Road bikes are for riding on roads, gravel bikes are for riding on gravel, mountain bikes are for riding on mountains, well not really mountains but off road trails. Today I took my new Specialized Diverge up to Kickapoo State park to test its capabilities on some MTB trails.
I was surprised at well it performed! I was climbing most of the dirt hills without any problem at all running the 50-32 gear, and even made it up some 15% climbs in the 34-32 rings. I was having fun, until I wasn't. I went over a small jump to clear some big roots and my front wheel landed in a big rut. The next thing I knew I was on the ground counting stars!
First off, the bike is OKAY! Me on the other hand, not so much. A little scuffed up on the knee and elbow, slight concussion (thank you helmet!) and I big bruise on my lower back and hip. I will be okay in a few days. I have to wait 7 days without any concussion symptoms before I can ride again. Bummer!
So, what did I learn today? Don't go riding trails by yourself, Don't get too confident in your riding skills too soon, and I don't have to clean the house and mow the yard this weekend :)
Sorry, honey, I'll be more careful in the future.
