Post by rhoremans on Aug 12, 2010 8:35:27 GMT -7
Over the last few months I've learned a lot, ridden with many girls, and had an awesome time. There are a few pearls of wisdom, a few observations and a few fun facts that I wanted to share. In no particular order:
1. Go out and try.
2. Boobs to the bar.
3. Point your headlights around a turn.
4. When climbing, pick the right gear. Take a high cadence (RPM), and keep your elbows in (chipmunk arms)
5. A good map is essential.
6. Bring tools, chain links, and extra tubes. You don't WANT to have to need them, but even if you don't someone will.
7. Falling is an art. Make it look spectacular but don't actually hurt yourself.
8. Smile. It gives you confidence and hope even if you don't have much.
9. Bike shorts can be stitched back together, and don't look half bad.
Rides of 2010:
Prairie link - I learned how incredible encouragement within the riding group can be. My first ride of the year, and everyone was awesome.Great coaching from lead/sweep too! You guys kept me going!
Nordic Centre - devonian drop, soft yogurt, orange loop and some more yogurt! Learned how to ride and pump through the rolling berm-y stuff, a great skill to have. Also learned how to get up and try something even if it was scary.
Sulfur Springs - a beautiful grind to a great view and a fast downhill. Here's where we had a fight with a broken chain, and some help to get everyone riding again. Also, did you know if you completely break your deraileur at the 2nd road crossing, you can still ride down (running up any incline) and keep up with the scooters? Pretty amazing.
Tom Snow/ridgeback - here I really learned the difference between 15-year-old well-worn trails, and freshly constructed single track. Both are fun, but holy slippery roots batman! Great trail, both directions.
Terrace trail - With a fantastic group of girls, this trail was some of the best fun I've had all year. A few slow grinds, but as an out-and-back it really seemed like it was downhill both ways (my favorite!). Really rolly, nicely curvy, and SUCH a blast it was hard to stop to regroup. Wish it was longer! Here I learned the value of a good map.
Jumpingpound loop - Again, great group, goooood trail. We had fun chatting almost the entire loop. Here I learned the importance of eating a good meal, and having the right nutrition before and during the ride. I turn into a monster if my blood sugar gets too low!
Telephone Loop - A good dollop of mud made the ride a bit more challenging, but no Ninja cows or F350s were encountered. I think I'm secretly happy to get covered in mud. It means the trail was fun and challenging, and I was givin' 'er through all of it. I learned that challenging yourself doesn't always have to be at the front of the pack, or at the base of a climb. You can make each ride what you want it to be
I'll add more as they come to me. Feel free to add your own!
- Robin
1. Go out and try.
2. Boobs to the bar.
3. Point your headlights around a turn.
4. When climbing, pick the right gear. Take a high cadence (RPM), and keep your elbows in (chipmunk arms)
5. A good map is essential.
6. Bring tools, chain links, and extra tubes. You don't WANT to have to need them, but even if you don't someone will.
7. Falling is an art. Make it look spectacular but don't actually hurt yourself.
8. Smile. It gives you confidence and hope even if you don't have much.
9. Bike shorts can be stitched back together, and don't look half bad.
Rides of 2010:
Prairie link - I learned how incredible encouragement within the riding group can be. My first ride of the year, and everyone was awesome.Great coaching from lead/sweep too! You guys kept me going!
Nordic Centre - devonian drop, soft yogurt, orange loop and some more yogurt! Learned how to ride and pump through the rolling berm-y stuff, a great skill to have. Also learned how to get up and try something even if it was scary.
Sulfur Springs - a beautiful grind to a great view and a fast downhill. Here's where we had a fight with a broken chain, and some help to get everyone riding again. Also, did you know if you completely break your deraileur at the 2nd road crossing, you can still ride down (running up any incline) and keep up with the scooters? Pretty amazing.
Tom Snow/ridgeback - here I really learned the difference between 15-year-old well-worn trails, and freshly constructed single track. Both are fun, but holy slippery roots batman! Great trail, both directions.
Terrace trail - With a fantastic group of girls, this trail was some of the best fun I've had all year. A few slow grinds, but as an out-and-back it really seemed like it was downhill both ways (my favorite!). Really rolly, nicely curvy, and SUCH a blast it was hard to stop to regroup. Wish it was longer! Here I learned the value of a good map.
Jumpingpound loop - Again, great group, goooood trail. We had fun chatting almost the entire loop. Here I learned the importance of eating a good meal, and having the right nutrition before and during the ride. I turn into a monster if my blood sugar gets too low!
Telephone Loop - A good dollop of mud made the ride a bit more challenging, but no Ninja cows or F350s were encountered. I think I'm secretly happy to get covered in mud. It means the trail was fun and challenging, and I was givin' 'er through all of it. I learned that challenging yourself doesn't always have to be at the front of the pack, or at the base of a climb. You can make each ride what you want it to be
I'll add more as they come to me. Feel free to add your own!
- Robin