Dusting off at 44

T

trivan

Member
Hi, so I decided that I need to start doing some level of activity other then heading to the gym, so after a 17 year break I have started to look into getting back into mountain biking but on a more limited basis.

I use to do a fair amount of riding in Queens and trips to Vermont. After a couple of visits to ERs the wife said no more downhill riding. Fast forward and I now live in Union county, which seems a bit limited in terms of trails, but I'm looking to start slow and just get out on easy really easy trails for now. As I think the first thing will be to get adjusted to the seat again.

I still am soaking up all the new technology and haven't even decided on a bike, but I am leaning towards a Trek Fuel FX8. I just read that it now comes in 29 so seems as a good way to get back into the scene. I'll have to see how soon it will hit the stores.

This is a great forum and hopefully can contribute one day. Looking forward to meeting some on the trails.



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Welcome aboard I mostly ride south of you so I am not sure of trails by you although I have done the Tourne and that has a few good easy sections.
as for bikes I tested a bunch ad ended up with the giant anthem 29 just for the bang for the buck although I ride my SS the most down here..
 
Welcome....

There are a couple bike demo days coming up - that should help.

Enjoy!
 
mike_243 said:
Welcome aboard I mostly ride south of you so I am not sure of trails by you although I have done the Tourne and that has a few good easy sections.
as for bikes I tested a bunch ad ended up with the giant anthem 29 just for the bang for the buck although I ride my SS the most down here..
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So a few weeks and some test rides, and a lot of reading I ended with with a Giant thanks to the suggestion of Mike_243 (I'm Mike too). I decided to go for it all as this is probably the last bike I'll be buying in a long time.






Now I'm ready to get out there and get it dirty. I've read about the Tuesday beginner rides and hope to make that sometime soon, but living in North NJ the trip is pretty far to do after work. Anyone willing to do a ride this Saturday morning at Lewis Morris or somewhere around the area with easier trails? I will warn you, its been a long time since I have rode, so it may be a quick ride for me.
 
Welcome to the site and a big welcome back to riding. Nice bike BTW, but let me tell you before ArwensMom does, you may wish to ditch the reflectors. All that extra weight drags you down, oh and you gain cool points!

P.S. Just kidding JM!!
 
Thanks. I was debating if I should put the spoke noise makers on. Lol. I was so excited to put it all together I didn't notice them.
 
trivan said:
Thanks. I was debating if I should put the spoke noise makers on. Lol. I was so excited to put it all together I didn't notice them.
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If you decide to, make sure you use your Wade Boggs rookie card, so all the kids know you're serious.
 
Welcome Mike, nice bike, I'm sure it'll serve you well. If you're in Summit, NJ, you're only a stone's throw from a few decent trail systems to get you started. Shame that Watchung is closed to bikes now, would have been in your backyard.

If you're looking for easy, start with Patriot's Path. Pick it up just west of Morristown on Sussex Turnpike, park at the dirt lot just after the road crosses the Path, and bike westward...you can go all the way past the Ralston fire station (roughly 8 miles one way) on dirt. Only a couple of short climbs along the way, mostly flat. Couple of shallow stream crossings. Very scenic.

Also just west of Morristown (on Rt124) is Lewis Morris. Not a technical park, but decent amount of climbing. Can access this via Patriot's Path too.

Someone mentioned Tourne. That's in Mtn Lakes/Boonton, not far from the Intervale Road exit on 287 North. Rolling terrain, one big hill if you want a nice view, but not required to ride that to get some good sections in.

Good luck!
 
icebiker said:
Welcome Mike, nice bike, I'm sure it'll serve you well. If you're in Summit, NJ, you're only a stone's throw from a few decent trail systems to get you started. Shame that Watchung is closed to bikes now, would have been in your backyard.

If you're looking for easy, start with Patriot's Path. Pick it up just west of Morristown on Sussex Turnpike, park at the dirt lot just after the road crosses the Path, and bike westward...you can go all the way past the Ralston fire station (roughly 8 miles one way) on dirt. Only a couple of short climbs along the way, mostly flat. Couple of shallow stream crossings. Very scenic.

Also just west of Morristown (on Rt124) is Lewis Morris. Not a technical park, but decent amount of climbing. Can access this via Patriot's Path too.

Someone mentioned Tourne. That's in Mtn Lakes/Boonton, not far from the Intervale Road exit on 287 North. Rolling terrain, one big hill if you want a nice view, but not required to ride that to get some good sections in.

Good luck!
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Thanks ice biker. Patriots path sounds like a good place to start.

Reflectors are off. I have decided on those spoke things that go up and down, my daughters friend had them on. I did read someone riding with a bear bell 🙂
 
very cool ride dude...you will like it for sure.. if you get down south let me know I can give you a tour of Allaire...
 
Welcome aboard!!!! I also have a Anthem x29 1 my favorite bike so far. best bang for the buck, i completely agree.

if you ever want to ride chimney rock shoot me a pm.I have no problem riding with someone just getting back into it.I just love being out on my bike.
 
There is also a beginner ride at Lewis Morris every Wednesday night (weather pending). It's a very beginner friendly group with regrouping at the tops of hills. I believe it's a 5pm get together with wheels down by 5:30pm.

Def worth checking out if you can make the time during the week.
 
ReggieHammond said:
There is also a beginner ride at Lewis Morris every Wednesday night (weather pending). It's a very beginner friendly group with regrouping at the tops of hills. I believe it's a 5pm get together with wheels down by 5:30pm.

Def worth checking out if you can make the time during the week.
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Oh great!! I saw this in the LM area, but didn't see any recent updates. I'll be there soon.
 
FYI, the LM beginner ride on Wed is at 6pm, and it's usually moving by 6:15. Meet at the Sunrise lake parking lot (the paved lot, not the gravel lot across the street).
 
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