The Moss Monster
I’ve owned a few bikes since I got into bikes 4-5 years ago. Maybe it’s an infatuation or the enjoyment of building something that takes me places, but I enjoy making bikes with adventures in mind and specifics to get me there.
Recently I reached out to Rodeo Labs about working with me on some upcoming adventures. I owned a Rodeo Labs Flaanimal, which I spent thousands of miles on during 2022. Still, I wanted something snappier, more responsive like a road bike but a bike that could quickly cover far rougher terrain.
I settled on a Rodeo Labs Traildonkey 3.1 frameset and brought most, if not all, of the components from my Flaanimal build over to the donkey. I expected it with Sram “Mullet” gearing, a Ritchey finishing kit, and some lovely Roval Terra C wheels I found for a deal I could not pass up.
I coined the name “Moss Monster” for the bike as its purpose is to discover and traverse roads less ridden. In the southeast, where I live, many old paved roads get coved in moss. This is a sign that the streets see little to no traffic, and nature has its way overturning the destruction so commonly seen by our overreliance on motorized vehicles. It’s the reverse of what we see in our society and the inverse of the norms. The Moss Monster is the bike that will aid in my enjoyment and exploration of these beautiful roads forgotten by modernity and left to be reclaimed by their surroundings.
One such road is only stones thrown away from my front door. While it parallels a busy highway, its canopy of greenery complimented the new Trail donkey and its green, black, and creme colorway beautifully.
Rodeo Labs is a small company. I greatly enjoy their media, ethos, and vibe surrounding the business. The Trail donkey is just enough bike to go the distance without feeling like one of my mountain bikes - it begs too fast and covers a lot of ground. I plan to do this with the trail donkey in the days, months, and years to come.
#ridecreateexplore
