixer6

Spring was most definatley in the air today up here in deepest Ayrshire. Wall to wall sunshine and an indicated 16 degrees. Meant it was time to throw off the guards, dig out the new summer gloves and ditch the leggings for shorts and go for a quick run.

Now I've only had my 'Dale Synapse since January, and so have been reluctant to take it out on the salt laden roads. And every tme I have made it out I've been wraped up and end up with cold feet/hands despite wearing the winter gear. Despite the cold I have enjoyed the 70 miles I've managed since delivery.

But today was a different matter. I think I finally "get" raod riding! Being out on the quiet country roads, the sun warming my back, the birds providing a spring time soundtrack I had an absolute ball! Only had time for 13 miles in 40 mins, but my god I loved every minute. even when I was struggling up the 400ft climb! I truely felt at one with the bike, and I got that "zen" kind of feeling I've only had before very rarely whilst out running.

After being a MTB only rider for many years, I never really had any cause to get into road riding. But now I have a bike that does the job properly I understand it. Wish I had bought one years ago! I can see the Genesis Altitude slowly gathering dust in the garage as I up my road mileage! It's going to be a fun summer!!

4471iang

I know just how you feel, when I ride its almost enlightening, I grin from ear to ear the whole time I'm out ( except when I'm gasping for air on those steeper climbs ). The wife said I come home like an excited teenager and I don't stop talking, I LOVE IT 8)

cheehee

I know exactly what you mean Mitch. My Rockhopper is sat in the shed not doing a lot, whilst I put the miles on the roadbike.

I did 60 miles on it the other day. Which whilst doing it was fine, but I've got sore legs now

I Hit 42 mph going downhill which is the quickest I've ever been on a pushbike..........I 'm lovin the roadbike action. I've got to work on my climbing though

I don't know about you, but I don't live near any really decent MTB trails. So I have to either drive or ride to them. Whereas on the road bike as soon as I get out the front door I can get straight on with my ride. I have even started considering selling the MTB and getting another roadbike..............hhmmmmnn carbon fibre droooolll.

I don't think it will happen as I do enjoy MTB'ing when I do it, but I am enjoying the roadbike a lot more than I thought I would.

Cheehee

robmanic1

I also have a foot in both camps, but I can't really say I enjoy one more than the other. I do believe that both disciplines compliment each other though, I think the MTB gives you the bike-handling skills and the roady stuff is probably more effective for developing a better level of bike-fitness.

fnegroni

cheehee wrote:

I don't know about you, but I don't live near any really decent MTB trails. So I have to either drive or ride to them.

I usually take the train. Even for road cycling, interesting routes are quite far and hopping on the train makes sense.

I commute partly by train and partly by bike. It's great: you can choose which bits are more suitable for riding and which ones are more suitable for train-ing, and makes for very interesting and longer rides.

rally200

Definitley got it Sat morning- despite being minus whatever degrees - a couple of hours in the beautiful Dedham Vale, and saw maybe 4 or 5 cars but hundreds of animals (have to go out cold & early before North London arrives in its 4x4s and ruins everything).

Makes me envy pepole who live in the real country areas.