What's your goal this summer?

[MALcontent]

My first goal is to ride in my first mountain bike race this year. My second goal is to not finish last!

[dirtygirl1]

I love these kinds of discussions ... it inspires me to see everyone's goals for the year and gets me pumped for more riding!!

I have two types of goals: racing and riding

For racing I want to keep my title at Spokane 24 hr Solo and place in the top 5 at 24 hr World Solos. The second one is going to be tough as there will (as usual) be loads of pros out who ride and race full time ... but it's fun to play with the big girls.

For riding I want to increase the speed at which I ride over technical stuff. I want to speed up before big scary drops and big logs; instead of slowing down (which actually makes it harder even though it makes me feel better - ha!). I also want to get out on my DH bike more often

Thirdly I want to meet some riding ladies in my area (seattle) ...

Whew. Aren't I expecting a lot from this season

Happy Trails

[bounceswoosh]

For riding I want to increase the speed at which I ride over technical stuff. I want to speed up before big scary drops and big logs; instead of slowing down (which actually makes it harder even though it makes me feel better - ha!).

Amen!

I had an icky fall right after my car accident last year (silly me; I really wasn't in any condition to be riding) where I slowed down so much before a little rock lip and then drop that the lip stopped my front wheel and my bike flipped over on top of me. If I'd just been rolling at a reasonable speed, it would've been nothing (and I've ridden that spot so many times .. and if you saw it you'd probably laugh at how such a tiny bump could cause so much trauma).

[rocknrollgirl]

My goals have changed post injury. I am on a team so I have to race. My goal is now to 'finish with dignity", and have fun...don't forget the fun.

[ima_bleeder]

For racing I want to keep my title at Spokane 24 hr Solo and place in the top 5 at 24 hr World Solos. The second one is going to be tough as there will (as usual) be loads of pros out who ride and race full time ... but it's fun to play with the big girls.

It looks like maybe you were a 'local' last year. I see from your blog that three of your races last year are three of mine this year (TOE50 ... my big goal; and Horning's and Mudslinger, two that I've done this year.)

I wish I'd gotten into mountain biking earlier. I'm racing 40+ now, and just beginning to get my bike fitness. I'd be happy right now to bridge the gap from Beginner to Sport. But the 24 hour races sound like such an accomplishment. Good luck with your racing this year!

[RoadRaven]

I have a mountain bike... it needs to have loads of lights, methinks or I'll slip in the cow poo in the front paddock!

[SheFly]

Sundial - what Raven really needs is a 'cross bike .

SheFly

[ima_bleeder]

My overriding goal this year is to get huge gains in bike fitness until we hit the holidays, so that when I have to spend the next six months working/studying 65 hours/week I have some shred of bike fitness to maintain, and regain when that horrible study season is over.

But I'm a pretty lazy person. So I set a couple of intermediate goals to keep me motivated. The first is coming up in a month: the Test of Endurance. A local 50 mile mountain bike race with about 7,000 feet of climbing. Now that it's getting close I'm completely freaked out. I've managed to get a bit of coaching now, at the last minute, and I'm hoping it'll help. I just want to finish.

After the mountain bike season ... I'm going to race 'cross. That should be freakin' hi-larious. I'm going to need to start practicing mounting and dismounting the day after the Test. It aint gonna be pretty.

[RoadRaven]

Sundial - what Raven really needs is a 'cross bike .

SheFly

SheFly... can you have a word with my partner please? My birthday is approaching fast....

[MALcontent]

Crankin, you should totally ride at Great Brook either Thursday nights at 5:30 or 6:00 (women only, leaving from the paved parking lot) or Fridays at 6 (skills). Here's more info on the latter: http://www.nemba.org/forums/showthre...805#post158805

[CarbonCandy]

Love mountain biking.

I like it, but I don't love it. Right now I much rather go put 40 miles on my road bike than hit the dirt. It's a work it progress, and it will help once I pick up a mtb that fits me! I work in a shop so there really is no excuse

[redrhodie]

I'd like to learn how to bunny hop my bike up a curb. I could do it as a kid, but haven't tried since then, and never on a road bike. It's a good skill to have for emergencies. Good thing my new bike is steel!