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Don’t you hate the stupid stuff? This isn’t some big wreck over boulders on a double black diamond trail. No, this was a flat "easy loop" trail that connects back to the parking lot. Yep, this past Saturday, after 10 miles of intermediate and advanced trails, I was heading back to the truck and wham! I hit a small tree stump that was hiding in the leaves off to one side. I never even saw it. My bike stopped dead in a millisecond. My handlebars twisted to the left, jabbing the end of the handlebar into my left inner arm, making a huge bruise. That happened as I was falling on top of the bike in a big clump. The bruise looks worse than it feels, so everybody thinks I had some bad wreck. Nope.
Have fun!
I’ll chime in since there’s not much traffic here. I’ve ridden Alafia numerous times over the last year and Balm Boyette several times, but not as much. As a comparison, I’ve also ridden several other trails around Florida once or twice each as I travel around for my job.
I seem to think of Alafia as more "groomed" and an overall "nicer" experience. Balm Boyette seems more rugged and natural just because of the surroundings. I like how there are more choices and more available miles at Balm Boyette. I would have to say that my absolute favorite trails that just seem to fit my riding style right now are North Creek (w/ Buzzard Bay) and Roller Coaster. I’m venturing more into the black trails, so I learn something every time I go out.
I haven’t ridden Carter Rd., yet, but I plan to soon. I recently rode Santos and thought it was great, but I was a bit surprised at what they call "intermediate" trails. Those would be beginner trails at Alafia! At Santos I rode everything, including Vortex, and only had to walk a few things.
I’ve also ridden Tallahasse, Markham, Oleta, Amelia, and Malacompra, and I haven’t found anything I like better than Alafia and Balm Boyette. Maybe it’s just sentimental?
Have fun.
I’ve been on both sides of this discussion. I started riding in March 2012. I watched alot of beginner videos and progressed fairly well in my skills. I started getting more and more aggressive in my riding and was always ready to try something new. Then on September 29th I was going down a tall, steep roller and went OTB. I broke my collarbone and was out of work for 2 weeks and off the bike for 8 weeks. I’m 42 with a family. I found out that riding aggresively just isn’t worth the stress that an injury puts on a job and family. I’m back riding now, and I probably ride more now than I did before the wreck. But, I am careful to stay within my skills. I am currently riding all the "blue" (intermediate) trails and I’m slowly creeping into the black diamond world. I’m enjoying the ride, having fun, and improving my physical condition. There’s no rush to be Superman.
I have to tell you that I just bought a 2013 Giant Trance X1 29er and it is simply awesome. It lists for $2,775 and not all bike shops have them yet, but they are worth waiting for. It’s a fast bike that climbs well, descends well, corners well, a true "do-it-all" bike, in my opinion, of course!
