I like to ride offroad and am not too particular on the bike. I do it for health and just love to offroad. I do offroading in vehicles as well. I like being outdoors and am not into super expensive bikes. I have the luxury of having a ranch with great trails and senderos cut through the brush. I personally have no idea why someone would ride a bicycle on major roadways with automobiles, but I guess to each their own.

There was a time in my life when I wondered the same thing. It may not be for every body, just as some of dedicated roadies can't understand the MTB thing. Me, I love everything cycling has to offer from off road trails, to the 100 mile 6 hr road rides and everything in between. That the great thing about this sport it has something for everyone. You can choose to embrace one or all aspects. I would say be it MTB, Cycle Cross, Road, Commuting, or Park Trails don't knock it until you try it, you never know what you may be missing.

Welcome to a great thread. I echo your sentiments about riding. I enjoy not knowing what is around the next turn, even on trails I have ridden before. Ride for the joy and health it brings.

BTW-since you live next to a ranch and are the new guy here, you are obligated to sponsor a group ride complete with BBQ. I prefer a fat jjahuucy cheeseburger, pale ale and a cigar (provided by host) after a good day of riding.

Seriously, good to have you around.

Since this is the rule, maybe we should have a STICKY on this?

What if you are just the new guy to this particular sub-forum?

Then in addition to the BBQ you are required to bring several bikini clad massage therapists. There is a sticky on this if you look for it.

At some point this will be possible. Right now we are coming up on Turkey season unfortunately. No unnecessary movement is allowed because it would disturb the birds that we will be hunting soon. But after I can smoke an entire wild boar and or a Barbado or Corsican.

Riding off-road rocks! You don't have to be particular to any bike, just be sure it can handle what you're throwing at it (which, in MOST cases, leaves out the big-box stores). Some folks are, some aren't, it's all good.

As far as riding with cars:

Many of us live in town, we have little choice if we want to ride; some of us don't own cars, either by choice or circumstance. SOME of us are pretty much addicted to pedaling, and will accept the challenge of riding amongst idiots who think they own the road because they pay gasoline tax and car insurance. It makes the ride a little edgier, which is why I prefer residential streets and will map out my routes accordingly. There are challenges, entertaining ones, in the urban setting -- broken sidewalks are a joy! Undulating streets are fun!

It's all trail -- just some of it is paved........