Longtail Adventures Begin

Chris rolled in from work a couple hours early this afternoon.  Cash in hand, the whole family ventured to Downtown Denver to visit our favorite bike shop.  Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop is a fabulous little place off Platte and 16th St.  They just happen to be an Xtracycle and Kona dealer.

As we walked in, I heard angels sing.  Pretty sure the light moved just enough to highlight the beauty of the Ute sitting along the left wall.  Grinning like an idiot, I told Scott (the owner) I wanted to test ride the bike.  I'm sure he was happy at the prospect of us actually spending money there.  

I was instantly in love.

In the off chance it didn't work for me, we didn't have any great backup plans.  I was sure it would work.  

The guys dropped the seat lower for my little legs and handed me a helmet.  It was so much lighter than I expected!  I plotted the route I would take in my head--over the Highland Bridge to Commons Park and back.  Off I went.  Off I flew!  The glorious seat--so comfortable.  The gears, shifting smooth and easy.  Brakes.  Oh the brakes.  Disc brakes that stopped on a dime.  Needless to say, we bought it.

Did I mention, I am in love.  

Coming home was interesting.  We're going to have to modify the racks on the roof of our car, but I don't anticipate driving the bike much anyway.

A few tweaks at home and we were ready to go.  Chris headed off first, since he hadn't had a chance to try it.  Up and down our little street he flew.  Then it was my turn.  I decided I wanted to see how it would feel with a load on the back, so I convinced him to jump on the deck and I hauled him up and down the street.  Not too bad at all!  Groceries won't be a problem at all.  We switched places and he gave it a try with me on the back.  By then the kids realized we were giving rides and were eager to join in on the fun.  Chris and Boone went first.  I think the bike makes them as happy as it does me.  Lily gave it a go and giggled like fiend.  

We've probably given the bike a good 10 miles just bopping around the neighborhood.  It is as awesome as I had imagined.