Greetings from a new mountain biking enthusiast

[Nick]

Hello Everyone,

I've been browsing the forum for about six weeks now, and thought I should introduce myself. I have recently rediscovered the joys of biking and "got the bike bug"! I went mountain biking in Southern Germany in May, followed by biking Berlin for a few days, and had the time of my life. I started researching bikes as soon as I got home. I live in a mountainous region with lots of trails, so going the mtb route made the most sense to me. This morning I am headed to the Saratoga Mountain Biking Association trails for a clinic with Jimena Florit Dolzadelli, sponsored by Team LUNA Chix Saratoga Mountain Bike. It was postponed yesterday due to weather. Keeping fingers crossed for clear skies after all that rain!

Thank you for all of the helpful information and sharing in the discussions. I look forward to learning more.

Best Wishes, --Nick

[Nick]

Thanks for the welcome, Sheila. Yes, biking in Germany was amazing. Oh my, if only the cities, roads, and rail system in the US could be set up to be so bike friendly -- what a wonderful lifestyle that creates.

[hebe]

Welcome! I hope your clinic was fun.

[Owlie]

Welcome to TE! How was the clinic?

[Nick]

Thanks for the welcome, Hebe and Owlie! I'm not sure fun is the right word to describe the experience of focusing intensively on learning challenging new skills and trails, but I certainly learned a lot! Jimena is an excellent trainer and coach. She really put us through the paces on a number of basic to intermediate drills and pushed us to take it to the next level each time. I have been afraid going down steep downhills, and feel so much more confident after practicing going downhill with my body pulled back behind the seat. I'm also ready to head out on my own to practice lifting my wheels over obstacles and doing little drops. It's an exhilarating experience to make it through those. I'll need a lot more clinics to master the next level of skills, smiles.

[chosen1]

Welcome Nick, your ride in Germany sounds great!

[Nick]

Hi Chosen, thank you for the welcome! Biking Berlin and in Southern Germany was an extraordinary experience. It just so happened that Germany was having unusually summery weather in May. The sun was shining almost every day, and I went through some lovely small towns and villages as well as downtown Berlin. I love that you can take your bike on the train, and that the roads in the city are all designed to be bike friendly. I also love the German forests, and went biking along some wonderful river paths. I hope to do more biking in Europe in the future, what a fun way to explore!