Wow. I had great fun today!
Corvine had bought me a mountain biking course for my birthday and I finally got round to going today (I didn't want to go before the Grand Tour, in case I broke something...)
I was really, really nervous - I'm a complete wimp when it comes to the slightest bit of gravel or mud.
So, I set off this morning, to get the bus down to Glentress (I was hiring a bike down there). On the way, I spotted something very unusual - an .anth, without a bike! Standing outside Valvona and Crolla, about to go mushroom foraging with his girlfriend - and with a fetching wicker basket tucked under his arm.
I blethered to them, then got the bus, hopped off outside Glentress, and walked up to the bike hire place. The whole place was really empty at 9am. I got my bike, walked over the cafe and ordered a tea - and then watched three guys come in covered from head to toe in mud. I have to confess that I wanted to go home at that point!
But I met up with the six people on the course - four guys, me and another woman - and the course leader Keith, and we got started.
The morning was a wee bit of a drag, if I'm honest. Well, no, some of it was fun - the riding bit! - but we went through a lot of braking and other technique stuff that is identical to what I teach as a Cycle Trainer, so it got a bit dull. And I really don't need to know how to fix a puncture! But the other people all seemed new to it, so fair enough.
We rode up to the Buzzard's Nest car park. Now, I believe that experienced people find the ride up dull but for me, switchbacks up a hill on a rough surface is quite a big deal.* When the leader first pointed to where we were going, I did have a wee moment of panic! But I just got stuck in - and hey, I can ride fast uphill! That always helps the confidence...
Once we got stuck into the skills loop, and into riding actual trails, it was a real blast. The final trip down a blue route**, with drop offs and mud and tight, tight turns (and those lumpy bits - they must have a name! - where you go up and down like you're riding along the back of Nessie...) was amazing - i was on a high by the end!
Wow. I can't say I'm totally converted and dying to buy a mountain bike, but I would certainly be keen to go back for another shot
*(For anyone who hasn't been for a while, apparently you used to go up the 'fire road' but now there's a proper bike route through the forest)
** I know a blue route isn't 'hard' but hey, it is for me!