First trail ride

[Catrin]

I did the Pine Loop. I did it once counterclockwise and twice clockwise. I preferred the latter for the most part. The part I strugged with is near the end going clockwise. There's a slight decline toward a left turn. Immediately after the turn, there's a bridge over an embankment. I kept psyching myself out so I just dismounted. I'm sure I'll do it at some point, just not yesterday.

I will remember this, one of the reasons I am driving down Friday is so I can hike Pine Loop, I haven't seen it yet.

Several have told me that I should just skip Pine Loop and head straight for Limekiln, but that one is almost 3 miles long (and it isn't a loop) and has a section in the middle with a few hairpins and a kind of scary rock water crossing. I asked Jonathan and Tania about it and they confirmed that Pine Loop needs to be my first trail. The others were just trying to be helpful, but they probably don't remember what it was like the very first time.

Limekiln is still considered a beginner trail, but Pine Loop is even more so - and I am quite sure it will be challenging enough for my first trail ride

[indysteel]

I know that I was quite content to start with Pine Loop. We talked about doing the North Tower Connector (which splits from from Pine and is also a beginner trail), but Brian was afraid some of the drop offs would freak me out (and he was probably right).

I'd say this, too. No matter how easy a trail reportedly in, if there's a section beyond my skill level or comfort level, I see nothing wrong with dismounting and walking. While I certainly see the point of challenging myself, I also see the point in respecting my gut reaction to things. Bit by bit, I'll get there.

[Catrin]

I know that I was quite content to start with Pine Loop. We talked about doing the North Tower Connector (which splits from from Pine and is also a beginner trail), but Brian was afraid some of the drop offs would freak me out (and he was probably right).

I'd say this, too. No matter how easy a trail reportedly in, if there's a section beyond my skill level or comfort level, I see nothing wrong with dismounting and walking. While I certainly see the point of challenging myself, I also see the point in respecting my gut reaction to things. Bit by bit, I'll get there.

That sounds like a good approach to me, following our gut is quite often the best approach.

I keep forgetting about the North Tower Connector, I will need to hike that one as well on Friday