Jon Kerr

My name is Jon Kerr. I started riding back in 1999. I had to quit at the end of 2003 though due to some serious health issues. But, as of this past October, I'm back on my bike and working to get back into shape. With the health issues I had, I really was unable to do any kind of exercise. I have Thyroid problems and it caused me to gain 100 lbs in 8 months and caused a lot of other severe issues, including a very bad back. I've lost 35 lbs and I'm working hard to get the rest of the weight off and get back down to a healthy weight like I was 5 years ago.

I love riding trails. Fast single track is my favorite. Add some technical switchbacks and rough sections, and I'm good to go. I've never been much of a climber, even before I got sick. But now, I really struggle on anything up hill and especially anything steep. It puts a lot of pressure on my back and I'm really not in the aerobic shape to handle much climbing right now. Unfortunately, most of the trails here in SD are for mountain goats. So for now I'm sticking to a couple of fairly flat trails (Spring Canyon and San Clamente Canyon for anyone familiar with SD) to get my legs and lungs back and hopefully once more weight comes off, my back will be in shape too and I'll be able to ride the other great trails we have here. I've turned a little timid when it comes to getting the bike more than a foot in the air too. Old age I guess.

Back in the day I rode a 2000 Giant Warp DS2 full suspension trail bike with a Rock Shox Judy SL 100mm fork. Not the lightest thing back then even and a relative tank now. Currently I'm riding an '05 Gary Fisher Cake3DLX 5" travel all mountain bike with Manitou Black Elite 120mm fork, Manitou Swinger rear shock, Raceface bars, stem, headset, and Hayes 9 brakes. Pretty much stock except the cockpit. I like the wide Diabalous riser bars, shorter 70mm stem, and lock on grips.

Anyways, just thought I'd say hi. If anyone is familiar with San Diego county and knows of any other trails that are on the flatter side while I get myself back into shape, let me know.

Thanks

East Hill

Hi Jon, check out the SoCal forum for advice on more trails in your area . It's great to hear that you are getting the health problems back under control, and having fun doing it!

Welcome to BF!

East Hill