I've been blooded!!!

[kimba]

So- I went out to the Brant Tract today- it's a series of trails that the local clubs have been worklng on the trails all summer. They advertised a bike day just to get people to come out and get involved.
So I went.
It took me almost two hours to drive there.

It was a nice sunny day- until I got about a mile from the place.
Then the sky opened and the rain fell...
But- I got out in the rain and dragged out my bike..
and I look around and these guys are all really serious - and I'm looking at my poor little bike- not sure if I should really be here-
and along comes one of the regulars and asks if I'd like to go out- and I said sure- and off we went.
Single track mostly - it had rained the previous two days so it was muddy! And I'm riding my old hybrid commuter bike- with the crappy side pull brakes- but hey- I had FENDERS! so I didn't have to keep wiping mud out of my eyes!
First part of the rail I'm dyin'- really winded- no idea of technique- flying around trees and over roots and periodically invoking the God of your choice...
second part- My body is settling down, legs are stronger, body is getting in a groove - learning to tuck a bit here- weight back there...
trying to remember all the stuff that I'd read-
made most of the hills- occasionally shaved a tree a bit close...
I decided to wear the new cycling shoes I'd recently won on Ebay- they are bike/hike shoes with a neoprene sock liner- and mud spikes.Except I didn't put the mud spikes on...ooops.
Am I glad I wore them! My feet never came off the pedals ( no clips) and it was the shoes that held me upright on the trail a few times!!!
The guy I was with actually was surprised I'd never done this before, said I did really well- made me feel great!

At one point I actually figured I might make it through the day without wiping out- but no -
I was cresting a hill, the gear slipped, I started sliding backward, jammed my elbow into a tree and hung there supported by one leg which was rigidly braced into the slickest slimiest mud.
Gradually my foot just slipped back, my elbow fell and the bike toppled over onto me.And the handlebars jammed into my thigh. Ow.
Blooded.
Eventually I came back in, covered with mud, slightly bruised, a little scraped- and ecstatic!
So- I learned some things today:
Mud spikes are your friends.
Don't coast with one pedal up and one pedal down....especially when there are big mama roots lurking on the path...
Riding a frame that is too big for you does matter in the woods.
Lets just say that me and the cross bar became <ahem> intimately acquainted....
(I can hardly wait for my new 16 inch frame to arrive!!!)
Mountain biking is awesome!

Best part- my knee is not hurting at all.
I did some yoga stretches afterward, drove home- another two hours- and I wasn't stiff or sore at all.

Yeah.
Life is good.
I gotta say- it was the best time I've had in recent memory. It was the first time in two years that I was so completely focused that I totally did not think about how miserable my life has been the last two years...

Kimba

[pedalfaster]

Welome to the world of dirt

it was the best time I've had in recent memory. It was the first time in two years that I was so completely focused that I totally did not think about how miserable my life has been the last two years...

I think there is definitely something zen-like about mountain biking. Time passes differently on the trail.

[Irulan]

Originally posted by kimba
[B]So- I went out to the Brant Tract today- it's a series of trails that the local clubs have been worklng on the trails all summer. They advertised a bike day just to get people to come out and get involved.
So I went.
At one point I actually figured I might make it through the day without wiping out- but no -
I was cresting a hill, the gear slipped, I started sliding backward, jammed my elbow into a tree and hung there supported by one leg which was rigidly braced into the slickest slimiest mud.

that is a "veggie belay"

Mountain biking is awesome!

ay-yup

Now go out and do it some more!

Irulan

[Dogmama]

Originally posted by pedalfaster

I think there is definitely something zen-like about mountain biking. Time passes differently on the trail.

Agreed. Although I'm primarily a roadie, I always come off of my mtb thinking that there is no better fun to be had by putting something between your legs

Well, almost

Seriously, I love the freedom of taking any trail I feel like, going over bumps because I want to and challenging my riding skills through sandy/soupy stuff. I also love the smooth, zen experience of road biking - the rhythmic cadence of the pedals, & the settling of the mind...

Is there any better sport out there? I think not!

[MightyMitre]

Nice one Kimba - sounds like a fantastic day!

I agree, time does seem to pass in a different way on the bike. I've done several time trials this year - 10 miles against the clock on the road - and it's almost like meditation for half an hour.

