June 11, 2022 Montrose, Colorado
Hi! I’m Allie and I sold everything in 2020 to live solo in my RV full time. Traveling the United States, I camp mostly in public lands for free as I hike, bike and seek out quiet spots in nature.
Goodbye to My Motorcycle
If you’ve been following along (thank you for reading) I purchased a dual sport motorcycle back in 2020, then attempted to learn to ride it, couldn’t do it after hours of practice, and finally gave up to sell it early 2022.
I was bummed but I didn’t give up on getting on 2 wheels again, this time with something that felt much more comfortable – a mountain bike!
Searching for the Mountain Bike of My Dreams
The market for mountain bikes in the western states in the spring and summer of 2022 was pretty much non-existent for me. I was looking for a medium frame, entry-level mountain bike with a price to match, somewhere between cheap used to about $1200 new. I found nothing in Arizona, Colorado and Utah as well as online, which is usually very difficult for me anyway to maneuver a purchase being on the go all the time.
Then by chance I found a mountain bike in Montrose, Colorado. Shout out to Bicycle Outfitters for ordering and holding onto medium framed mountain bikes when pandemic supplies were low.
I had been riding my hand-me-down bike (shout out to Alicia who gave me her old bike) up and down the river there in Montrose for a couple of days, each day cruising out further and further. When I noticed a bike shop.
I like to check things out, though I know nothing technical about bikes, I still like to head in to a shop if only to smell the new bikes (is that weird?) and bug the salesperson about what I noob should ride. They’re always willing to help me out. Yet like I stated, I couldn’t find a beginning/intermediate bike in my size or price range.
But this time I scored! The salesman knew what I needed and had the bike in stock!
Getting the Mountain Bike of My Dreams
I tested out the Specialized mountain bike out in the parking lot and fell in love.
I don’t have much experience riding mountain bikes, ok, none. I had a cruiser growing up and later as a family we bought inexpensive bikes at Target. All I knew is I’ve always loved riding my bike, no matter which one I had.
So I took this one. And they took my old one. (More about that below.)
What mountain bike did I end up with?
I actually didn’t know. I was literally taking the saleman’s word that it was going to be the perfect bike for me. Let me say that again – I TRUSTED A SALEMAN. Lol.
But this time he was correct. The bike and I are in love. We go everywhere together.
I bought the Specialized Rockhopper Sport 29 in the gloss white mountains and dusty turquoise color, because color is important to a girl, lol.
Yet more importantly, the bike does it’s job.
I ride mostly on forest roads around my camp site as well as the occasional single track (a trail for mountain bikes and/or hikers). It’s got large 29″ tires with perfect tread for where I ride. It’s a medium build frame which works perfect for my 5’6″ body height.
I paid $800 for her (yep, she’s a girl just like my Minnie Winnie RV cuz I roll that way). On the Specialized website she’s $750 without assembly. I feel I got a great deal since she was already assembled and ready to ride.
To be truthful I’m still learning so much about mountain biking and maintaining a bicycle. So if my post is lacking in detail it’s because I myself am still learning.
I’m so happy! She completes my little nomad family – Me, Minnie Rambles and … my mountain bike needs a name.
What happen to my last bike?
The shop, Bicycle Outfitters, will be donating that bike to a local non-profit that encourages bike riding for everyone. I’m hoping she lives on with someone who will discover and enjoy bike riding as much as I do.
Thank You for Stopping By!
Hi, I’m Allie—solo traveler, hiker, and midlife reinventor. I share real stories from the road, whether I’m camping beachside in my RV or hiking mountain trails with a heart full of grit and curiosity.
This blog is where I explore what it means to rebuild and chase freedom in your 50s and beyond—because life doesn’t end at midlife, it begins. Let’s wander, grow, and figure it out together.
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