BikeMomma's first mountain bike ride!

[bambu101]

I have been re-thinking my goals for this year, and have been doing a lot of research on buying a mountain bike (instead of a road bike). I have Terry hybrid now.
We live in the midst of 12,000 acres of watershed property with tons of logging trails, reservoirs, hills, and mud. I'm thinking that it would be a shame not to take advantage of the fact that this is all right outside our door (no driving necessary).
It is posts like this that are definitely pushing me towards the "dark" side. Keep twisting my arm!

[bcipam]

I'm proof positive you can go both ways on bikes - road and MTB but as the years roll on and I get more technical, I'm beginning to look much more forward to mountain biking than getting on the road. There's is just something in rollng through trees, smashing leaves, finding a sweet little singletrack and finally conquering obstructacles that previously caused fear.

Have fun - either way - road or MTB - great sports!

[emily_in_nc]

I was a roadie for years who just got a mountain bike this year and love it! I am terrible at it (still learning very basic skills), fall frequently (no serious injuries, thankfully), shamelessly get off and walk (or put a foot down) whenever I feel uncomfortable, but it's loads of fun, and I highly recommend it. I'm one who doesn't really care if I ever get highly technical. If I never learn to bunny hop or do anything fancy, I'll be perfectly content -- I just want to be able to handle a little "easy" singletrack, because riding in the woods is such fun and a totally "zen" experience. You simply have to be in the moment, because a moment of distraction can lead to disaster. And for me, the line between fun and terror is a fine one indeed, but that just gets the adrenaline flowing and results in that wonderful post-ride euphoria! No cars or dogs to worry about either. I haven't been riding this winter since I've been busy with projects, and it's often been wet (no good for trails), and it's too dark to ride after work. Excuses excuses, eh... But once daylight savings time starts, I'll be out there again, grinning all the way. Can't wait!

Emily

[fatbottomedgurl]

Hook, line, and sinker!!!
One of the things I love about mtbing is getting away from the noise, the traffic, the business, the whole rat race part of life and listening to my own breathing, and the birds, and the breeze through the grass. And laughing with my friends and sharing stories and challenging each other on technical spots, recovering from an almost-crash with a hoot and a holler, and having a grand old time.
You got to ride in Yosemite?!!! What a dream!

[TrekJeni]

Way to go BikeMomma!
This MTB thing is addicting, isn't it? I thought I loved the road, until I hopped on a MTB. Now all I can think about is the next time I'm hitting the trails!

Jeni

[Steph]

It's the coolest thing isn't it?

There was absolutely no warm up -- went uphill steeply right off the bat, and didn't stop for a loooonnng while. I had to stop first to strip off my jacket (overheated fast), then stopped for the leg-warmers, then stopped to take off my gloves (even those were hot!). After that, I was fairly comfy just in a base layer, ls jersey, and shorts

That sounds very familiar! There's nothing like taking a steep switchback that once terrified you. I dream about bikes and trails all the time. What did I ever do before this?