My Bicycling home page
I bought my first mountain bike back in '87 - a true relic by today's standards, however, I didn't know that at the time & I spent many, many hours having fun on it. Several weeks ago I was looking at this dust covered beast in my garage - the fond memories started coming back. My desire to get back onto the trails with a bike intensified.
Many of the aged components were in poor working condition (one of my teenage sons discovered the bike in the basement years ago) and I quickly rationalized getting a new bike, in favor of fixing the old. So, I ventured to the bike shop and bought a new mountain bike. I was amazed at the selection - the price range was staggering. I didn't spend "much" compared to some of the other bikes, but I wanted to get something that I thought would last, given a decent amount of punishment. Today's dollar will get you quite a lot more bike than back in '87 - amazing!!!
On 22-Oct-01 I went to Blankets Creek trails, near where I live in Atlanta. The weather was perfect - sunny skies, cool breeze - perhaps a bit warmer than I'd like, but otherwise a most beautiful day. I mounted my machine & took off. Here I was in the park, riding along a trail, trees all around, just having a great time, enjoying every aspect of this ride. Being outside, seeing no buildings, or roads, or cars - crossing the creek without falling in, having pieces of mud fling off my front tire & stick to my face, sunlight strobing through the trees, the frequent sound of squirrells scampering away alongside the trail. I love creeping up those hills in the lowest gear, having the front tire just hop over the roots and rocks as you gain confidence in conquering this challenge. Cresting the hill you gear up, stand up and navigate down the hill, bumping along, trees whizzing by the handlebars, all the while picking up speed as you go. This is a terribly fun thing to do!!!
I just can't emphasize how much I love this sport and I wonder why I denied myself from it for the last several years. If there are any of you who would like to start off road bicycling, please do. For not much money (yeah, it's all relative), you can enjoy the experience of getting outside, pedaling along trails (flat or hilly), enjoying nature, and getting a great workout at the same time. There are many great websites listing information about trails in your area - your local bike shop might be your first point of information.
I would strongly recommend getting a "decent" bike - a bike from WalMart would NOT be a proper tool for this type of activity. Just like any sports equipment, if it's cheap, it won't perform properly and the experience will be dismal. If possible, spend at least $400 on a bike - from a bike shop, not a common merchandise store. A qualified bike shop person can fit you properly for the bike and answer any questions, making sure you get the best bicycle to fit your needs with the budget you can allow. And remember, always, always, always ride with a proper-fitting helmet.
Good luck friends - enjoy life - get a bike - feel like a kid again - get outside - just do it!!!
