Paul Petch

An afternoon with the Salsa Fargo

Things have started to mellow somewhat as I taper to the biggest physical challenge of my life on the 5th December in the form of the Kepler Challenge- a 60KM Ultra mountain run. Today I rode the trusty Fargo to Bottlelake Forest for a short run.

Once I was on route- I was enjoying the Fargo so much that I opted for more time in the saddle and a shorter run so I pedaled around Christchurch like I had no where to go in a hurry :) It was a great sunny and warm day and I spent time on road, cycle paths and gravel “bits” along major roads on route. I actually got a bit lost too which actually worked out well and stopped me from getting bored with the same old. It has been about 6 months since I last visited- and it was amazing just how much the trails/ Forest had changed…with major tree felling.

Once I found my bearings, I headed purposefully along the fireroads/ access tracks through the forest that ranged from sandy and loose-hardpack with pea gravel- and tennis sized rocks. I could not believe how fast and nimble the Fargo was on this stuff- I absolutely flew! And when things started to climb up, the bike just seemed to roll itself up the pitches.- it was awesome. I then dived into the windy single track that is abundant throughout the forest and it was “ok”. I enjoyed it, but today was not the time to be hammering and hanging on while working out the characteristics of the bike. The tyres are pretty much bald too after alot of “tarmac time” and quite firm too, so that kept me on my toes as well as the brakes. I did miss one thing too….my Gravity Dropper! Who would have thought that I’d miss it on the Fargo? It makes sense though and when I head off on some longer rides over summer loaded up- I’ll throw the one off the Wolf- as its is the same size ;) I’m also going to replace the tyres too as the current ones have not only worn down considerably- but I want for grip offroad. and I’m keen on some 2.25 Crossmarks…….my fave XC tyre of all time….but I think that Maxxis also does an Ardent for bigger hoops too…which would be great!

After a few hours of riding I headed off for my run and was back at the forest entrance before I knew it and things were really heating up close to 30degs. What a perfect time it was for a cold coke- followed by a coffee :D I think that I’ve mentioned it before but the food “van” at the Forest entrance makes fantastic coffee.

What a blast it was to get out on the Fargo and “just ride” today. I’m still not sure that I’m keen on twisty singletrack on this bike, but road, gravel and fireroads get on with it really well. Once I get back from the Kepler I’ll change the tyres and spend some more time on dirt before I make my final verdict- but does it really matter? It can’t be great at everything and that’s cool with me……

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Related posts:

1. Salsa Fargo update & the first off road ride!
2. Salsa Fargo 800km update & first review
3. Salsa Fargo has entered the building…
4. Say hello to my Salsa Fargo adventure touring bike
5. A sunny afternoon of Mountain Biking in the Port Hills

This entry was posted on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 5:45 pm and is filed under Bike Rides and tagged with 29er, bottlelake, christchurch, salsa fargo, Trails & Rides. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.