Weekend MTB Rides

[limewave]

On a spur of the moment I snuck out of the house (hahaha) leaving the kids in DH's care and hit the dirt for a fun, relaxed ride this weekend. I wasn't planning on riding hard as DH and I had actually done a "tempo" ride the day before and my legs were still feeling it.

I rode easy, stopping to take pictures, enjoy the view (I'll post some tonight when I get a chance). I even stopped and walked a steep downhill section that had been badly washed out in a recent storm, a section I always ride. At this point two cyclists past me. I made a comment about the erosion. I get that look from them--'nother girl that can't ride. Seriously, I know that look. I let it slide because its a nice evening, it's my ride.

Shortly after that I caught both riders on a long, gradual climb. The "person" in back heard me coming, informed the rider in front that there's a rider back while this person starts to slow down and move to the right so I can pass. However, "person" in front turns back and sees my two long braids and decides to take off. Really???

Not a problem. I'd been riding easy all night and I had plenty of gas in the engine. lol. I rode on their wheel for about a mile then got bored so I smoked 'em. I've been laid back about my riding this season, but when someone asks for it, well, I don't want to be rude and NOT dish it out.

Other than that incident, it was a beautiful ride. The sky was cloudy and I even got rained on a bit between rays of sunshine. I found an 'abandoned' cabin near the trail that I never knew existed before. It kind of creeped me out. The wind was so strong that it was blowing the door open and closed. It made the hair on my neck stand up.

[indysteel]

That's awesome, Limewave! I love that you smoked him!

I haven't been mountain biking for a few weeks, but DH and I did several rides along Acadia's gravel carriage roads on our touring bikes this past week. They were a blast. I especially liked the climbs, most of which were long but not overly difficult. I just wish I had disc brakes on tourer (or at least better brakes). Some of the descents were a little unnerving in that the cantis on my touring bike just aren't to my liking. But otherwise, the rides were fun. Vehicular traffic isn't allowed on the carriage roads, so the biggest concern was the piles of horse poop!

[thekarens]

My partner and I went out and did about 13 miles on a beginner trail. I let her lead so she could call out all the upcoming problems As it turns out at one point she went flying over a hump and squished a snake. I was going much slower so I had plenty of time to stop. I felt sorry for the poor thing

I think spending more time on the easier trails is really helpful for me. Keep doing it enough and it helps build up confidence and my complete lack of skills.

[Catrin]

Sounds like fun, Indy and Thekarens! I've not been on the mtb trails for over 3 weeks now, but will do that this Saturday - weather permitting.

theKarens, I hope your partner is all right - did she fall off the bike or did the bike hit the snake after the flying over the hump?