June 11, 2022 Montrose, Colorado
Hi! I’m Allie and I sold everything in 2020 to live solo in my RV full time. Traveling the United States, I camp mostly in public lands for free as I hike, bike and seek out quiet spots in nature.
Goodbye to My Motorcycle
If you’ve been following along (thank you for reading) I purchased a dual sport motorcycle back in 2020, then attempted to learn to ride it, couldn’t do it after hours of practice, and finally gave up to sell it early 2022.
I was bummed but I didn’t give up on getting on 2 wheels again, this time with something that felt much more comfortable – a mountain bike!
Searching for the Mountain Bike of My Dreams
The market for mountain bikes in the western states in the spring and summer of 2022 was pretty much non-existent for me. I was looking for a medium frame, entry-level mountain bike with a price to match, somewhere between cheap used to about $1200 new. I found nothing in Arizona, Colorado and Utah as well as online, which is usually very difficult for me anyway to maneuver a purchase being on the go all the time.
Then by chance I found a mountain bike in Montrose, Colorado. Shout out to Bicycle Outfitters for ordering and holding onto medium framed mountain bikes when pandemic supplies were low.
I had been riding my hand-me-down bike (shout out to Alicia who gave me her old bike) up and down the river there in Montrose for a couple of days, each day cruising out further and further. When I noticed a bike shop.
I like to check things out, though I know nothing technical about bikes, I still like to head in to a shop if only to smell the new bikes (is that weird?) and bug the salesperson about what I noob should ride. They’re always willing to help me out. Yet like I stated, I couldn’t find a beginning/intermediate bike in my size or price range.
But this time I scored! The salesman knew what I needed and had the bike in stock!
Getting the Mountain Bike of My Dreams
I tested out the Specialized mountain bike out in the parking lot and fell in love.
I don’t have much experience riding mountain bikes, ok, none. I had a cruiser growing up and later as a family we bought inexpensive bikes at Target. All I knew is I’ve always loved riding my bike, no matter which one I had.
So I took this one. And they took my old one. (More about that below.)
What mountain bike did I end up with?
I actually didn’t know. I was literally taking the saleman’s word that it was going to be the perfect bike for me. Let me say that again – I TRUSTED A SALEMAN. Lol.
But this time he was correct. The bike and I are in love. We go everywhere together.
I bought the Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29 in the gloss white mountains and dusty turquoise color, because color is important to a girl, lol.
Yet more importantly, the bike does it’s job.
I ride mostly on forest roads around my camp site as well as the occasional single track (a trail for mountain bikes and/or hikers). It’s got large 29″ tires with perfect tread for where I ride. It’s a medium build frame which works perfect for my 5’6″ body height.
I paid $800 for her (yep, she’s a girl just like my Minnie Winnie RV cuz I roll that way). On the Specialized website she’s $750 without assembly. I feel I got a great deal since she was already assembled and ready to ride.
To be truthful I’m still learning so much about mountain biking and maintaining a bicycle. So if my post is lacking in detail it’s because I myself am still learning.
I’m so happy! She completes my little nomad family – Me, Minnie Rambles and … my mountain bike needs a name.
What happen to my last bike?
The shop, Bicycle Outfitters, will be donating that bike to a local non-profit that encourages bike riding for everyone. I’m hoping she lives on with someone who will discover and enjoy bike riding as much as I do.
Thank You for Stopping By!
I’m Allie. At 48 I set out solo to live in my RV. That journey is on hold but my passions for hiking and living well in my 50s still live on! Join me below for more inspiration and adventures. We’re older but even stronger!
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