"A Fool's Quest?" ...or... "Why the Ponderosa?" I'll let you figure out the best title for this post.
Some of my friends were stunned when I revealed that I had a new bike project in the works, and that I had planned to sell my Bantam all-road bike affectionately named "Calvin" to help fund it. Others were simply asking about my thought process. With Calvin, and my Chumba hardtail, I had two great bikes that covered everything I would be doing on a bike. What was I thinking?! Why the Ponderosa?! This post is my attempt to answer that question.
I will claim that there is a "practical" reason and a more "philosophical" or "poetic" reason. From a practical perspective, I needed (okay, wanted) Calvin to be more offroad capable. The Bantam was a custom bike, and the builder completely delivered what I expected Calvin to do, at least until my expectation changed. Originally, that bike was imagined as a paved or gravel road bike. Then I took it on a bikepacking trip in Arkansas that included some single track, experienced its limitations, and imagined a bike that might preserve some of Calvin's road features and add some offroad capability. Could something like that exist? Let's leave this question here and ponder the poetic reason.
I'll confess right here, right now, that I've been on the fool's quest for the "one bike" for years. At first, it was just an idea in the back of my mind. "Probably not realistic," I said. "Give up this idea before you are crushed with disappointment," I said. But I while I try to pursue my cycling condition with some semblance of practicality, the "one bike" idea lingered in my mind. I wondered. Would it be possible to find one bike that does what I really want from Calvin ...AND... my Chumba? I know it sounds ridiculous. But less so, considering the inevitable limitations aging brings. My balance seems to be diminishing each year, along with my ability or interest to develop MTB skills. Injuries are pretty big deal for us senior citizens. What about that whole ridiculous "one bike" idea? If I wanted a Calvin-like bike with more offroad capability ...AND... I don't really need all the MTB capabilities of a hard tail, something between the two becomes compelling.
Let's keep the drop bars, but go wider, add flare, and make the drops shallower. Let's go bigger on the wheels, from 27.5x2.1 to 29x2.25. Let's move to a shallower head tube angle (even shallower than the Chumba!). Add in shorter chain stays for better climbing and traction, all the bikepacking mounting points, disk brakes, and low gearing. Keep the short cranks and narrow Q factor. Can I manage without front suspension, a higher bottom bracket, and flat bars in less threatening offroad conditions? Maybe. If so, suddenly the Meriwether Ponderosa is looking like a decent attempt at a "one bike" for me.
The older I get, my riding "bullseye" is basically cruising forest roads, camping, pausing for photos, and coffee brew-ups. If I can string together a few days of that, I am beyond content...completely celebratory.
In conclusion...
- Does the Ponderosa deliver what I hoped? Yes, and much more!
- Where's Calvin? Living his best life in Japan.
- Have you named the Ponderosa? Hmmm...what is orange and black, cat-like, and begins with "H"?
- Are you planning, you one-bike dreamer freak, to sell the Chumba? Not immediately, but maybe.
- Was the fact that "Pondero" is embedded in the name "Ponderosa" a factor in your decision? Definitely!
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Thank you for your thought process! I completely understand now. May this new bike fulfill all your dreams.
Thanks, Annie! I’m looking forward to following your blog closer again!
I think it all makes sense. I am about your age and share some of the same ideas about riding, and keep thinking about a one bike solution. I go back and forth between an alt/flat bar ATB and a bike like the Ponderosa. I did not expect the closure of Meriwether Cycles-a 64cm Ponderosa may have been perfect. Keep riding and writing!
Thanks for the note, Randy! I guess if there is a “one bike” for some of us, it’s probably a different answer for each of us. A wonderful family of diverse personalities. You be you, my brother!
Now you're considering selling the Chumba. I just don't know about you.
The capability of the Ponderosa on the easier trails I like is surprising, even amazing. It definitely steps into a huge part of what the Chumba does (for me).
I totally get it…all of it.
I understand the need to refine and improve your “one bike” mission. I think Calvin was close and maybe exactly right for your needs back when you conceived the design. Without building Calvin, you would never have gotten to the orange bike (begins with an “H”).
I also understand the whole aging thing…yup, that hits close and yup, we don’t just bounce back up anymore.
I find myself walking the nasty parts lately, I am not gonna screw up my whole season just to see if I can make it down that washed out section.
I love the look of this new bike, it reminds me a little of my Troll but I imagine much lighter…seems perfect.
Orange and black and cat like…like a tiger…fun and playful…as in like Hobbes.
Yes, this bike is surprisingly light and energetic.
Thanks, for getting my vibes.