Why I ride my bike......by Vinnycactus

It all started in 1997. My girlfriend at the time thought it would be a good idea for me to buy a mountain bike. She already had one since a previous boyfriend was an xc racer boi and thought it would be fun to do. So off the the local bike shop we went. $500 later I was ready to venture out on my hardtail GT Rebound. My girlfriends ex-boyfriend, who we still remain friends with, to me to be careful as its addictive once you get into it. Bullshit I say. I'm just doing this for recreation. As the years roll by, I've realized what he was talking about. I think I've spent enough $$ on bikes that I could have bought a small island. Here's a quick rundown, I'm sure I forgot a couple:

GT Rebound: $500
GT XCR 3000: $1000
Giant NRS 1: $2200
Giant AC1: $1500
Evil Imperial: $2800
Morewood Shova: $3000
Evil DOC: $1500
Tomac Buckshot SS: $400
Specialized Epic: $2800
Cannondal Gemini: $2800
Surly 1x1 SS: $1500

Total: $20k on bikes ONLY in 9 years. This doesn't include numerous forks, wheelsets, drivetrain pard, saddles, tires, tubes, camelbacks, bars, stems. This is also between the two of us. That girlfriend who started me out in this downward spiral of spending? Yeah, she's my wife now.


Getting back to why I ride my bike. Exercise, friendships, being in the woods. Most of all its something me and Taryn enjoy to do together. I enjoy seeing her excel at it almost more than I like riding myself. I think at times I ride just so I can watch her ride. Although at times she get pissed when we get out there and I start hammering away. We've also made great friends because of riding. Don't get me wrong, I've met a fair amount of douchebags as well. But the majority are good people.