I rode my mtb today, after about 8 weeks of not touching it because there's been so much rain and the trails are a mess. This was the first time I took it out alone, since I'm always worried that if i crash, I'd be out there stranded. So I went to a trail system about 2 miles from my house that has one main trail that's about 2.5 miles, with no scary stuff. Plenty of roots and rocks and a few rollers, plus a tiny water crossing. I did it up and back, then went up another grassy trail for about a mile. I totally felt awkward using the brakes and shifters, after doing so much road riding and my hands were killing me. I never noticed this before.... But,it was awesome. I was basically out there by myself with the trees. I saw one runner, a dog walker, and a couple walking out, just as I was starting. Then I went to the gym and lifted weights. It was a perfect warm up and I could go as slow as I wanted to and stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Six miles on the mtb seems equivalent to about 15 on the road! One thing i noticed is that I'm a lot stronger since the last time I was on this trail, since I did about half in the big ring.
I'm so glad school is out!