What I Learned Mountain Biking This Season

[Aggie_Ama]

We thankfully don't have seasons in Texas. We only have about 60 rainy days a year, so cycling and mountain biking are usually in season! I just started so I am still on the very steep learning curve and definitely need to remember to use that granny so I stop falling over going up hill!

1. Descending is fun and not as scary as it looks! I have even learned to descend slow, I normally just went down all blind luck. This has really boosted my confidence.
2. I bruise easily so jeans are in for me these days! But I did learn you won't break something on you just because you fell and that keeps me going back out to the trail, purple legs and all.
3. I can overcome my lack of depth perception and the tight and twisty is fun if you just follow the bike. Not that I am fast yet and I do still miss the trail some but no panic attacks as of late! It was all about trying and trying slow if you needed. Cross training if you have to and then trying again.
4. You use different muscles on a mountain bike than on a road ride. And you will be sore in different ways. Owwwie. And that is not including the low speed crashes and bruises (two and counting).

[sundial]

I've learned that momentum is my friend.
Falling doesn't hurt--unless it's on asphalt.
My hardtail taught me many skills. I miss it.
A good set of rims is worth it's weight in gold.
Tubeless is the way to go if you ride over small thorns.
Capris protect my knees.
Riding solo most of the time won't necessarily improve skills and time.
It's all about strength, balance and timing.