I am humbled

[Crankin]

Today I went on my mountain bike for the first time since last December. I just started mountain biking in the fall. What looked like a nice flat trail on foot a couple of weeks ago was pretty scary. What's second nature to me on the road takes lots of thinking on the trail. I even had it in the wrong gear for half of the ride and managed to get up the hills, except one. Well, today was a learning experience. I felt like i had ridden 60 miles and it was actually 3 miles in about 50 minutes. Nothing like a bunch of rocks and a stream to make you feel like a idiot!

[Surlygirl]

If it makes you feel better Robyn the same thing happened to me a few weeks ago out with Hubby and the kids. They tear up and down the hills and jump rocks and roots and all I kept thinking was I hope I don't fall and break something. After three miles I was done, luckily the weather got nasty so we had to head back. I was relieved. I like the fire roads and tamer trails to mountain bike. Rock beds and root swamps just cause to much anxiety.
Jody the Mtb wimp.

[CorsairMac]

Just when you think you're the Only One: lol!! I started MTB'ng just a recently and man was it an eye-opener. The last ride I took I Felt like I had just ridden a 1/2 century and this was my face when I saw it was only 6 miles------> I Never knew MTB'ng was that hard but what a blast! And so far I've transferred the few skills I"ve learned from the MTB to the road bike at least twice to avoid some nasty road trash/bumps/mud! Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to get back out on the MTB and I"m already missing it! Maybe this weekend.....................

[bounceswoosh]

Today I went on my mountain bike for the first time since last December. I just started mountain biking in the fall. What looked like a nice flat trail on foot a couple of weeks ago was pretty scary. What's second nature to me on the road takes lots of thinking on the trail. I even had it in the wrong gear for half of the ride and managed to get up the hills, except one. Well, today was a learning experience. I felt like i had ridden 60 miles and it was actually 3 miles in about 50 minutes. Nothing like a bunch of rocks and a stream to make you feel like a idiot!

Well, I don't have any experience with a road bike -- riding next to cars, THAT scares me -- but I have to admit that sometimes I read some of the roadie questions and can't help thinking, "That's easy! You should try learning that on dirt, rock, and roots!"

Anyway, never fear, you *will* get better. The difference in what I can ride now vs. a year ago is staggering. But yes ... there's a reason you don't typically read about 50 or 100 mile mountain bike rides ... even 5 miles can be a real challenge!