First REAL ride of the year

I took the Heckler out this morning. I wasn't feeling all that motivated, but I just got up and went. I headed out to the local trails and rode. Mostly the flat peddaly stuff, because I am pretty out of shape, and was in no mood for challenging climbs. I had to take a couple of rest breaks, but got in a few miles and really enjoyed it.
The shifting on the Heckler isn't exactly dialed, but it wasn't much of a problem. On the short climbs I had, the bike climed very well. On the slower tech stuff the bike felt a little mechanical, but the faster it gets, the better the bike felt. And when the trail goes downhill, the Heckler is a natural. I caught a little air on every rock and root I could and it felt great. Can't wait to get a little fitter and see what this bike can do!

First day of trail work

I put a little effort into a trail today. Still being out of shape, I decided that a decent line was in order. Moving leaves, brush and logs, kicking dirt and building log-overs. Only got a short section done, but it is a fun one, on the side of a steep hill. Keep to the right, or you'll know quickly you've screwed up. Lot's of rocks below, even ones harder that MY head! Looks like this will be a fun trail. As soon as I have some noteworthy sections finished, I'll post some photos.

Day 1 (back to biking)

I have allowed nearly two full seasons to pass without riding and I find myself hitting the trail again. First, a little history....I was once, what I felt, a fairly accomplished mountain biker, a free rider specifically.






























I shared a lot of great times with great friends, but of course, I still had a family to support. Therefore, one must have a job. Hard work and heavy lifting meant that most of my riding happend when my body was less than 100 percent.






After a lot of pain, physical therepy, prescription meds, and no success, I made a fateful decision. I would stop ridnig for a while, and see if my condition improved. Two years later, here I am. No better off, and no great riding memories from the last two seasons. So I have decided to throw myself back into my beloved sport. Slowly at first, but it is my belief that if I start riding again, at the very least, I can have my fun. And with any luck, less pain as well.

So, I bought a used xc bike, a 2004 Heckler, and dedicated myself to getting back into shape. That is what this blog is about, my journey back to where I left off.

Today, after work, I headed out on my new(to me) bike across the road from my house on an old loggging road to "get my feet wet." It was about 30 degrees, and a light coat of snow covered the ground.

After only two short ups and downs, I was breathing hard, my heart was pounding, and my legs were spent....I BONKED!!! But somehow, it still felt great! The bike performed very well, and I am very excited about the upcoming season.