That's right, we've had our first family trip to vegas... Rotovegas at least (aka Rotorua). We went over on Saturday to meet up with a few friends of mine riding in the 24hrs of N-Duro, and complete a couple of bike-bits business transactions. I figured I may as well do a ride between Oliver's feeds, so I chucked my bike on the back of the car.
I ended up riding a lap for an adventure team that was short by 1 person (he was out in the forest doing a reconnaissance lap!). Unfortunately my bike was still in singlespeed mode... I had forgone the luxury of 27 gears, and opted for just 1. This was all good fun in not so hilly places and good for around Hamilton (it's flat!), but in Vegas it requires a decent level of fitness to push 1 gear and make it up the hills.
Nevertheless, lured by the promise of a free pair of N-Duro socks (limited edition), I agreed and set out at the back of the pack on my lap. Well, I survived. It was hot, hilly, and hard, but I made it. Yes, I had to walk some of the hills, but so did the other "gearies" that were on the course with me. No shame in that. I was completely stuffed after 1 lap, and really pleased that I didn't have to ride it for 24hrs!!!
Another bonus of our visit to Vegas was that I got to pick up my new bike frame. A nice and light Reynolds 853 hardtail. It's about 1kg lighter than my current 4130 cromo frame, so it should certainly make the uphills a bit easier. For now the old (almost worn out) parts from my current bike will be switched over, but eventually everything will be replaced with new and lighter parts. The question is: Is 27 gears really necessary?
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