Black Betty

About a month ago my front fork on my old Specialized Epic started to give me a little trouble. Once we realized we needed to replace it soon, Jarred got a crazy idea in his head that he wanted to buy me a new bike...he called it my 10 year anniversary gift, kind of like a wedding ring, but better. I didn't take him up on the offer right away but after riding a free demo bike one day, I saw the light and became slightly obsessed with finding a new bike that I really liked and that fit me well. We've always bought used bikes or got them on deals, so I've never had a bike that fit well or really been at a point where I knew what I liked and didn't like. I like this bike. Her name is Black Betty but her official name is a Santa Cruz Blur LT. She has 5" of travel on her front fork, which is the biggest difference between her and my Specialized. Riding Black Betty is like going from driving a 1994 teal Mazda B2200 to driving a Land Rover. BIG DIFFERENCE.

I'm a little intimidated by Black Betty as I now feel that I really need to up my riding skills. She's pretty fancy (check out that wheel set...the shop where I got the bike hooked me up and treated me well, I would have never picked these) and is meant to be ridden by a good rider...so I better step up my skills.

And thanks to Jarred, he's my best friend and knows how to pick out a good gift, treat me well and keep my life interesting!

Now that I have the whole summer off, Black Betty and I are going to get some great rides in!

Whada Ya Doin in My Grass?

I initially went out to the pasture to take a photo of Sophie sleeping but she got up, so I lay down. Sophie was totally enthralled with me, I got a full body sniff down as well as a couple of camera nudges. She's a pretty friendly girl and was more than happy to hang out with me in the grass.

Finally....Summer!

Nic, Sophie and I spent the last week barn sitting for a friend. Sophie and Nic had a great time as they were on an acre of grass that was practically up to their knees. Needless to say, they've got some extra groceries now.