Friday 4/8/2011
Mia and I took Friday off from work so that she could test ride some potential new bikes. We headed up to Plymouth, NH and Rhino Bike Works. I’ve known Mike since he opened the shop back in 1994 and I was a sophomore at Plymouth State University (College back in my days). They were the only shop that I could find that had a Cannondale CAAD10 48cm for Mia to test ride, plus being a Trek dealer she could also test ride the Madone 3.1 and a Cannondale Synapse to get a back to back to back comparison of the three bikes she was interested in.
After a test ride of all 3 and a lunch at Biederman’s Deli Mia decided on the Cannondale CAAD10 with 105 components. It is a killer bike for the price point at which it is sold and I have a hard time thinking you could get a better deal on a 2011 bike.
I cannot thank the guys at Rhino enough. They were great to deal with (as always) and it was really a pleasurable experience buying this bike from them. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking for a bike to go visit Mike, Slade and Wolfgang anytime you need something done.
Needless to say after we got home, we had to get this sucker out on it’s maiden voyage. It had cooled down pretty quickly as the afternoon wore on, but was much warmer than any day for the past 3 weeks. We decided on the simple, but classic, Corn Hill Loop.
It was a very good way to end the day. Mia riding her new bike and me getting to ride with my wife. It’ll be even nicer when we finally get some 70+ degree weather!
Saturday 4/9/2011
One of the more fun loops I like to do. It has a fair amount of rolling hills with one extended section of climbing about halfway through. Nice views out towards the Belknap range too. I didn’t get out until later in the day. Mia and I hit the Winter Farmer’s Market at Cole’s Garden Center, then a visit to the Verizon store to renew and upgrade our ancient phones and then grocery shopping which is always fun on the weekends.
Finally got out just as the wind was picking up……of course.
Sunday 4/10/11
Paul and I made the drive down to Nashua, NH to ride Mine Falls Park
It’s not exactly the most testing of terrain around, but the ground is clear of snow and it is dry. Trails in Concord are going to be at least 3-4 weeks from being even remotely close to dry and ready to ride.
It was a beautiful day out today. Lots of people out walking so some of the more popular sections were crowded. We did try to stay to the side trails as much as possible.
Again, a nice dry day and it finally looks like Spring may have arrived in NH. A few more weeks of this weather and I will be a very happy man.
Thanks for checking in.
-Pete
ON & OFF RHODES 
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