my thoughts on riding...

So lately I've been really enjoying going out on mountain bike rides around here. The temperature is perfect for the climbs...I feel like I am getting stronger, but in no way do I have the strong legs that Mat has. For example, we have this one ride we do where there is a mile or so of switchbacks right at the beginning. I pretty much push my bike up it. BUT each time I ride a little bit more of it. And, I love riding down...when I ride Mat's bike I feel pretty tough because I can just go right over trees, roots and rocks and it's a smooth ride. But this last weekend showed me that I'm not really that tough. The day was overcast and drizzly (that's my excuse) and I was a little brake happy and ended up getting the handlebars into the side of my thigh/hamstring area. Luckily, Mat rides in front otherwise I might have had a witness to such a weak wreck!

Anyway, we were going to go riding after work tonight but Mat is doing the responsible thing and talking to a professor at UNC-Raleigh tonight about a graduate project. Because I am trying to strengthen my legs I decided, "hey I've all ready sent off a job application this morning I'll go for a road ride."

I like the ease of road rides. You just head out your driveway and either turn left or right and you are off. Today I went on a new route...around here they are all pretty similar with the rolling hills but different views, some you are riding through neighborhoods and others you are going through farmland or areas with views. Anyway, I do have to say I enjoy the thrills of downhill riding a bit more. The risk factor feels MUCH higher on a road ride what with all the asphalt involved and the vehicles trying to pass you on blind corners...so there really isn't an option for an accident on a road bike. I'll take my handlebars to my thigh or pedals that gouge my soft shins over an accident with a car any day!

The bike I dream of...