Yesterday I went on a ride at Deam Lake with a small group of riders who belong to the Louisville Mountain Bikers Meetup group. It was awesome.
I am happy to say I got the bike (and me) coated with mud, leaves and all manner of dirt. I am even happier to say I did not break any bones, in fact, didn’t fall at all (but wow, ALMOST did a whole lot of times). I did manage to bend the rear derailleur when I got a branch stuck in the chain and spokes, and getting back to the car from that point on was a bit tricky as the bike would not stay in any gear very long, but I made it! And it was WONDERFUL. The only shock I had was at the end, looking at average moving speed. So much different from road biking, but then again, a LOT of it is different. I can tell it will be a challenge for me to decide what I will ride come the spring and summer. I definitely want to mix it up.
What I didn’t do this first time out:
* Log hopping. Gonna wait until I develop a feel for the bike.
* Fast descents. Gonna wait until I know trails/routes and develop a feel for the bike before I let it out.
What I did do this first time out:
* Stopped and de-biked, completely laid the bike down, whenever we came upon horse and rider (three of them on this ride).
* Tried to let momentum be my friend, but was a little tentative at times.
* Rode through a coupla small streams without dismounting (but slowly).
* Wore way too much clothing for the weather (60 degrees).
* Had a freakin blast.
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| Official documentation of my first ride |