Hanging on edge of the precipus, I thought I knew how to ride a mountain bike... Options

[yarik83]

So being a computer geek.. my only form of exercise comes from moderate aerobics, lots of bike riding and walking and of course proper diet. I am no stranger to bikes, after all I ride 15-20 miles every day. Well my regular bike is falling apart so I bought myself a new more expensive bike from a bike shop.

It had its maiden voyage today on supposedly easy trails. After 6 near death experiences I am finally back home with a sprained knee and lots of good memories. I thought I knew how to ride a mountain bike... until I went on "official" mountain bike trail.

Evening started off fantastic.. weather was perfect and I was in company of 6 other people who know a thing or two about bike riding. The easy trail started off... easy... until I came to my first hill and went holly sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep... regaining my awareness at the bottom of the hill I proudly looked back and praised myself for not falling down. So I climb up another hill and at the very top it makes a 160 degree turn and right there, after sweating to the top I managed to park my bike and put my foot an inch too far and it slipped down the 60 foot drop to the left. If I was not holding on to a tree I would have tumbled down and my company would have brought me back in pieces. Well the disaster was averted but damage was done.. I sprained my knee and had to ride like that for another 3 hours.

There was only one easy trail. Other ones were intermediates and black diamonds. If they called intermediate intermediate... I dare not even look at what black diamond was. Let me tell you... 45 degree slopes between pine trees and roots and stones and 60ft drop on the left or right and trail is twisting and turning and leaves are slippery and rocks are falling.. I thought florida was supposed to be flat... apparently not. Where one cant find mountains.. one seeks out ravines and canyons.

5 more near death experiences, a bruised ego and half million f bombs later I rode off into the sunset with a huge smile on my face and limped my way back to the car.

Now I thought I knew what fear was.. after all I conquered my doubts swimming with sharks and eels while scuba diving as well as feeling of being all alone out there.. but apparently I had no idea what real fear was. I darn near peed my shorts. Look to the right or look to the left and there is a 45 degree slope and a 60 foot drop... you know with sharks you give them a healthy doze of respect and they dont bother you but this was a different feeling. Uncontrollable fear and strong desire to finish the trail pretty much sum it up. I wonder if skydiving is as scary.. which is my next frontier.

This is the bike I bought.
http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/opie

[Spider77]

Shoulda bought a cannondale. Glad to hear that your ok though. I havent ridden in about 4 years (no good trails here in Ft Worth), but props for riding! I sure do miss it alot. The downhills, uphills (hated those), sharp turn, unexpected obstacles (ie another biker in your way), flipping over your bike due to a missed jump. Great times and plenty of infections later, still love it!