Random thoughts…
As a kid, a bike was something used mainly to jump as many mates as possible off a dodgy home made ramp …I think the record was nine. Then it was just transport before getting old enough to drive, although fun could be had slip-streaming buses…
…way back in 1990 a friend at uni bought a few copies of MBUK before buying a bike (thanks, Ian Snow!) I couldn’t believe what people were doing on mountain bikes
…so I frantically sold stuff and bought a Marin Eldridge for way more cash than my parents could understand… I’ve had bikes ever since, and mountain biking’s still the most fun sport I’ve found; an ideal combination of the outdoors, speed, freedom, adrenaline, technical challenges and a good way to stay fit without going near a gym. There are always new challenges, and skills to learn and improve on
I’ve always enjoyed finding out what works, passing on knowledge and showing how good the riding can be in such an amazing sport. Whether it’s first timers or seasoned bikers wanting to improve, helping someone achieve something they were stuck on or never thought possible is as good a feeling as nailing a technical downhill (well almost…)
…and whatever the weather, life is so much better outdoors and miles from civilisation
…Steve
