Moutain Biking vs. Hiking*

Today we went mountain biking along the same trail that we hiked yesterday. You would think, "Biking should be easier and faster." NO. That is not the case. First of my many problems with mountain biking is that you don't actually get to see the beautiful scenery around you because you are 100% focused on reading the trail and watching out for things like rocks and roots. If you do happen to be distracted (as I was when I saw a cute little robin) you proceed to run off the trail and fall over.

Second, the trail, which is about 18" wide and covered in rocks is entrenched which makes it hard to peddle. It winds between trees and along steep ridges that towers above a raging river. If you do fall you have the option of either slamming face first into something hard (pick a rock or a tree), or you can fall off the sheer face of the trail into the rushing Piedra River that is full of frigid snow melt. In that case to you hope a tree or rock stops you.

The last point, which is really about me being a wuss, was the omnipresent brambles that lined the trail and scratched your legs as you pass.

PS. Climbing sucks. So does descending.


Trail I can do. Notice it's lovely flat, rock free topography. Sadly this comprised only about 20% of the ride.


Trail I can't climb. Notice the ubiquitous rocks. This was an easier part of the trail, and I was just tired and looking for a reason to rest. Pictures are a legit rest reason.


This is Hollis' mountain biking face. Notice how chipper and upbeat he is.
This is my mountain biking face. :( Please click the photo to enlarge it to truly get the essence of my feelings.

Despite all of this whining, I actually did have fun and will be doing it again later.

*I'm a new mountain biker. This was my second time on a real trail.