Mountain Biking - OK, I'm totally frickin' HOOKED!!!!!!!!!!

Well I did it, finally bought my MTB and after getting use to it around the neighborhood I took it out on the trail yesterday and I can say I'm totally frickin' hooked. I had planned on going on the beginner trail, but took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up on the intermediate trail and had a blast. Thanks to reading some of the tips and tricks from the experienced riders on this blog and others I had no problem navigating the trail, except for getting off the original path. No wrecks or flipping over the handlebars. The intermediate trail had a lot of switchbacks and some were pretty tight. The section of the trail that I rode was all pretty tight. Some good downhill areas, although not long but challenging to stay in control and some good uphill parts. Again if it weren't for the tips I read here and there I'm not sure if I could have handled it the first time out. I can't wait to get out there again.

You can get hooked that's for sure.Mountain biking is addictive

I'm hooked as well. I started mountain biking about 3 months ago and now I bike at least every other day. I exhaust myself out every ride because I always wanted to get faster :). Learning skills along the way made the biking experience even more enjoyable. Just got myself a book called Mastering Mountain Bike Skills, seem like a lot to learn! I'm thrilled! Now if only I can bike everyday without starving myself...

I went out yesterday with my dad on my department store Schwinn and it was great. I almost blacked out afterwards, but I'm hooked. I'll have to wait a few years as I am only 17, but I see a great hobby for later on in life.

Best rush you'll ever have! And if you go slow enough to notice and smell the flowers, pines, junipers, etc; and see the beautiful sights, it's even better.

congratulations and welcome to the club. it's that enthusiasm that is so fun to read and hear about. don't lose that. enjoy the addiction.

I went out yesterday with my dad on my department store Schwinn and it was great. I almost blacked out afterwards, but I'm hooked. I'll have to wait a few years as I am only 17, but I see a great hobby for later on in life.

why do you have to wait? don't stop riding, keep on having a great time.

I will drive 50 miles one way to ride good singletrack. That's how hooked I am.

I plan a vacation now and then to include some good trails. Trails are great fun, most mountain bike people are just as good.

I love headin up to the mountain solo every chance I get (which is why my post count has declined lately - due to gorgeous weather). Don't worry about better, faster, longer. Just go ride.

These are the great stories to read about new riders experiencing the fun that can be had on the trail. Take time to realize your potential and not to ride beyond capabilities. Mtn Biking is a great sport that can be appreciated alone or with a group. I became addicted and now ride 2500+ miles (road/trail) evch year. I like to try and beat my personal best times to guage my physical condition and ability on the trails. Biking becomes a way of life that is totally addictive but just be careful and you will improve. Learn from all of the situations you encounter and you will also find that being agile and fluid movements on the bike is what you want to develop because technique is 50% and strength/stamina is the other 50%. Best of luck, and ride hard or stay home!