My trusty steed flipped 8,000 miles on the odometer last week.  That’s the equivalent of riding coast to coast 2 2/3 times...I’m somewhere in New Mexico about now chas’n Bubba Gump.   

Had to celebrate ‘cause I’ve had a ridiculous amount of fun on that bike.  Started at 51, been MTB’n for 12 years now and owned this bike for 9.  I’ve taken her through 1 frame, 1 rear derailleur, 5 cassettes, 4 sets of brake shoes, 2 saddles, 20 spokes, 1 front and 1 rear shock re-build and I can’t remember how many tires. Where can you go and have this much fun for 50 cents a mile?

I’ve ridden with guys who’ve clocked over 20k miles on their bikes and they’re still going strong.  Actually, that’s more a testament to how much they enjoy Mountain Biking than anything.  Heck, if they had MTB 50 yrs ago when I was a boy... I’d throw like a girl today (ladies I mean no disrespect - just sayn’).

Oh yes, and 4 shattered helmets, 3 broken...but let’s keep talking about the fun we’ve had!  I’d like to hear your story, too.  How many miles and smiles are on your Odometer?