My concentration is so totally on my riding, keeping up the pace, staying in a good position, keeping my breathing even, my mind is just totally switched off to anything else.

I imagine it's the same on the trail - you're so busy with the task in hand you can just switch off all the day-to day stuff and just ride.

Glad you had a good day and hope the bruises disappear quickly.

[Kpicha]

That's awesome!! Sounds like you had a great time aside from your little "injury". Be forewarned, this is an addictive sport Next, we'll hear about you jumping over roots now instead of riding over them

Cheers,
Kristina

[kimba]

Originally posted by pedalfaster
Welome to the world of dirt

Thank you- check out the link and you will see that I did indeed meet the dirt- or the mud...


I think there is definitely something zen-like about mountain biking. Time passes differently on the trail.

It was really cool- and the weird thing is- okay, my bruises are coming up now- and they are lovely and purple- but I bruise easily so they aren't as bad as they seem...
I am really not in any real discomfort with soreness - but I did feel it in my upper abs and ribs the next day...

Kimba
my first mountain bike experience

[kimba]

Originally posted by Kpicha
That's awesome!! Sounds like you had a great time aside from your little "injury". Be forewarned, this is an addictive sport Next, we'll hear about you jumping over roots now instead of riding over them

Cheers,
Kristina

I can hardly wait for that! I need to learn technique for sure!

I did manage to lift the bike up and over several roots and I was pretty amazed at that- I was coming up to a bridge and the ground had fallen away at the front of it- I was going a good clip- and I didn't want to just bang into it- so I slowed a bit, pulled up the front wheel, transferred my weight-and waited for the bang- tire explosion etc..
to my amazement I just rolled on over gentle as you please...it was cool.
It was just- like - instinctive.
I can bunny hop a bit but I need to practise!
I can't wait to get my new bike!

Kimba
my mountain biking experience

[kimba]

Originally posted by Irulan
that is a "veggie belay"



ay-yup

Now go out and do it some more!

Irulan

You bet!
I have to find some good local rides - it'll be cool to find some other people to ride with. One of the guys I met suggested a few clubs around here, so I'm checking them out.
Oh man- and the bruises are coming out fast and furious- where I got nailed in the thigh is quite ugly! Doesn't really hurt though.
And I'm noticing more bruises on my knees.
The people at work look at me askance.( I wear shorts- it's hot at work) What are you doing to yourself??!! they cry..but hey: it's an adventure!
When I tell them they look shocked and or sceptical. They can't see that it could be fun
To me they are badges of almost- courage. Or at least the desire to try something new and different.
Hey- it's pretty neat to be galloping all over the muddy slick trails at age 47, right??

IN the meantime:
here are pictures of my first time...

Kimba
my mountain biking experience

[Irulan]

Kimba, I'm 43 and everyone I ride with just about is over 40.

What part of Canada are you in? There are a lot of Canadians on this board I think.

check out the Stateline Trail epic thread for my latest ride...

Irulan

[kimba]

Originally posted by Irulan
Kimba, I'm 43 and everyone I ride with just about is over 40.

What part of Canada are you in? There are a lot of Canadians on this board I think.

Irulan

I'm in Southern Ontario, near Toronto. I've seen some folks posting who are from Ottawa- but that's a lot farther away from me..
I'm glad to hear that there are more people my age- the guys I saw this weekend were really young - or my age and had been riding for 15 - 20 years...

Kimba

[annie]

Kimba,

I just started off-roading 4 years ago at age 44. I fell in love with it immediately! The whole out in the woods, away from everything, total concentration on riding, sense of freedom is amazing! I still would have to say I am more a roadie, but once I get on the trails, I don't want to leave. I wish I had more time to do more of both! Darn that job, it just gets in the way......
Anyway, you're never too old to start. Age is irrelevant. Mountain biking makes me feel younger. Great to hear that you are out there and ready to learn new skills and try a new sport. Your attitude is wonderful! Bruises will heal and you'll eventually not get so many as your skills improve. BTW, I was in a local off-road race this past weekend. The two oldest women in the sport division, myself and a friend, took first and second place! It was a blast! We even beat some of the guys.