I initiated one of my co-workers last night into the world of Mt Biking, He asked me a couple of weeks ago on what to buy, well he ended up with an Ibex, Looks like a decent bike for the money. Anyways he said he wanted to hit the trails and learn from the Master ( I can ride but I'm no Master in anyway!). So I took him on the 1 mile beginner loop as a warm up and explained gearing and balance and the usual stuff, then we hit the regular loop, He was slow and he walked almost all the log jumps and I waited for him on all the hills, but I expected that, and I just took it as a casual day ride, we finished the 5 mile regular loop and he did great (Couldn't talk him into another lap, but that's Ok), we got that spanking new bike all dirty and broke it in pretty good, No problems with the bike and he was grinning from ear to ear. So he sent me Email this morning asking when we can do it again.

So I think I got another one hooked yesterday and it feels good introducing someone to our sport.

That's always a blast!

However, last person I took out, claimed to be a better rider than he was and ended up falling and breaking a wrist! Ooops!

L8R

Or they say how bad they think they suck and they end up smoking you. I did this once with a motocross guy. He was a bad cyclist but soon had total control. The motocross skills transered over quickly into cycling.

Great story! I luv to turn people on to cycling. I've had several success stories, and a few that never rode again.

Spread the fun around, there's enough for everyone!

Hey a2psyklnut:

So after he broke his wrist did he get back on the trails or did it turn him off completely? I would have felt awful for him, but that is one of the risks we all take with this sport

I took him to one of our local trails because he wanted some "tips" for an upcoming adventure race. Unfortunately the "tip" was how to ride a small drop (@ 8") at a creek crossing and avoid the root and the rock. I showed him a couple of times how to do it, gave him clear step by step. At the last minute, he panicked and grabbed a handful of brake and went down! He knew he panicked and didn't hold any resentment (as far as I know), but I felt horrible for a long time. Luckily, he healed quickly and competed in the race. I haven't heard from him in a while, but hopefully still riding.

L8R