Mountain Biking? Anyone into it?

[billscamaros]

I just got a Gary Fisher Piranha mountain bike for Christmas/anniversary. I've been a runner for many years, and wanted to spend a little time biking over the next years. This bike just rocks!!! I plan to pick up a road bike this coming summer. There is a bicycle club that rides several nights a week during the spring and summer, and I'd like to try to hang with them a bit.

Christmas was cool this year. My sister and I bought a new bike for my dad, who turned 73 this year. He likes to ride on the rail trails, so this is another way for me to get to spend some quality time with him. It's a little cold for him to ride now, but we're looking forward to the spring.

[syborg tt]

Originally Posted by billscamaros

I just got a Gary Fisher Piranha mountain bike for Christmas/anniversary. I've been a runner for many years, and wanted to spend a little time biking over the next years. This bike just rocks!!! I plan to pick up a road bike this coming summer. There is a bicycle club that rides several nights a week during the spring and summer, and I'd like to try to hang with them a bit.

Christmas was cool this year. My sister and I bought a new bike for my dad, who turned 73 this year. He likes to ride on the rail trails, so this is another way for me to get to spend some quality time with him. It's a little cold for him to ride now, but we're looking forward to the spring.

That's pretty awesome.

One of my riding partners is in his late 50's and he still kicks everyone's butt.

Your never to old to ride.

Remember Riding doesn't make you old - Not riding makes you old !!!

[cdushane]

Chad, i have to agree with Todd (Vegas69) as it does get easier and don't burn yourself out to quickly in the beginning. i've been training for 20 years and still to this day it hurts, but it's putting your body through it that makes it worth it and when your all done you feel much better about yourself. if you need any help with the diet give me a call, i'd be glad to guide you through a few things.

[ricer]

i am a hardcore MTB'er (ride a fully customized Moots Ti) and have seen many people come and go into mountain biking. For most people there are all into it in the beginning then the novelty starts to fizzle out and you don't feel like driving to your favorite riding spots.

To curb this, assuming you still want to ride, get yourself a road bike as well. On the days you don't feel like driving or motivated, just jump on the road bike and ride directly from your house however far you want to go. Road bikes you can go much faster on so you would almost have to double the distance you would go on a MTB to get the same "burn". Invest in a good computer and when you ride try to keep the same MPH or cadence regardless of hills/decents and set a realistic target.

For instance when i MTB i try to average anywhere from 10-15mph depending on the trail with a minimal 10 mile ride. On the road bike i shoot for 20-22mph average with a minimal of 30-40 mile ride.

[syborg tt]

So Mr Fletcher how is the riding ??