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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?
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?
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.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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?
A close-up image of a bicycle handlebar mirror, featuring a round reflective surface attached to a black adjustable arm and a textured grip.
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?
Three handheld GPS devices are displayed side by side on a wooden surface. The left device is a Garmin eTrex Vista, the middle device is a Magellan eXplorist 200 in yellow, and the right device is a Garmin Edge 305. Each device features a screen and varying designs in gray and yellow colors.
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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?
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.
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Logo of TopoFusion featuring a stylized globe with an elevation graph and the text "topofusion.com."
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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?
A mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, leaning forward as they ride downhill over a steep, uneven surface under a clear blue sky.
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A computer screen displaying a map and a corresponding elevation graph. The left side shows a green line tracing a route on a topographic map labeled "Taiwan Datan Equivalent Cylindrical Map," while the right side features a graph representing elevation changes over distance. Various data points are visible along the route on the left.
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.
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.
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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.
Image featuring the text "Upgrade to Premium" in stylized red font above a black barcode, with the website URL "S1NGL3TRACKS.COM" displayed below.
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.
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A close-up view of two cyclists riding on a basketball court, focusing on their bikes. The cyclist on the left is wearing blue jeans and a dark sweater, while the cyclist on the right is on a yellow bike. The court surface features different colored sections.
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Alt text: A Garmin Edge 200 cycling computer and heart rate monitor, featuring a display screen that shows various metrics related to cycling performance. The device is black with a sleek design, alongside a chest strap used for heart rate monitoring.
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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?
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?
A Garmin stopwatch with a digital display showing lap time, current time, and temperature, attached to a black strap.
Cover of a National Geographic CD-ROM for topographic maps of Colorado, featuring a detailed terrain map and text highlighting features like GPS readiness and seamless state coverage.
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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?
A panoramic view of the Cleveland skyline during sunset, showcasing tall skyscrapers and the iconic Key Tower. The image features a bridge crossing a river, along with bustling city streets below, painted in warm hues of orange and purple from the setting sun.
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.
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.
A panoramic view of the Grand Canyon, showcasing its dramatic layers of red and gray rock formations under a clear blue sky. The landscape features steep cliffs and valleys, illustrating the natural beauty and geological history of the area.
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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?
Cover of the documentary titled "No Way!", featuring bold red text against a black background. The title is accompanied by images of BMX biking, and the logos of GT and Adidas are displayed at the top. The documentary is described as "The BMX Boy Story" by Brian Grasso.
Image of the software Topo USA 6.0 National Edition, featuring a topographic map displayed on a computer screen. The design includes a white border and the title prominently shown at the bottom.
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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?
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A blue, modern-style pedal bicycle with a unique low-step frame design and a large, comfortable seat. The handlebars are high and curved, and the bike features large wheels with thin tires. The bike is positioned against a neutral white background, emphasizing its sleek design.
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?
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A handheld Garmin eTrex Vista GPS device displaying a map screen with details such as elevation, distance, and bearing. The device features a silver body with a black side grip and buttons, including the eTrex logo on the front.
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