7 Ways To Relieve The Boredom Of Your Local Trails (GASP!)
You love mountain biking.
Any chance you get you duck out to your local trails for a ride. Even if it’s for a short half hour spin or an epic ride you do whatever you can to get out there.
You know every jump, every switchback, every wash-out, every tree root, every turn, every soul destroying climb, every mud puddle…you know every bit of it like the back of your hand.
You’ve been riding these trails for umpteen numbers of years.
You’ve seen them change as the sport grows then condense as they are “Closed For Walkers”
You’ve seen them overgrown and then destroyed with bushfires.
At times (when you are riding like a demon) you feel like you and the trail are one.
But I hate to say it (as it’s a bit of an unspoken fact) but they do tend to get boring.
Every jump, every switchback, every wash-out, every tree root, every turn, every soul destroying climb, every mud puddle…so what can you do about it?
So here are 7 easy ways to transform your local trials –
Sometimes here in Australia, we are spoil with long periods of great riding weather, and then when it (finally) rains we rack the bike until it clears and the trails dry out. Although you, your bike and gear may return home unrecognizable there is , wet weather riding is a great way to hone your riding skills. Everything from braking, cornering, climbing and descending all need a slightly different approach.
2. Ride at night
I can still remember my first night ride (about 15 years ago) when my mates and I and it cobbled together some lights with a few batteries and old dolphine torches, only for them all to fall to pieces 10 minutes into the ride. But then when I bought my first dual light system everything changed. Trails I once knew so well were new again. And the quiet of night riding is quite an experience.
3. Ride a stationary trainer
We’ve all done it. During winter or early in the morning just to get a quick “ride” in, throw on the slick tyres turn on the tv and hop on the stationary trainer in your lounge room or garage. It doesn’t get much more boring.
4. Ride the trails in reverse
If you have a normal loop, try it in reverse for a new experience.
5. Ride with a few mates
Doing anything with your mates always makes it better…and mountain biking is no different. There is nothing better than having someone to urge you on up those tough climbs or cheer you on when you come off mid creek crossing.
6. Go for a road ride
Yeah sure you can knock out some serious k’s and hold a good average speed on the road, but as James Wilson mentioned in my recent interview, this is just making you a good road rider. And for me following that white line on the edge of the road and dodging cars and trucks is not my idea of fun.
7. After you have tried all of these grab your bike, pull on your helmet and gloves and ride your local trails like you’ve never ridden before.
So keep in touch and see you out on the trails.
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About The Author
Rod Bucton, mountain bike fanatic from Mid North Coast, New South Wales Australia…discover the shortcuts to mountain biking for beginners and while you’re at it follow Rod on Facebook or Instagram.
Like any sport, bicycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume the responsibility for that risk, so you need to know — and to practice — the rules of safe and responsible riding and of proper use and maintenance. Proper use and maintenance of your bicycle reduces risk of injury.