My first ride back, post-accident/injury

[PacMan]

I was FINALLY able to get back out to the trails today after work. This was also my first ride on my new Zion 29er.

Mark/Sladnas, Sean/GP_pilot and I hit up Daley Ranch. The original plan was to set off at 3PM, but Sean was running late and we didn't hit the trail until closer to 4PM. We figured we'd be finishing the ride in the dark, so Mark and I threw our lights in our CamelBaks.

First off, it felt great to be back. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got back at it. The climbing was easier than I thought it would be--even on the 29er--so I was stoked about that.

I am still a little gun-shy psychologically on the techy DH stuff. It's pretty annoying, but I just can't bring myself to open it up on the DH's. Maybe that's my self-preservation instinct kicking in, I don't know. Hopefully it will go away soon. I'm sure it will.

At the top of Cardiac, it was getting pretty dark so Mark and I decided to bust out the lights. My TriNewt had been sitting for the last 3 weeks with what I thought would be a half charge on the battery, but when I plugged it in, nothing happened--dead battery. I don't know why I thought it would still have some life left after 3 weeks, but it didn't.

So, we decided to skip Burnt Mt, Bobcat and Cougar Ridge, since we would have to ride all the way back with just Mark's light. We made it back just fine and hit a pretty good Mexican food place for dinner after.

My initial opinion on the 29er is I really liked the way it felt on the trail. I will get a better wheelset eventually and maybe even upgrade the frame. But, I don't think I'll be going to a FS 29er frame. I really liked the way the HT felt and I also liked hammering out of the saddle to get the wheels moving. So I don't know if I will upgrade the frame or not. Sure it would be nice to get a lighter frame, but the bike only weighs 30.34 lbs. I know that's a tad heavy, but the Zion is a capable frame. I'll get the weight down with some 29er Crossmax's and go from there.

I am SOOO glad to be back. I felt a bit out of shape, but I know that will come back soon. I'd like to thank everyone again for the well wishes and kind words. It means a lot.

Thanks again,
Doug/Pac Man

p.s.---HI SHANNON!

[foofighter]

great to hear you back on the saddle Doug. so other than the tire size how do you like the SS'ing experience?

[nomad]

Congrats on the new ride & getting back in the saddle after your injury . Its natural to be sketchy after an injury . It will go away about the time your body is all the way healed . Funny how that works.

[Red Hot Sloth]

Glad your back in the dirt, just make sure to keep the rubber-side down!
As said earlier, your nerves will be back in no time, just don't rush it, remember your limits. Back when I trashed my leg in '98, my first ride back was nerve racking on the sketchy stuff, but the ride after that was much better, and within a few rides it was mostly gone, but still in the back of my mind...not the forefront though. It's all normal man, have fun....ride.

[sladnas]

That was a really fun ride if I say so myself. I particularly like the part where there was 3 bikes and 1 light. Not generally recommended

Doug, you'll be back in shape in no time. I was sucking air today too, but already feel stronger.

[bajamtnbkr]

Pacman good that you are back on the bike, might get a chance to ride with you guys next tuesday.

[el_d00der1n0]

Originally Posted by PacMan

My initial opinion on the 29er is I really liked the way it felt on the trail. I will get a better wheelset eventually and maybe even upgrade the frame. But, I don't think I'll be going to a FS 29er frame. I really liked the way the HT felt and I also liked hammering out of the saddle to get the wheels moving. So I don't know if I will upgrade the frame or not. Sure it would be nice to get a lighter frame, but the bike only weighs 30.34 lbs. I know that's a tad heavy, but the Zion is a capable frame. I'll get the weight down with some 29er Crossmax's and go from there.

Is it the weight alone that has you thinking of upgrading the frame?

[dstepper]

Nice glad things went OK on your return run. I am still scared on some of the downs, I never "got over it". It is no fun being off the bike.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by PacMan

I was FINALLY able to get back out to the trails today after work. This was also my first ride on my new Zion 29er.

Mark/Sladnas, Sean/GP_pilot and I hit up Daley Ranch. The original plan was to set off at 3PM, but Sean was running late and we didn't hit the trail until closer to 4PM. We figured we'd be finishing the ride in the dark, so Mark and I threw our lights in our CamelBaks.

First off, it felt great to be back. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I got back at it. The climbing was easier than I thought it would be--even on the 29er--so I was stoked about that.

I am still a little gun-shy psychologically on the techy DH stuff. It's pretty annoying, but I just can't bring myself to open it up on the DH's. Maybe that's my self-preservation instinct kicking in, I don't know. Hopefully it will go away soon. I'm sure it will.

At the top of Cardiac, it was getting pretty dark so Mark and I decided to bust out the lights. My TriNewt had been sitting for the last 3 weeks with what I thought would be a half charge on the battery, but when I plugged it in, nothing happened--dead battery. I don't know why I thought it would still have some life left after 3 weeks, but it didn't.

So, we decided to skip Burnt Mt, Bobcat and Cougar Ridge, since we would have to ride all the way back with just Mark's light. We made it back just fine and hit a pretty good Mexican food place for dinner after.

My initial opinion on the 29er is I really liked the way it felt on the trail. I will get a better wheelset eventually and maybe even upgrade the frame. But, I don't think I'll be going to a FS 29er frame. I really liked the way the HT felt and I also liked hammering out of the saddle to get the wheels moving. So I don't know if I will upgrade the frame or not. Sure it would be nice to get a lighter frame, but the bike only weighs 30.34 lbs. I know that's a tad heavy, but the Zion is a capable frame. I'll get the weight down with some 29er Crossmax's and go from there.

I am SOOO glad to be back. I felt a bit out of shape, but I know that will come back soon. I'd like to thank everyone again for the well wishes and kind words. It means a lot.

Thanks again,
Doug/Pac Man

p.s.---HI SHANNON!

But, I don't think I'll be going to a FS 29er frame.

all of us FS owners have said that at one point

good to hear that you are cranking again

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by foofighter

great to hear you back on the saddle Doug. so other than the tire size how do you like the SS'ing experience?

The 29er is geared--so no SS on that.

My SS is a 26er, that I just put a rigid carbon fork on. I'm taking that out today on Lake Hodges.

[foofighter]

OHHHHH i have a hard time keeping up with your rides

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by el_d00der1n0

Is it the weight alone that has you thinking of upgrading the frame?

Ya, pretty much. They say the steel frames deaden the bumps better than aluminum though, so we'll see.

[Pain Freak]

Don't rush it amigo. It'll come back sooner then you think. It's when you ride a little over your comfort level that bad things start to happen. Go easy for now.

[PacMan]

Thanks Mike.

So when are you gonna come down to Sandy Eggo again and let us show you around?

[Pain Freak]

Real soon amigo.

What did you have in mind?

[steviebfromtheoc]

Nice come back ! time to have some fun

[Red Hot Sloth]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Real soon amigo.

What did you have in mind?

NOBLE!!!

[mazer75]

I haven't ridden with you yet, but I'm definitely glad to hear you're back out on the trails and having a good time! Hope to ride with you soon man. Ride safe, shake that bit of rust off, and I'm sure you'll be flying down the technical stuff real soon!

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Real soon amigo.

What did you have in mind?

I was thinking a full Tour De Noble come Spring.