Running through the trees

Though I haven’t moved beyond novice in my short “career” in mountain biking, I often come back from a ride “getting” the sport more, and why it appeals to snowboarders and skiers.

Today’s observation: Moving through the woods is a blast. I made three laps on a short loop that is entirely in the woods. It was my second day on the loop, and I became more aggressive, which is to say I didn’t dismount, I rode over some tree roots rather than avoided them, and I took a slightly tighter line through some of the turns. But what stood out to me the most was how enjoyable it was to be moving through the woods–at the  blazing speed of 5.5 mph!

The experience reminded me first of all of some fun days from my childhood, when I lived on a one-acre lot filled with pine trees and near a forest. Riding my bike also reminded me of snowboarding.

Sure, bowls are fun, especially on a powder day. But so are slopes that go through trees, whether that means a “boulevard” that is as wide as a two-car road, or a glade.