I can't remember a year in recent memory where I was so excited to get out and ride my bike. Mostly it could be because I have a new road bike and I cannot wait to take it out and put it through its paces.  There is something special about the feel of a new ride.  But, I have been excited to ride since mid -December, which is weird because 'cross season had just finished.  The buzz wasn't just me (and it wasn't because of the cube of PB'ers in the fridge) it had all but consumed everyone here at the shop. Chad got a new bike, Abe got a new bike and Reed got two.  Global warming couldn't come soon enough it seems.  Ride plans are already being made.  The trip to Moab, the first ride up Sheep mountain, a quick ride down "secret sauce" (not Ewok).

I just want to get out on the road and  feel the cool crisp air blowing through my helmet giving me an ice cream headache. The problem is that I want to take my road bike out but I don't want to get it dirty. Is that lame? Don't answer I already know. But take a look at this shiny new drive train.

Do you wan to see those cogs get grimy? I didn't think so. I could put it on the trainer and ride a few times but it just would not be as satisfying. Besides I am so over that trainer. I tried to ride on Sunday and managed about twenty minutes before I thought I was going to lose my mind. I even had a good episode of "Heroes" on the tele.

I spend a good part of my days here at the shop cleaning bikes and making look like new but I think I will have to wait until May to get the road bike out.  Maybe STOKR will be its maiden voyage.

For the time being I will stick to the Major Jake.  It has seen its fair share of mud and grime.  It is looking good now but very soon we will get out and make a mes out of ourselves. A February ride outside is the perfect start to the Montana road riding season.