Why I ride MTB:

Often times I am asked why or how I got started mountain biking. It was simple. Sara and I were bored. We spent the day in Austin last spring when we realized everyone there was always moving. Whether the people there were walking, jogging or riding bikes it seemed everyone was always active. Sara and I are already active people. We spend 4-7 days a week in the gym but it is more of a routine for our health and wellness then a hobby. Therefore when we returned to San Angelo a few days later we decided to purchase bikes. Unfortunately we knew very little about what we were getting ourselves into.

We purchased two bikes from Academy Sports, the Texas version of Dicks Sporting Goods, but a bit lower end. Our bikes, combined, cost under $200. We rode around town a bit here and there but then we finally decided to try our luck on the trails at the San Angelo State Park. The first trail we decided to try was Winding Snake. This trail, from the Isabelle Harte Recreational Area, begins with a very rocky descend followed by a rocky climb and another rocky descend. So, 100 yards into our adventure we almost gave up. However, we pushed through and although my bike (an Ozone) fell apart, we did have a good time. If we were going to ride these trials, it was obvious my bike needed to be upgraded. So I upgraded, again, from Academy (oops). Sara's bike, meanwhile, had a rigid fork and was a Huffy. She also needed an upgrade, especially after the dozen or so flats she experienced. Finally, we went to a local bike shop and ran into a brand called Specialized. We purchased her a Myka in which I became very jealous. A week later, I purchased my Camber. Since then, I have become somewhat addicted, or competitive.

If you ever hear anyone say the bike doesn't matter, they are truly mistaken. That'll be a post for another day.

In the end, mountain biking gets us outside. It allows us to be part of something. We are able to experience outdoors like we never have before which has and will lead us to some great places to visit. Also, it is something we can do for the rest of our lives.