Mountain Biking - Newbie Single track

Well I finally got off my butt today and took the MTB out for my first single track adventure today. I have done some off road and double track riding (a two day trip from Yakima, WA to North Bend last month sometime I will get around to posting pics of the trip) but haven't taken any single track trips. I found a group of trails near Boeing here in Everett on MtbReviews web site so I got up this morning and rode out to Mucklteo to find the trails. I started out pretty slowly but after about 15 minutes I began to build up confidence and was tearing up the trails in no time. Now mind you I wasn't doing any thing radical, no drops or jumps, but I got a chance to practice jumping logs on riding switchbacks (need lots of practice). I felt pretty good about the ride today and I have signed up with the Backcounty Bicycle Trail Clubs Bootcamp so I can get tips from the pro's. I plan another ride across the cascades next summer this time tracing the route of one of the more famous wagon trains that came west from Indiana, taking me across Naches Pass near Mt Rainier my trail guide book tells me I need more experience at single track so between getting ready for the STP (Seattle to Portland Road trip) and the Parker Challenge II I have my work cut out for me until next summer. This new found love of MTB riding seems to have added a new dimension to my riding and it has been fun. Maybe one day I will get the balls to do some drops.

Well I finally got off my butt today and took the MTB out for my first single track adventure today. Maybe one day I will get the balls to do some drops.

Hey Great! Glad to see you were able to get out and get the bike dirty!
Don't worry about doing drops if you like your knees to function properly! :D
Any drops over a couple of feet and my knees really KILL ME! :cry:
Not to mention, I really don't want to be paying for bike repairs all the time.
Look forward to seeing some photos of the new ride on the trails.

Hey that's great to hear!! I'll have to try and get together with you around the end of November or beginning of December when I'm back in Renton permanently for a ride. If you really want a challenging bit of singletrack you should ride Tapeworm in Renton (I know, it may be a bit far from you). I rode it twice last week while I was in town and loved it! Let me know if you need directions...

Yes I have been checking out the tapeworm had a rep her Frday for a visit she said I should check it out let me know I can meet you down there some Sat or Sun. I think I know where it is I used to live in Fairwood (east Renton) way back when.

I'd stay away from doing drops and extreme stuff. It hurts too much while you are going through the learning process and old bones heal slow ;)

Yes I have been checking out the tapeworm had a rep her Frday for a visit she said I should check it out let me know I can meet you down there some Sat or Sun. I think I know where it is I used to live in Fairwood (east Renton) way back when.

I'll be sure to get in touch...

Funny story though... when I first found Tapeworm there were two riders talking at the trailhead and I thought they were you and Khuon.. I asked if they used any of the biking forums such as this one or ridemonkey and they said no, but for a couple of minutes I really thought I'd met you both.. haha

Well, maybe next time I'll really be able to meet you there :)

I'd stay away from doing drops and extreme stuff. It hurts too much while you are going through the learning process and old bones heal slow ;)

Watch who your calling old ;)