My First MTB Ride!

I just went mountain biking for the first time. And it was wicked fun and I think I'm hooked. I went with three friends who are good, but aren't totally hard core and competitive and I was keeping up with them for the most part. I'm really in shape from road biking, so it wasn't about being in shape. It was just getting over my fears and also the mantra that I've adopted as a roadie which is to avoid road hazards at all costs. It was so hard for me to realize that yes, I can ride over roots and rocks.

They didn't go easy on me, taking me on these pretty technical single track paths with switchbacks and drop-offs and narrow steep paths. I only walked my bike a few times.

I'm so hooked, it's gonna be so hard to go back to my road bike now!

Emily

so do both! I had a hard time (and still do) realizing I can roll right over things. I look at stuff I wouldn't try a month ago because of the root at the entrance or exist of it...now I just roll right through as if it wasn't there! It's really run when you start TRYING to hit stuff!

Glad you had such an amazing time!!

YOU GO GIRL!! Biking on trails is a hoot -I too am new at it and I love it!

Laura

Wow (from another, not-so-talented Emily)!

I am very impressed! I've been mountain biking for a few months now and just did my hardest ride on singletrack (with roots, relatively steep descents, and switchbacks), and I did awful! I thought I was ready for it, but it beat me up (literally; I had one bad fall). I wish I were a natural like you seem to be!

It really is fun, though; I'll agree with that. When I ride fast on (easier!!) trails, I just smile the whole time. I have been a roadie for years, but there is just something about riding in the woods, out of the hot sun, away from traffic, that makes me feel so good and forget everything else.

Maybe soon I'll do as well as you did on your very FIRST ride!

~ Emily

Welcome to the Dark Side! I love mountain biking. I used to hike a lot and this lets me cover ground so much faster (and less work than owning a horse). Today I was climbing really steep single track and at one point bailed sideways off my bike and thankfully there was enough brush to stop me from going down the mountain. Then a little while later did a back-o onto my feet (so glad I got unclipped in time!) I love it. Even what scares me challenges me to do better next time. Keep it up!!!

I have to really wonder how you all ride clipless pedals while mountain biking. My friend was riding with them and seemed to do alright, but I guess unless you're really experienced, clipless is not the way to go. Maybe when I get better I'll give it a try and switch my clipless pedals from my road bike.

i am fairly new to mountian biking and i have changed to clipless. i had to pracitce a while on the trainer and very soft ground. but once i was use to getting in and out i was fine. it has actually helped me more on the bike. i feel like i have more control and that i am not struggling as much. i just make sure that i start slowing and unclip my most comfortable foot at the same time. i keep it in the 6 to 5 o clock position and make sure i sift my weight to the foot i have uncliped. i enjoy riding much more with clipless...it really isnt that scary.

Sandy

I really need clipless for climbing. We usually climb for several miles and then get to ride downhill. No rolling terrain here. Without being clipped in I would never make the steep stuff. I like the connection with the bike, but when things get really dicey and technical downhill I will often unclip one foot just in case. I place my foot so the pedal is just behind the cleat. But I am working more and more on keeping clipped. They are set pretty loose so I can disengage almost without thinking about it.