16 year hiatus
Back in the day, mountain biking was a huge part of my life. I used to ride XC almost every day often two hours at a time and spend weekends doing recreational downhill. I wasn’t racing or anything. I just loved being out on the trails, pushing myself and exploring.
Then, in 2010, I had a pretty serious downhill crash. I broke my elbow and collarbone, and after that, I just never got back on a bike.
One year turned into five. Five turned into ten. And somehow, sixteen years went by.
I honestly thought that part of my life was probably over.
Then last month, I was in Vancouver for a work trip and the guys (and gals) wanted to rent bikes and go around Stanley Park. At that point my closest interaction with a bike since my crash was teaching my kids to ride without training wheels. For whatever reason after being scared shitless to get on a bike again I said yes. 5 minutes in I remembered how awesome riding is, albeit surrounded by closeted and angry Vancouverite riders did add some unique flair to the experience.
Fast forward to last week, I found a used Specialized Camber Comp. Nothing fancy, just an older bike that looked like a good excuse to get back out there.
The first rides have been slow. Very slow compared to what I used to do. I'm having to relearn the feeling of being on a bike, get comfortable on the trails again, and rebuild the confidence that disappeared somewhere along the way.
But there's something pretty amazing about it.
After 16 years away, I'm riding again.
I'm not trying to chase the rides I used to do. I'm not trying to prove anything. For now, I'm just enjoying being back on two wheels and seeing where it takes me.