MY "ahh haa" moment...

[Zen]

Heeheehee.

I was married to a man like that once, never a compliment and he never got off his azz to do anything.
Consider yourself a lucky woman.

You're so right about the difference in road v mountain. Even though I have never actually ridden a proper mtn bike trail I have ridden on the canal and it has it's share of potholes and obstacles. Neither one is easier/harder than the other, they're just different.

[East Hill]

It's taken me about 20 or 30 times around the local reservoir to get used to the ups and downs of mountain biking. Nothing especially difficult, but lots of hills. I've learned that there are a few stretches where I can go bombing down the dirt road (because that's what it is) at about 30 mph! I've gotten a lot looser, and having more fun because now I'm reading the line. I've also learned that sometimes it's not good to go slow--it really can be better to just power through.

My husband likes going with me, but I have found that I can quite easily leave him behind--he's not nearly as bold as I am.

I just realised today that there's one part where the road has a ten foot deep ditch alongside it. I never noticed before because I was always so focused on the line! MTB to me is much more work than on the road. I actually sweat mountain biking, I don't when I am riding on the road. I went around twice--that's 18 some miles around. Once clockwise, once counter-clockwise. Both times I had fun.


East Hill

[CycleChic06]

running mommy,
I've made those EXACT same conclusions about MTBing! It was like you were reading my mind. I'm a roadie, but have gone mtbing three times now and just love it! But it's an ENTIRELY different sport than road biking, and it still gets me every time I ride. I went on my third ride yesterday and I find that though I'm fit and can keep up with my friends, my fear gets the better of me sometimes, especially going down hills with big drops and large rocks and tight switchbacks, and that's what slows me down. I can already feel myself getting more comfortable and relaxed. The best part is, I go with my friend who's not ashamed to get off her bike and walk it through really technical parts and it makes me feel ok to do that too!

[han-grrl]

I find i enjoy mtb BECAUSe i have to stay so focused on the trail. On the road bike i can take the time to meditate and process events and issues in my life, but to clear everything i go to the mtb trails.

[rocknrollgirl]

Thanks for recognizing the differences. I have given up trying to explain to my roadie and nonriding friends why 30 miles of hard single track makes for a tough day.

And better yet, when folks ask me about the distances in Xterra, and when I say 12, or 13 or 14 miles of single track, they reply..."Really, that is it...maybe I will do one too."

UGGHHHHH......

It can beat you up. When we ride hard, I am sore all over.

Now that being said, I LOVE it. More than any other sport I have ever done.

I am glad that you are getting it figured out RM....it is a fantastic workout. And you are probably so efficient at road riding that this will give your body a spark.

Just remember...boobs to the tube uphill...butt of the seat downhill....

Ruth