Latest mountain bike news

I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Culture
Knowing your limits versus building your MTB skills
Apr 30, 2007
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Community
Womens mountain bike camps
Apr 29, 2007
Alt text: Movie poster for "2 Solo," featuring a mountain biker in action and a close-up of a cyclist's face, with the tagline "One man's quest for a 7th world title and the punishment he'll take to get it." Brands like Volkswagen, Trek, and Nike are also featured.
Culture
24 Solo mountain bike movie
Apr 27, 2007
  1
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Community
U.S. Women Ranked #1 in 2007 Mountain Bike World Cup (1st Round)
Apr 26, 2007
Culture
Riding with your Dog
Apr 26, 2007
  1
Culture
Free mountain bike video game
Apr 24, 2007
  1
A winding dirt path through a forest with tall, bare trees and a view of distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Leaf litter covers the ground alongside the trail, and patches of green vegetation are visible.
Mountain Bike Trails
Douthat trip not all that
Apr 21, 2007
  2
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Community
Julian 7500 Death March as tough as Leadville?
Apr 19, 2007
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Community
Floyd Landis competing at Teva Mountain Games
Apr 18, 2007
A close-up image of a bicycle handlebar mirror, featuring a round reflective surface attached to a black adjustable arm and a textured grip.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mirror for a mountain bike?
Apr 18, 2007
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Culture
Equestrians gone wild
Apr 17, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Magellan eXplorist 200: Not for bikers
Apr 16, 2007
  2
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Community
Crankworx Colorado
Apr 16, 2007
A scenic view of a rocky landscape featuring a winding dirt path, with a cyclist riding along the trail. The background showcases a river meandering through the valley, surrounded by hills and sparse vegetation under a clear blue sky.
Community
Good chance to ride the Kokopelli trail
Apr 13, 2007
  2
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Illegal trails
Apr 13, 2007
  3
Community
Klunkerz MTB documentary screening at Newport Beach Film Festival
Apr 12, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS software review: TopoFusion
Apr 12, 2007
  2
Culture
Indoor mountain biking
Apr 11, 2007
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Mountain Bike Trails
Voice your opinions in Oregon
Apr 11, 2007
A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, leaning forward as they ride downhill over a steep, uneven surface under a clear blue sky.
Mountain Bike Trails
Pickin' your lines
Apr 10, 2007
Culture
Responsible New England riders & Marin whiners
Apr 9, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB trail access: Do bikes damage trails?
Apr 6, 2007
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mac GPS Pro review: Solid but...
Apr 6, 2007
Graphic featuring the text "Singletracks bike the net" at the top, with "MTB Trail Access 2007" prominently displayed in the center. Below, there are four colored icons with the keywords: "Speak," "Build," "Respect," and "Ride." The background is a gradient from light blue to white.
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB Trail access: Share the trail
Apr 4, 2007
A 3D satellite map showcasing a mountainous landscape, with a winding road labeled "40" and the town of "Cherry Creek" marked. The image also displays the interstate highway "I-70" and various terrain features in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Topo maps in Google Earth: Map your bike trails
Apr 3, 2007
  1
Culture
MTB trails: Good and bad news
Apr 2, 2007
A Garmin Edge 205 Cycle Pack, featuring a GPS device and a blue water bottle, displayed in packaging. The package includes a photo of a cyclist and informational text about the product's features.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Buy my Garmin Edge 205 GPS & get free membership
Mar 30, 2007
Image featuring the text "Upgrade to Premium" in stylized red font above a black barcode, with the website URL "S1NGL3TRACKS.COM" displayed below.
Community
Singletracks email newsletter launched
Mar 30, 2007
A muddy pathway through a wooded area, showing tire tracks and patches of grass surrounded by trees. The ground is wet and uneven, indicating recent rain or poor drainage.
Mountain Bike Trails
Wait for the mountain bike trails to dry before you ride
Mar 29, 2007
  1
Culture
The $242 track stand
Mar 28, 2007
  2
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Edge 305 review: Sweet but spendy
Mar 28, 2007
  1
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Mountain Bike Trails
Singletrack MINDS mountain biking documentary
Mar 27, 2007
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Kids learn to build their own bike frames
Mar 26, 2007
A Garmin stopwatch with a digital display showing lap time, current time, and temperature, attached to a black strap.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Garmin Forerunner 201 review: So-so for biking
Mar 25, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
National Geographic TOPO! - Expensive and sucky
Mar 23, 2007
  1
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Culture
MTB skills training
Mar 23, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB park coming to midtown Cleveland
Mar 22, 2007
A graphic featuring a silhouette of a bicycle against a gradient blue background, with the text "Your bike here" at the top and "Give trek7k a new name" at the bottom.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Who watches MTB races anyway?
Mar 22, 2007
A person riding a lightweight all-terrain vehicle jumps over a log on a dirt trail, surrounded by trees. Dust is kicked up behind as they navigate an outdoor obstacle course, showcasing the thrill of off-road racing. A spectator can be seen in the background.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
4-wheel mountain bikes
Mar 21, 2007
Culture
Stripped: mountain bike movie
Mar 21, 2007
Mountain Bike Trails
MTB: in the Grand Canyon?
Mar 20, 2007
  1
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Automatic transmission for bikes
Mar 20, 2007
Culture
No Way! The Hans Rey Story video clip
Mar 19, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
GPS software review: Delorme Topo 6.0
Mar 19, 2007
  3
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Mountain Bike Trails
The Fruita of the Front Range ... In Pueblo?
Mar 19, 2007
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
The Stair Cycle
Mar 17, 2007
I used to tell beginner mountain bikers that they should attempt at least one new trick or obstacle each time they go out for a ride. For some people that means trying to ride a tricky rock garden without dabbing or for others it might mean learning to speed hop log crossings. The point is to improve mountain bike skills over time so that each time you ride you ride with more confidence. At some point over the last couple years, though, I stopped following my own advice. I got comfortable with my MTB skill set and found myself riding the same trails and making the same decisions (walk this section, skip that air bridge, etc.). It wasn't until just last week when I watched <a href="http://www.24-solo.com/">24 Solo</a> that I decided it was time to change. If you haven't seen 24 Solo, in one of the scenes at the end of the movie (and in the DVD extras as well) Chris Eatough and his race manager are out for a fun ride out in the woods. They both attempt (over and over again) to ride a downed tree spanning a creek bed from end to end without falling off. Eventually they get it but only after trying at least a half dozen times. The following morning mudhunny and I met some friends for a beginner's ride out at <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=625">Lake Crabtree</a>. When we got to the "advanced" skills area I noticed a sign that read "Caution: Know your limits." I started thinking that perhaps I knew my limits a little too well and that perhaps it was time to test those limits a bit. There's always a fine line between knowing your limits and not learning new tricks and I thought about this while I waited for our group to catch up. Remembering the film from the night before I got up my courage and decided to try the crooked skinny with the teeter at the end, something I had never attempted before. My first time on the skinny I didn't even make it to the first turn. I tried again and again, each time making one more turn than the previous attempt. At last I made it to the end and down the teeter and it felt pretty awesome. It just goes to show that even an old mountain biker can learn new tricks, especially once you get over your own fear and laziness. What will you learn on your next ride?
Mountain Bike Trails
Epic ride: What happened to Gabi?
Mar 17, 2007
  1
Mountain Bikes and Gear
What to do with a broken Garmin eTrex Vista?
Mar 16, 2007
  3