---
title: "The ultimate test"
url: https://bikefriday.com/the-ultimate-test/
type: post
date: 2011-06-09
modified: 2019-09-10
markdown_url: https://bikefriday.com/the-ultimate-test.md
author: "BF Admin"
---

# The ultimate test

I had been bopping around town with my Pocket Llama, lovin' life.

I gravitated to the Llama because I used to ride my mountain bike all the time.

Yes, I was one of those who rode my dual-suspension mountain bike on the road as much as off. That's because I call it my comfort bike. That's code for just loving it.

Don't get me wrong, I do ride trails. You have to if you live in Oregon. We have some of the sweetest mountain bike trails in the U.S. Just another reason for you to put Eugene on your vacation map.

Now, I have to be honest. I had been itching to take the Pocket Llama onto the trails. We bill the Llama as a mountain bike. As the new guy around (I started in October), I still had plenty to learn.

So, the Llama had some serious standards to live up to.

The Middle Fork Trail isn't the most technical around. Many of our trails in Oregon are pretty smooth. Sure, there are rocks and roots. But no outta control challenges here.

It's a rolling trail.

Lots of ups and downs.

It's a fast trail.

A fun trail.

But not fun if you can't keep your bike under control.

So here's my disclaimer. I'd have to rate my mountain bike skills as intermediate at best. I never raced BMX. I have no advantage with small wheels.

And it's Bike Friday's small wheels that grab most people's attention.

I could easily see myself pole vaulting a lot on a trail. Fear that small wheel would dig in.

I hit the trail with apprehension. Careful at first. But in a matter of seconds, I realized a couple of quick adjustments I had to make.

My trusty black lab Ridgely loves the trails of Oregon.