Big Girl Bike

I was pretty pumped when Tom surprised me with a shiny new Trek 3900 mountain bike for my birthday last month. As the picture below clearly demonstrates, I graduated to a new level in the bike department. Tom's dad had so nicely bought Ms. Pink Thang for me for $25 last year and while we had a few good trips together, I always felt like a 12 year old. I suppose feeling young again isn't always a bad thing. *smile. Now that I have a big girl bike, Tom and I have had a blast with our new hobby and exploring cool trails around Woodbury. I compare it to downhill skiing in a way -- it's thrilling and an awesome workout. And there's just something about being in the woods that deepens my love for the beautiful outdoors.
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Upgrade? I think so.

Here we are this past Sunday before our approximate 6 to 7 mile trek through the beautiful 2,000 acre Lebanon Hills in Apply Valley. I had many "I wish I had my camera!" moments during our two hour ride as I attempted to keep my eyes on the road and take in the picturesque scenery that surrounded us. Of course this picture makes it look like niiiice, flat, unhindered ground. Do not be deceived! There were plenty of roots, rocks, sharp turns and steady inclines.Hey, Tom!I think I totally would have won the award for best dressed mountain biker. *smile. Tom and I both had several layers of socks, pants and shirts on for fear of freezing out in the woods in our fabulous fall turned winter weather. I supposed I'd rather be too hot than too cold but I could have definitely gone without the hand warmers. Now I know...This section was hilarious. I'm sure we'll nail it next time. Not.
Are you kidding me? I think I was laughing too much to even seriously attempt it.What a fun afternoon with new friends! I met Jessica at the blog event last Friday and we discovered that our husbands both work at Securian. Small world. She and her husband, Terry, (both far right) live in Inver Grove Heights with their daughter. Terry's brother and another Securian employee/friend of Terry's joined in on the Lebanon Hills excursion as well. I'm so thankful they invited us b/c we had an absolute blast.

Did I mention I'm a huge fan of my new bike? Well, I am. *smile.