Kim's New Rivendell

After Kim's beloved Rivendell Betty Foy was totaled almost exactly a year ago on our way to Acadia, we collected about $1600 from insurance. About $800 shy of the replacement value (hard to calculate, since we got Betty built up at a local shop, and Riv doesn't make that frame any more), but it was just about enough to cover a replacement.

So, after a wait of close to 5 months, we received a big box from Rivendell last week containing her brand new Clem Smith Jr. (L for "Ladies"). It came literally the day before setting off for this year's Acadia adventure (largely unconsummated though, due to my back injury.) It's gorgeous, with some lovely details (lugs with heart cut-outs!), nearly rivaling her last one. 

But better still, it's a more appropriate ride for her. With 26-inch wheels and a nice long wheelbase, it's a tip-of-the-hat to mountain bikes of yore and rides like a dream.

Very much looking forward to lots of fun family rides!

What? A new post!

After AGES, I'm back. I'm also going to start focusing on cycling again. And some running I guess.

One bright side of the ridiculous quarantine situation we're in is that (like many others) am eating better, sleeping more, and getting a lot more exercise. Which has included running every day since February (3-9 miles per day). I did a nice ride last weekend and a really good one today before work - so I'm hoping to get 20+ miles on the bike in at least 3 times per week starting today.

I've been really inspired recently because:

It's springtime (okay, now summer!)! It's relatively easy to run a few miles in gruesome weather, but sunny skies and dry surfaces are really much more conducive to biking.

I've been helping Gemma clear out the attic, which includes literally hundreds of back issues of cycling mags. Turns out we brought at least 5 years' worth of Cycling Plus magazine back with us from London. It's such a good magazine.... I had a lot of fun last weekend poring over back issues - including March 2004, with the first full review of the Raven Adventure Tour. That's the review that sparked my obsession with the Rohloff derailleur and ultimately ended up with me going up to Somerset and being fitted for my very own Raven.

The girls are now both reasonably cyclists, and they have nice Specialized hybrid bikes - they should be able to keep up with me on most any adventure I should dream up, I should think.

And I just (minutes ago!) ordered a new Rivendell for Kim to replace her beloved Betty Foy. (Why? It's a long story, which I hope to tackle another day). I'm sure that she's going to LOVE her new Clem Smith L, when it arrives in July! Rivendell put them on sale at 3pm today, and I'm pretty sure I was one of the very first buyers. No need for a seat or pedals - Betty will be the organ donor. Here it's a pic from the Rivendell website - what a beaut!

More to come!