Have you done any dirt time lately?

[HermitGirl]

Hi ~ I'm somewhat new (again) to TE, and this is the first post on the mtn bike forum as of yet. I am dipping my toes into the water of cycling again (use to road and trail), and well, as I've got a dog to run, and I live in the backwoods, I figure, though it may be physically more challenging to do so, I would start 'back into riding' on my mtn bike. Just little tiny rides for now, baby steps all the way baby. In a few moments I am going out for a little spin, run the dog, and work it out. Wish me luck !

[Harley]

Dirt time with the dog is the best. I started trail riding again just to exercise the dog. Just start slow, for both you and the dog. I found a nice flat trail loop out to a river and back, about 5 miles total. It's perfect, but when we started, we'd do half the loop. On the steeper trails I'm not against walking the bike, and if its if'y technical stuff I'm still walking. Keeping it about being in the woods, letting the dog run, until the skills kick in.
You'll have a great time!

[HermitGirl]

Dirt time with the dog is the best. I started trail riding again just to exercise the dog. Just start slow, for both you and the dog. I found a nice flat trail loop out to a river and back, about 5 miles total. It's perfect, but when we started, we'd do half the loop. On the steeper trails I'm not against walking the bike, and if its if'y technical stuff I'm still walking. Keeping it about being in the woods, letting the dog run, until the skills kick in.
You'll have a great time!

why THANK YOU ! THe truth of the matter, getting the dog is primarily how I got out of cycling , 5 years ago. I can now make it all about why I can get back into cycling. Our GermanShepherd dog just turned 5 and she is very athletic, we seem well matched, she running, and me just out of shape riding slow.

[HermitGirl]

On the steeper trails I'm not against walking the bike, and if its if'y technical stuff I'm still walking. Keeping it about being in the woods, letting the dog run, until the skills kick in.
You'll have a great time!

Though once long ago, I use to angst over riding the techy spots, I don't anymore. Why? I mean, if it's just about me riding (and the dog) for fitness, heck... hiking uphill pushing a bike is exercise too !

[forestbiker]

I got out on some dirt today with this:


I can't resist showing her off!

[Harley]

NICE BIKE ForestBiker!
I did about 8 miles today. Single & double track nice rolling trail with a few hills thrown in. Beautiful riding thru the balsamroot in bloom...trail lined with yellow. Thunder storms this afternoon, but I didn't melt in the rain shower. My bike is a bit muddy.

I have a long ride planned for tomorrow!! Yippee, I love the weekends.

[limewave]

That is a fine looking bike!

I got in 11 miles last night. All single track. The first time I went out by myself. I thought I would be more anxious and tense than I normally am, especially on a technical trail. But I actually felt really relaxed. It was the most confident ride I've ever had. I loved it!!! I'm definitely doing it again next week on my "free night."

[Veronica]

I went out for my first dirt ride in more than year yesterday. We did a short out and back at Black Diamond Mines. It's a "fire road", but it hasn't been graded yet this year since the cows are still grazing out there. It climbs 1,000 feet in 2.7 miles. There are a few flat sections and some slight downhills on the way up. It's a hard work out!

Veronica