While cold, windy and wet may not sound like much fun, when you add in a great mountain bike trail and a new bike you have an equation that equals an epic ride. If you're reading this, chances are you ride mountain bikes, if not then I suggest you get one and experience what nature has to offer. Even in bad weather, you can ride your bike, have fun and get a great workout.
Every year I try to get a good ride in to end the year on a positive note. Riding in the woods helps you to clear your mind and focus on what's important. Very few things in life can offer you the physical and mental stimulation of a good mountain bike ride. This year I chose Montgomery Bell State Park, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee for my last ride of 2009.
Having sufferred a brutal year in business and my family life, riding on the trail was a great way to put the past behind me and look forward to 2010. For every hill I climbed there was a feeling of accomplishment and the the thrill of the downhill that followed. This is also true in life as we meet challenges, strive for improvement and look forward to rewards.
Every year I try to get a good ride in to end the year on a positive note. Riding in the woods helps you to clear your mind and focus on what's important. Very few things in life can offer you the physical and mental stimulation of a good mountain bike ride. This year I chose Montgomery Bell State Park, just outside of Nashville, Tennessee for my last ride of 2009.
Having sufferred a brutal year in business and my family life, riding on the trail was a great way to put the past behind me and look forward to 2010. For every hill I climbed there was a feeling of accomplishment and the the thrill of the downhill that followed. This is also true in life as we meet challenges, strive for improvement and look forward to rewards.
Nestled in the western foothills that surround Nashville is Montgomery Bell State Park. Thanks to Tommy, here we have free, public access to one of the most challenging mountain bike trails in the Southeastern United States. This trail boasts numerous trails that are designated by color white, blue, red, yellow and black which represent beginner, intermediate, advanced and downhill respectively. On this day, my trail buddy Kip and I, chose a combination of all with an extra helping of red, white and blue for the new year.
Unlike other trails, these trails are designated for mountain bikes only, making them empty most of the time. You may only find a handful of cars in the parking lot on a beautiful day. The quietness makes for a solemn ride that gives you time to be alone with nature. But don't let the quiet fool you, because there is plenty of excitement on these trails.
These trails are technical in the sense that there are plenty of hairpin and off camber turns that traverse across steep hills and ridges. With names like "Tommy's Revenge", "Snakebottom" and "Moguls" you get a sense of what you're in for as you arrive at that point in the trail. The climbs seem non-stop as the trail zigs and zags up and down every hill to maximize the elevation changes. This continuous up and down keeps you alert and on your game as you maneuver your way along the trail. The trails are worn and clearly marked, so there is little chance of getting lost, though you may feel that way if you are alone and tired in the deep forrest.
This day was one that I could have stayed at home and slept, as it was cold and wet. But I couldn't do that as I had a new bike, and not just any bike, a Yeti 575. The Yeti brand is synonymous with mountain biking and just owning this bike makes you feel like a mountain man. With 5.75" of plush rear wheel travel, the bike sucks up rocks and roots like a river flowing downstream. And, it climbs like a billy goat begging for pedal strokes as you navigate the terrain with ease.
So, we got up at a reasonable hour and headed for the hills, White Bluff that is... Looking at the weather, it wasn't promising. A storm had blown through overnight and it would be partly cloudy and cold. No worries, there was fun to be had in the woods that included mountain biking.
After 3 hours of love and hate and mind over matter, we accomplished our goal, get a good ride in to end the year. This ride was better than most and I'll put it on my short list of epic rides. If you haven't experienced mountain biking at Montgomery Bell State Park, you owe it to yourself to do so. The end of another decade and a challenging year made this ride that much more enjoyable.
On New Years Day I got another great ride in on yet another memorable trail, Oak Mountain, Alabama. I'm off to a good start for 2010! I hope you are too, get on your bike and enjoy the ride...
Barry Page
Author and Editor
http://www.atbmx.com/
Barry Page is an avid mountain biker and enjoys riding trails all over the United States. He publishes http://www.atbmx.com/ and has hosted numerous rides, contests and events over the years. He also publishes http://www.pma101.com/ and http://www.legacyinsuranceagency.com/ where he helps others achieve their mental and financial goals.
