In Search of a BEGINNING Mountain Bike Trail
A year ago, I would have never guessed that I would be beginning mountain biking in Lake Tahoe. For those of you that know me, you know that my attempt to learn how to ride a bike has been a long and embarrassing journey. Seriously, when I started, I couldn’t make the turn on a sidewalk. I couldn’t start or stop. And I certainly couldn’t steer! It has only been recently that my coach (aka BF+) has taken me out on some dirt roads. And even more recent that I don’t regularly shriek while riding.
We were super stoked to go to Lake Tahoe last week. For the BF+ it’s the mecca of mountain biking – for me, I was hoping to get a little better and try some easy single track. We were both excited for our adventure and were hopeful for the possibilities.
Warning: Mountain people’s definition of a beginner trail is different than my definition of beginner. BF+ reminds me that realistically, I’m still a greenhorn. Even so, I was SHOCKED at some of these places they sent us! I was a really good sport though and only managed one spastic dismount that resulted in a little blood. I only complained a little, and quite willingly got off my bike in several places to walk it up the hills and over the rocks. (BTW that is REALLY hard!)
Bike Coach is VERY happy to remove the kick stand.
Here’s where we went:
- Fallen Leaf Lake loop (there were parts that I had to walk my bike – maybe we went a wrong way?)
- Gunmount Trail (there were parts of this I couldn’t ride, but other parts that were pretty – the rocky hill video is on this trail)
- Railroad Grade (a guy in the parking lot told us about this one – there was one hill on Powerline that was hard – but this trail was super fun for me – the second clip is on this trail)
- Armstrong Connector (the VERY TOP part only – I took the BF+ to ride this trail solo, but he said I could do the top part – in the video it’s the last segment)
There were some rough moments, but overall BF+ agrees that I’ve graduated from greenhorn to beginner. So, after months of arguing, I let him take off my reflectors and kickstand. He was VERY happy about that!
And I am very happy to REALLY ride a bike! This was a big deal for me – VERY out of my comfort zone, some times were VERY hard and scary – but the payoff was big in my book. I remember the moment when I thought, “Hey! I’m REALLY riding a bike – how cool is that?”
I put a few clips together with some music – I hope you enjoy! And there is a “Yay” in this video – you really have to listen hard – it was tentative on the rocky trail.
In case you’re interested, here are More Posts on Learning to Ride a Bike – The Beginning Mountain Biking Journey
And for those of you wondering about Fit Stanley, he was there. He just snuck down in the pack (he didn’t want to peek). Some of his Tahoe adventures are on FitStanley.com, but remember, I’m sending out his twins, so if you’re interested in a visit, comment on the Fit Stanley Giveaway Post.
Kris!! this totally got me misty eyed at the end! you were fantastic!! epic!! you were going fast! I remember your the first bike post from last year, you have DONE it!! so great you have a patient one in your bf+ and coach – that makes a huge difference, and the rest is all YOU! I am so proud of you, my friend! challenging and stretching and growing, and RIDING!
YAY! <3
and apparently I was so excited I couldn’t talk-type! “your the”
you know how awesome I think you are! and the music editing was PERFECT – great choice and ended at the right time!
I LOVE YOU! I totally get the misty because it is the BEST to share and celebrate eachothers’ victories! I am proud – it is a bit silly – but I’m proud I didn’t quit when it was hard and scary and embarrassing. We didn’t get everything on film, but there were times that were just ridiculously awkward – ha! BF+ and I were talking – and he’s so proud too – and he says he’s uber happy to go on easy trails cuz he just likes to ride – so I think he’s happy to have a bike buddy that’s not a flake – ha! I could go on and on – but it’s been such a cool thing. xoxoxooxoxoxox
Kris,
YOU’RE AWESOME. Not only did you tackle rocky terrain like a sport, you lived to blog about it. It’s inspiring to see you push yourself and try new things, like mountain biking. I felt it feels good at the end of the day to know you conquered another trail, doesn’t it?
High 5!
Alicia
THANK YOU! Yes – I lived to tell about it! BF+ has been so sweet – he says he’s super proud. He reminded me of when i couldn’t ride on a sidewalk and said “OW” every time I went over a rock. ha! xoxo
I loved that video & the beauty too. So, being a fairly new newbie at this – WOW!!!!!!! You were amazing! Fit Stanley should have come out more! ;-)
Yes – Fit Stanley didn’t come out much on the ride. I have a bunch more pix of him on the kayak tho – ha! You are so sweet – I gotta really hand it to my coach – everything that we’ve been practicing and learning came into play so it was fun to really be able to ride. Thanks again!
OK watching that video made me feel so AWED but it scared the crap out of me and I couldn’t watch it all. You are so brave! And I can’t believe your stalwart companion was riding a bike AND taking video on camera?!? WTF?!?!?
GOOD JOB! is right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are my hero! oxoxo
Awwwwww – TY Susan! Seriously – so proud – so grateful for his patience (seriously – I am NOT an easy student cuz I’m a SCAREDY CAT). And yes – WICKED good video bike skills, eh?
Kris, you ROCKED it girl!!!!!
and like I tweeted….woot to BF+ for his mad riding/video’ing skills :)
Thanks Tara – seriously – holding the camera with one hand, handlebars with other, and controlling his speed without brakes – and looking through the camera while riding – say what???? I can’t believe it worked out! Thanks again!
yea that’s mindboggling…I used to have hard enough time just riding on trails without video!
Chapeau! This is awesome! :D And I loved the video and that you had underlied it with one of my favorite songs! :D
Ha! The music choice was difficult – I had ideas – but then this one was handy LOL And yes, loved how the music worked out – TY!
This is fantastic! Thanks for posting!
Thanks so much!!!!
Good for you Chris. I have not been mountain biking in ages. We are still working on getting our kids to ditch the training wheels. LOL!
Good for you! I’m too nervous to try mountain biking. Seems scary to me!
Oh my friend – I am the QUEEN of nervous! I’ve only recently stopped shrieking and squeeling and we haven’t even been on a path – ha! It is very fun though – my teacher is VERY helpful. Highly recommend :)
yaaay you..look at you go.. congrats officially mountain biking..
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**giggles** can you believe it? I still am a bit baffled – ha!
You are my hero! Good for you Chris. Seriously – so proud – so grateful for his patience (seriously – I am NOT an easy student cuz I’m a SCAREDY CAT).
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