learn to mountain bike

We went to Oleta this morning and I had a total blast on the trails with Jackie & Lynne. We rode for about an hour and a half, and I feel like someone just totally kicked my ass!!! We had so much fun, though, and I can’t wait to do it again. (Yeah, that’s me on my ass after dumping the bike. I didn’t think crashing would be fun, but it really is.) After riding, we attempted a picnic; a raccoon came by after Jackie called it over (“Here, kitty kitty!”) and I had to wrestle a jar of salsa from its paws before it carried it off.

I need a pair of bike shorts and bike socks before my next ride. Whew! Now I’m going to take a shower and pass out next to my perfect puppy, followed by picking up my Jeep from the service shop (yay!) and awesome football on tonight with the girls and dogs.

I don’t pray, and I’m an agnostic. But right now I want to thank god for sending me all these good people and putting all good things in my life, along with the capability to do it.

:)

I signed up for a membership at spinsister.ca For $49.00 you can participate in all sorts of learn-to-ride clinics and specialty rides in the mountains. I’ve already registered for events, and I. Am. Scared. To. Death.

I lack the natural grace athletes have, especially when it comes to anything related to speed.

They say to build a happy life for yourself, you should revisit what you loved doing as a child. I would ride my bike for hours -disappear on it, and ride and ride and ride.

I hope I rediscover that carefree passion. Wish me luck!

...and my thoughts have turned, as they always do, to the very expensive mountain bike I’ve owned for almost 10 years and barely used.

Each Spring I resolve to ride it more, even go up to the mountains. sign up for a class, etc. Or sell it if I don’t use it this year.

And each year I politely ignore this resolution. One year I was super motivated, and took it in for a tune-up (why? I hadn’t taken it out for at least 3 Seasons!)

I made a list of things to do this year, and I published them on my website

Why will this year be different? Time is moving by as quickly as ever, and it’s too easy to lose that energy of good intentions.

I think Mountain Biking will be something I enjoy. Alot. It will get me out of the city. I live near the mountains, and most summers I don’t even see them except from my office window.

When Mom died last summer, I promised her (and myself) that I would LIVE more. I would get out, do things, and try to live with some soul.

When I made that list in January, I was mindful of this promise. I was very careful, as I listed those items, to make sure that every single thing was attainable. Do-able, and something would make me feel good.

Wish me luck!

I’ve been riding for about 15 years and it’s something I can’t imagine not doing now.

i dont know why this appeals to me so much. maybe bc i love nature so much. i think it’d be so fun. i have even been on a bike in years but i would love to take up mountain biking. i think it’d be a great way to get into and stay in shape.. unfortunately our loooong winter is coming up soon so i wont be able to test those waters soon.

maybe over the winter i can try to get my fitness level up and be ready for it by next summer.

i really wanted to try mountain biking when i was in new zealand because there were so many places described as being great places to mountian bike, only the weather was bad or there were other things i wanted to do with my time/money. the only thing is that now that i’m back home, i have no money to buy a mountain bike. how do i even know if i’ll like it? i need to find a place where you can do it for a couple hours to try it out, like how there were such places in new zealand. damn, i’m a fool for not trying it there.

I was way out of my league, I made a complete ass out of myself, but I think that may be part of the sport—and to get beat up a lot. I liked pushing my boundaries and learning some new technique. It could be very addictive. I’d like to go with someone who will take me out on a few easy rides. And I want a sweet new mountain bike.

http://bbtc.org/recreation/calendar.php?event_id=2897

I orginally said yes to this class in because I wanted more ‘girl time’... Now that the class is tomorrow I’m scared as hell. I am supported by a community of well wishers and that’s really cool. Do I bike? No. I can ride a bike. I have a bike. I occasionally ride it. This is crazy but my horizons are begging to be expanded.

2nd time out this morning- Felt a bit rough from my previous night out but made it through a couple of miles. Yeah! Have a lot to learn about stearing and using the brakes though. It was alot of Fun! I love the Downhills!!! I find its much more fun to go tearing down the hill at full speed than always working your brakes- Glad I’m not scared of falling! Can’t wait to go out again. Looking to buy a better bike, If anyone can give me some tips that would be great.