I first got bit by the cycling bug in late 1995, which was when I bought my first bike as an adult, a mountain bike. My buddy and I had played tennis throughout the summer in leagues and tournaments and done really well. We both wanted to train throughout the winter to stay in good shape, and as I didn't like jogging thought that biking would be a good low-impact alternative. He owned a mountain bike and said they were lots of fun, so that's what I bought, a Specialized Rock Hopper, seen at the right. Well, I started riding lots right away. By the time the next tennis season rolled around, I was more into bikes than I was tennis. I did finish out that season but I quit tennis after that so I could focus more on biking. A co-worker of mine (Ron Leon) lived near Santa Cruz, so every Saturday I'd drive over and pick him up, and we'd ride at Wilder Ranch.

This is my buddy Ron and I on the world famous Flume Trail, at Lake Tahoe; I'm the one on the right. My buddy's name is Ron, also.... pretty unusual wouldn't you say? The Flume Trail is a pretty fun ride, if you ever make it to the Lake Tahoe region with a bike you should give it a shot. One portion of the trail has the rider on a narrow ledge that ranges from 6 feet wide down to several feet. There are two sections where you have to portage your bike across fallen rocks. This ledge is directly adjacent to a vertical drop of several hundred feet... one misstep here and it is instant death. And that is no joke.

After riding the Specialized for over 4 years, I was ready to get a new bike. I wanted something a little "sweeter", so I bought a Santa Cruz Superlight. At the time, this was definitely one of the high end Cross Country style full-suspension bikes. With XTR components, it was (and still is) totally decked out. The suspension gives a comfortable ride while descending over rough terrain, yet isn't so plush that the "sag" causes problems while climbing.

Bicycle Related Sites

Ross Finlayson's page - contains loads of mountain biking info; trail descriptions & locations, too much to list.
Team Wrong Way - These guys know how to have a great time. Not to mention a group of strong riders (most race sport & up) and some great personalities.
MTBRevew.com - When I'm interested in a new product for my bike, I always look here. People like you and me review products, and you usually get LOTS of opinions.

Mail Order Stuff

Price Point - I've bought a LOT of stuff through them, and had absolutely no problems. If I'm looking for components, I usually try them first, but I also always look at Performance.
Performance Bicycles - In the last year or so, I've found myself buying more and more stuff from these guys. Primarily, because they have this"club", where you pay ($15?) annually for a membership. Then, for every $100 you spend, you get a $10 gift check to use on more stuff. I use Endurox R4 and Gu, and always buy from them as it goes toward my $100. Also, when you're stocking up on winter jackets, or new shorts/jerseys... you'd be surprised how much you end up spending. You have to spend at least $150 to offset the cost of the $15 membership, but everything else after that is gravy.