Getting back into Mountain Biking
Well after almost 3 month off my bike (due to shoulder problem) i finally got back to it. I got my mountain bike out the shed on Thursday, cleaned it (which was a massive effort as the mud has stuck like paint) checked it over and found i needed 2 new tyres, new rear break pads and new grips, i also decided that after lugging my car foot pump around last summer i needed a new pump. Unfortunately i was stopped in my repairing tracks by the ceasing up of the awful Presta valve on my rear tube (it looked like the slime from the slime tube had caused the problem). In a usually heavy handed attempt to fix it i managed to snap the valve off and get covered in the green stick stuff.
I went to my local bike shop found out that it was possible to convert a wheel with Presta valves into Schrader valves simply by drilling out the holes in the wheel rims using a 21/64″ drill bit and filing the hole nice and smooth. The man in the shop offered to do this for me and did me a good price on the parts as well as not charging me for labour (good bloke).
Today the sun was out, it was a little too windy for my liking but was not too cold so i decided to do my first outing of the year in an attempt to be mountain biking fit for the spring. After a mile on the road and my first major hill i had the taste of blood in my mouth, my legs were crying out to stop and there was a pounding in my head that would not stop. I cursed the beer, turkey and chocolate of Christmas that had now come back to haunt me and pushed on knowing this was the beginning of a month of cycling pain which was necessary in order to regain the fitness that had so easily slipped away since last autumn.
I managed 5 miles over a combination of roads, two grass hills, one dirt track and a park path. I am quite happy with this and now plan to go out tomorrow, weather permitting.
Your story makes me think – I’ve got to get back on my bike.
I dread the thought of the pain associated, but as they say no pain no gain.
Great blog – will be back to read more.
Cheers,
John
I also wish to ride in a bike again despite my workload. Biking used to be my stress reliever and my way to bond with my family and get in touch with nature. This is one outdoor activity that I always put on my list whenever my schedule permits. But of course, with lack of practice, I can not finish a mile or climb up a hill anymore…all I can do now is just a leisure biking around a park.
It has been a long winter here. We finally get to get back to mountain biking. Our kids have been missing the rides also. I am sure we are going to be real sore. There are several trails that we pull the kids with bike trailers. I know I am going to be extremely sore just from being off all winter.Biking any way you can get it is serene.
Mountain biking is great fun. I’m glad you have decided to back into it as it is a great way to spend your leisure time and relax along with providing good exercise.
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Don’t worry that much, you’ll get your fitness back!
At least your bike troubles are over, right?
Congratulations! Just go out regularly & keep on exercising, you’ll get by!
Very beautifully, work own?
Geez, I hope your shoulder’s ok now. I know how frustrating it can be to miss out on the biking. Previously, I sprained my foot and had to rest for more than a month before I went on my first trip. But take it slowly! Tasting blood doesn’t sound too good to me.
Enjoy your ride and keep us updated with your adventures. Good stuff!
Cheers,
Esther
I used to do 30 miles a day; that was back when I had youth, spirit, strength, and a small belly. Nice to see this post; I have been thinking about getyting back into biking, getting back a small belly. Thanks for the encouragement!
Todd
There are several trails that we pull the kids with bike trailers. I know I am going to be extremely sore just from being off all winter.Biking any way you can get it is serene.
I hope you consult your doctor about that because sometimes the damage may came back again.
Very well written ..first get a bike then ride it haha..
God, I used to ride my mountain bike every single day. Then came the wife and eventually my son. Now I’m lucky to get out once a week. I do miss those carefree days of riding.
Riding in mountain area is very difficult, how people make race there. I have tried several times and failed every time.