New to the site

[gregkl]

I start a new job on the 8th of July in Bloomington and will be relocating down there from Lafayette.  I have done some road biking years ago and had a mountain bike for awhile but sold it.  I am thinking that living down there, I will get back into mountain biking.

Just introducing myself so I can get a feel for the community of riders.  I could use suggestions on good riding locations and even some bike suggestions.  I had a Giant Trance, but this time I think I will get a hardtail to save some money.  I would rather have a better equipped hardtail than a low end FS bike.  I am 54 so I won't be doing any big drops or crazy log crossings,etc.  Probably looking for more flowy singletrack to enjoy a nice ride without cars trying to run me over.

Looking forward to getting to know the area. 

[Unfit Nitwit]

Welcome.
Plenty to ride in the area. There are group rides that happen in the Brown County area, and a number of people who ride both mountain and road bikes if there isn't a group ride.
Someone might have a mountain bike your size to lend you for a ride, or you can rent one from at least one shop in the area.

[Indiana Dave]

Welcome. I think you'll find mountainbikers are a friendly and fun group of people.
Good call getting a nice hardtail versus a low-end full suspension.
I live in Franklin, and ride Brown County and Southwestway Park most often.
Brown county definately has more miles of trail, but Southwestway is coming along with new trail being added by the week.
What size frame do you need? I've got an old Specialized I'd be willing to bring along as a loaner if need be. It's older, but shifts and brakes pretty well. It's a 17.5" frame.

[gregkl]

Welcome. I think you'll find mountainbikers are a friendly and fun group of people.
Good call getting a nice hardtail versus a low-end full suspension.
I live in Franklin, and ride Brown County and Southwestway Park most often.
Brown county definately has more miles of trail, but Southwestway is coming along with new trail being added by the week.
What size frame do you need? I've got an old Specialized I'd be willing to bring along as a loaner if need be. It's older, but shifts and brakes pretty well. It's a 17.5" frame.

Thanks, I appreciate the offer.  Not sure on size.  I am 5'11" with a 32" inseam.  Probably a medium?  I have done the "fitting" multiple times in my road bike and triathlon years and I have my own opinions on the validity of them.  I most likely will not get a professional fitting for what I plan on doing off-road riding wise.  I just want to make sure if I bail I don't crush anything valuable and I have a comfortable reach to the bars.

I think my Trance was a 17.5.

[gregkl]

Hey all! Wanted to let you know I pulled the trigger on a Specialized Crave this week. Won't have it for 7-10 days, but looking forward to riding!

[Otter]

Awesome Greg, you'll love the bike.  As a rider who did live in the Bloomington area (Nashville actually) but now lives in the Lafayette area, you've definitely made any upgrade in terms of riding environment!!!  I miss being down there sooooo much. 
 
Make sure to sign up for the HMBA Epic in October.  It's a great place to meet hundreds of other local riders in a relaxed atmosphere and get in some great mileage as well.  Even though it sounds like a lot of miles, the cabin and back option (if taken slowly) is a great way to see most of the trail and an awesome way to spend a day.  Look forward to meeting you on the trail.