Mountain Biking: What a Rush!

So last Thursday, I took a coworker up on his offer to take my brother and I mountain biking. Having just bought a new bike the previous weekend, I thought I was prepared. Nope!

As we drove out to Fremont Older where we were to bike that evening, I started to realize that I had no idea what to expect. Was I going to die from being out of shape and trying to bike up a mountain, or maybe from falling off a cliff? As it turns out, there was no dying involved. It was quite obvious by the end, though, that I could use a little more exercise.

The trails we rode on at Fremont Older were for the most part multiple use trails. This meant that in addition to the occasional hiker we were often dodging evidence of passing equestrians (although we only saw one). The trails themselves were primarily dirt going on sand in some parts--it really saps your energy!

So after maybe 40 minutes of riding uphill, we reached what was more or less the top of the trails. Next came the fun part: going back down again! We did a good 15 minutes of solid downhill. It was so worth it. You appreciated downhill so much more when you're hot and sweaty. No pain no gain right?

After the downhill section, right near the end I had to take a break...but ultimately I made it! We got back to the cars and broke out some cold beer before hitting the road and heading home. I spent the next hour or so soaking in the hot tub here, which did wonders for my somewhat beaten up knees and legs. I barely even felt it the next day (the legs at least. Back is a different story but hey, that's the norm). I'm hoping to go again sometime, although I don't want to get in the way of the guys we went with. The trail was a beginner trail and I just made it--I don't want to impose my out of shape self on these guys because they commonly do much longer, harsher rides (think 4-6 hour rides over the mountains). Yikes!

Anyhow, it was good fun. Highly recommended, especially if you can find someone who knows trails in the area.