I recently took my bike back from my parents house that I saved up for as a senior in high school 2005. It’s a 2005 Kona Dawg, nothing special but to a high school kid it was awesome. I spent all summer riding the trails of McDonald forest in Corvallis, OR and down the north ridge trail at Mary’s Peak. Also, plenty of time riding around Bend and, of course, did the McKenzie River Trail. Then college started and the bike took a backseat to everything else in life.
Fast forward to now. I have an awesome family with two kiddos (4 & 9) and an amazing wife. I have a career as an ICU RN that I love. But I didn’t realize what I was missing in life until I got back on my beloved Kona.
I stripped the frame completely and serviced every part I could. I upgraded to Hayes Dominion A4 and replaced stock fork with an older Fox Float 32 140mm that was in good condition. The frame is old and super dated (obviously) but is in good condition for now. Swapped stem for shorter reach and stiffer bars. Put 2.5 Minion DHF tire up front, 2.3 in back. Even just working on the bike was therapy for me. I am newly sober over last year so always looking for positive coping skills.
I finally had time to take bike out today to Post Canyon in Hood River, OR (Sandy Ridge is just down the road from me but closed currently due to fires). The uphill first half of the ride was a slog as I’m not in bike shape but still amazing to be in such a beautiful place. But the downhill sections, so much fun. I am still reeling from the adrenaline. Braved a lot of tabletops and doubles and a few drops as well but didn’t want to push too hard being by myself and all. It was such a fun ride. My suspension needs some tweaks but otherwise bike handles okay.
Just wanted to share a story of a love for riding being rekindled. My bike is dated and old but it will work for now (until I save for a new enduro bike 🤩). Can’t wait to ride more in the beautiful Northwest. Cheers!
by keanis7