Over the last few weeks I've been staring longingly at my beloved mountain bike, remembering the fun times we used to have. After I picked up the Dolce last September, the only time I touched my precious Hardrock was when I moved. My legs were feeling a bit sore from all the squats I did Monday, and it was on the warmish side. I thought, "This would be a perfect day to hop on the bike and thrash around in the dirt!"

I have no idea how the hell I used to ride this thing! I couldn't even pick it up to get it out the door! The trail is a little over a mile from my house, so I just rode there. Wow, was it slow! How weird to be sitting upright again, too.

Got to the trail, turned down the path, and thought "What did I just get myself into?" What a weird feeling it was having my tires sliding around under me, bouncing off rocks and tree roots. Not very far along the trail, I went down a series of exposed roots, my feet came off the pedals (another bizarre sensation to not be clipped in), and I came to an unceremonious halt after the last bump threw me onto the top tube. The girly bits were not pleased After the pain subsided, I took one stroke and was immediately dumped back onto the tube The chain had popped off! Get that all worked out and finally get back to riding. As I enjoyed the scenery the old thoughts of "Which one is poison sumac?" popped into my head. I'm not itchy today, so I guess I didn't touch anything bad, but it was just one more thing I didn't have to think about on the road. Made it around the loop, and circled it one more time. I have a tough time climbing hills normally, let alone when there are rocks all over the place. Is this really what I used to ride on?

Ladies, I have a confession to make: I'm a road weenie now I have much respect for those of you on here that regularly ride the trails and play in the dirt. I had fun yesterday, but I think I'll be sticking with my light, fast roadie on my smooth pavement, thank you.

Total: 5.5 of the most harrowing miles of my life, amazingly burning the same amount of calories that it would take me 12 miles to do on the road