I introduced myself about a week ago. I used to ride leisurely, but regularly, years ago (just over 10 years ago) with my son. He went to heaven in 2009 and I just never really had the motivation to get back into it. I tried, but just couldn't really get back into it. I sold the bike that I rode when he and I rode, I donated his bike to the local bike shop that we bought it from...and just stopped.
I certainly enjoyed riding...so I decided to get back into it. Had my first ride in years at a local trail that I was not familiar with and found that I was way more out of shape than I joked about being...and in doing so, it kinda zapped my motivation.
I'm definitely not going to give up at it. Heck, if Anderson Silva can keep fighting a combat sport at 47, I can restart riding at 52...I think I just need to stick with trails I know at first rather than tackling stuff that I'm unfamiliar with. I think it will help boost my motivation and confidence.
I know there's really no question in this post, just sharing my thoughts.
Later.
Just get out and ride stay local til your comfortable then go further out til you can’t stand riding the same old trails mix some hills in to build some muscle.And make excuses to go out riding instead of making excuses to not go!
Keep it rubber side down recovering from falls screws all your progress & RIDE make it your motto All I want to do is RIDE it’s working for me, I’m sure it’ll work for you.
First off, congrats on getting back on the bike. You had a massive life changing event and to have the will power to go back is a huge win.
Piggy backing off the rubber side down, I would recommend considering some knee and elbow pads. I personally get motivated biking when I'm progressing technically, and that progression sometimes leads to crashes. Having knee and elbow pads lets me laugh that off and not deal with skin sticking to the bed for a week. Something like 7idp Transition or Sam Hill Lite pads are great for protecting against scrapes on most trail riding situations.
Also, if you have the means some lessons will go really far. My wife did them and I was amazed how much progression she made in such a short time. My "advice" clearly didn't help and I found I had no clue how to explain things even though I have mountain biked for a long time. So friends may not have the best advice. Having good body position and know what to focus on was huge for her.
Have fun out there. Thats what its all about!
@imjustabill1970 - so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. echoing the others here, just get out and go for it, taking your time. i know it may not be exciting, but a spin bike (got one for $100 off craigslist...no electronics, just super basic) has helped me keep in shape when it gets cold or too muddy to ride. it's a great way to keep (or establish) some base fitness.
Curious to know...are there any upgrades I should be looking at in the future for my 2021 Specialized Rockhopper Elite 27.5? I know it's an entry level bike and if I had stuck with riding from all those years ago I would most likely be in the market for something different.
I have noticed a clunking sound when I switch gears sometimes...so I am really just curious.
Thanks.
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