Until today.
Given my current sorry state, I decided now is as good a time as any to start. However curious as I was before, mountain bikers to me were mostly guys who abruptly interrupted my zen state of trail running. But any excuse to get dirty and get back on the roads was definitely welcomed.
My friend Charles graciously lent me his "commuter" mountain bike, which was a far cry from his nice Specialized Hard Tail. Sure it was lacking front/rear shocks and proper off-road tires, but the main goal was to just get my feet wet and get an idea as to what I wanted in a mountain bike should I go in that direction. It was a great time and a great workout. We hit up the very familiar fire roads of Westridge to Mulholland to Sullivan, then back again. I've seen the scenery a million times, and yet it was sweeter still today to get away from the urban jungle. I'll spare you all the intricate details of today's ride. Put it this way, I'm perusing Craigslist as we speak right now for a proper, used mountain bike.
After the ride and lunch, it was laps at my mom's condo with Sara and Charles. Still not anywhere close to Phelps yet, but getting closer to him than the sinking anvil I was when I started. Yes, that's right - "cross training" is in full effect y'all.
More importantly, I've eluded swallowing the bitter pill over getting injured (so far). Gonna make lemonade til it comes outta my ears.
11 comments:
Nice job! You know from my blog, but mtn biking in the SM Mountains is one of my favorites of why I love LA!
Consider buying a new mtn bike, even online. Prices on Craigslist as of the last few recession years are insano and NOT a good deal for what you get. For about $50-75 more new, you get a lot more bike and service. I watched CL for half a year for a bike my size and got nothing - most folks on roadbikeforums agree about this.
Swimming - this will be friggin' HARD to learn, but worthwhile. If you do want to improve, "Total Immersion" is a good starting book for beginners.
By the way -
http://www.bikesdirect.com/
This website has the lowest prices for legit bikes. You will NOT beat them for bang for buck bike prices. They are a 100% legit company despite the funny looking website. The size estimate calculators are also more than good enough for mtn bikes. Check it out.
kick that piss poor attitude out! glad you were able to get out on the trails and torment the runners for a change :)
is that a bell on the bike? no shame, my commuter bike totally has a bell... and kickstand.
So now you're going kamikaze on us?
Ha ha! I used to love mountain biking when I lived up in the hills of Orange County. When I moved, I couldn't get the bike to/from the hills, so it went on the back burner.
Have fun! At least it looks like you are outfitted properly!
This is just great! You may be on the path to discovering yet another passion :-)
Can't wait to hear more!
How fun! I bet you'll love mtn biking being the trail fiend that you are. :) Keep us posted the bike purchase!
Yay for you getting out of the urban jungle. That looks like a great place to ride and i like the signature billy self portrait ha ha.
You are a cross training fool. :) keep up the great work!
Billy I saw an ad for a nice Trek Top Fuel here the other day, nice if you have $7K lying around. It's what you would have spent on about 87 pairs of running shoes anyway.
I'm really proud of you for staying as positive as you are, Billy.
Nice job, mtb is a ton of fun and you cn cover the miles way easier, if you need a better bike to borrow I've a Giant XTC lying around somewhere
Who took the picture from the ground up?
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