Two Wheel Blogs

I went out for a solo ride today...as usual. This time I did something a little different.

Instead of riding fast like I have been doing pretty much every ride since getting my new bike, I rode slow...really slow. I searched out every tough line and invented (rather "discovered") a few new trails. Perhaps a better term would be "trials" instead of "trails".

I know it may sound silly to be doing trials on a 29er, but hell the bike is nimble, and flickable, so why not.

I was thinking while doing this ride that if I were going down grad instead of up, some might call this type of riding free riding.

I do not want to OVER sell my talents or the spectacularity of the ride...most would look on and giggle at my attempts...especially an actual Trials rider. I just want to share the joy that I got from it. I think it probably will help me improve my handling skills, and allow me to ride better on the technical sections of trail that I enjoy so much.

OTOH, I do not want to UNDER sell my talent either...the type of riding I call "technical" is what many would call "hike-a-bike". In fact I have had racers tell me that riding these sections is silly because portage is faster....They are absolutely correct, but they just don't get what I enjoy about this type of riding.

My point in all this? I don't intend to brag about my riding...although It may seem that way, and I am filled with pride for having cleaned some of the obstacles I encountered today. No, I really just want to share the idea, and encourage others to try something different...especially if it leads to both more enjoyment on a cycle, and improved riding skills.

Have fun!