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Mountain Biking

ccotstanza12ccotstanza12
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I finished IMLP a few weeks ago and don't really have the desire to do anything structured yet; I work out when I feel like it. I have started riding my trusty hybrid bike 10 miles round trip into work though. Not a super workout, but I love pounding up the hills because I can!  On my route I pass by a couple trail heads which has gotten me thinking about mountain biking. I have tried it once about six years ago in college and was not all that happy with the trees so close and the unsteady surface (though I don't really have an issue biking on roads where cars fly by). No crashes, just a flat tire during the ride. I  have a coworker who did a ton of riding in the western US when he was my age and it sounds like something I might like and that maybe my partner could get into as well.

With so many trails nearby, it would be easy enough to rent bikes a couple times to try it out. I'm excited about it and think it would be great to keep me in some kind of shape, but still have a bad taste in my mouth from when I tried it before. I know folks on the team mtn bike, so I'm looking for some pointers, easier ways to start out, etc.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    Start on gravel roads, like logging roads. Advance to jeep trails, then when you feel comfortable, single track. Get a Camelbak instead of bottles. Good gloves are a must. For a while when I started out, I thought of wearing shin guards like soccer players. Remember, its always OK to get off and walk.

    You can learn a lot about cornering, descending, and braking on a mtn bike ride.

    A rule of thumb I used was one mile on a smooth gravel rd = two on the highway. Single track is 4:1.

    If the Maine woods are. anything like ours in the Pac NW, you might discover the tranquil enjoyment of feeling like you are cycling in a giant room.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    I'm up here in Tahoe, surrounded by forests and cars with mtn bikes on racks...I sooooo need to make a mtn bike happen

  • Kevin WalterKevin Walter
    I took up mountain biking this summer as a break from IM. Like you I had tried it before, but never felt comfortable. I demo'ed some 29-er hardtail models from Placid Planet and they made a huge difference over my old 26" wheels. They just roll over everything and I instantly felt more stable.
  • ccotstanza12ccotstanza12
    @Al- thanks for the advice. I think I rent a couple bikes and head out on the gravel carriages roads at Acadia National Park! I think it's a good first step. Most of the stuff around me is single track. Walking might be necessary too!

    @Rich- Tahoe is one of my favorite places ever...Mtn bike or not!

    @Kevin- I will see if I can rent te 29-ERs to start out. Thanks! I'll bet there are awesome trails in LP!
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