Outdated technology

Murphys Law states that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. It seems lately my bike has been living by that mantra. Four months into 2017 and I've had to walk out of the woods holding my broken bike more than a few times already. Ive been using my backup bike when the repairs required sending out for parts, a 2003 santa cruz bullit (its white if you were wondering).

In this modern age of bike technology having the right equipment can make the difference between fun and just downright misery, at least thats what the industry wants you to think. The truth is you can have a blast on any bicycle as long as your attitude is to have a blast on a bicycle! Upgraded technology is awesome, dont get me wrong, but there is something to be said for the old school, the guys who got it done no matter what bike they were on.

It was the warmest day of the year so far, about a month ago, my chili was out of commission and their was no way i was going to miss this beautiful weather, fat bike or bullit, those were my options. With hesitation i grabbed the bullit, pumped up the tires for the first time in a couple years and out the door i went. The first 15 minutes were sketchy, no dropper post, and a 14 year old front fork thats a bit shy on travel made it an interesting 'welcome back' of sorts. The first hallelujah moment was when my group passed another group, all on carbon super bikes. The next one was when we topped out that climb my buddy and myself were the only ones to send the drop thats there. It taught me to appreciate all bicycles, for all bicycles are capable of bringing smiles. Now thats not to say that my bullit is the best bike ever and you should go back to old technology for more fun, but lets not forget where we came from, what riding bikes is all about; fun! And you can have fun on any bike as long as thats your attitude.

Near the end of the ride is the infamous "wall"; i roll it all the time on my chili but had never done it on my bullit before. I could feel my nerves at the top of pre-wall telling me no, that little flutter in your stomach that says dont do it, was fluttering like mad, but it was such an awesome ride so far i thought this would be great way to finish it. As soon as i crested i was two fists full of brakes and not slowing down a lick, i impacted at the bottom on both wheels like i just did a drop, got loose and bounced out of the saddle, full rodeo heading for a tree... somehow i got around the far side of the tree, came to an abrupt stop sideways and got bucked into a puddle. Before i could get up my buddys had already ran over to pick my bike up and drag me out of the way, not because they were worried if i was ok, but because they were worried someone would see me and id emberass them! We all had a good laugh and i dont think ill ever have that much fun crashing again. When you finish a ride and your cheeks hurt from smiling more than your legs hurt from pedaling, you know you did something right.

So next time your new bike breaks, or a component breaks, and you wanna ride, grab your old school bike and go rip, as long as its got two wheels and it pedals smiles are guarenteed.