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Here's to the passionate ones! Those of you like Jackie and Dante Harmony who gladly live out of a van and occasional hotel room for half the year so you can challenge yourself and chase you dreams of World Cup glory. Whether you are a surfer chasing good swells around the world, a snowboarder living on ramen noodles and caffeine as you chase your dream of making the US Team, a climber living down by the river in your Subaru wagon so you can wake up and scale a tougher wall or a parent (also a lawyer/ and volunteer soccer coach) who still sleeps in a tent on non-soccer weekends so you can ride one more day in Moab you are a friend of mine. Life is so much better with passion and challenge than simply trying to get by. We (mountain bikers) are fortunate to have found something that we love so much that we will give up the “necessities” that so many people can’t do without to chase our passion. Next to spending quality time with my family and loved ones the happiest, most rewarding and most fun times of my life have been spent out there, often on the edge, not in front of a TV set.
So its not quite too late for New Year's Resolutions … and here's one for anybody that rides a bike on dirt: get out there and get your hands dirty with a few days of trail maintenance this season. So how do you get great riding out of a place that is a flat, sandy, swampy, bug-infested jungle? Simple (or not), you build it! There is one reason that the trail systems that I rode were in existence and a blast to ride: a massive amount of trail work. My point is this: from the above rant, did it sound like I had a good time? Those people made some awesome trails out of nothing. I don't plan on moving to South Florida anytime in the future but if I do, I'll still be an avid MTB'er and I won't be hurtin' for a wide selection of fun trails – all because a few people were willing to dream the dream and then put it into action. So, skip a ride or two this season and help build some trails. Trust me, the cold beer will taste just as good at the end of the day … maybe even better!
Check out this video of BetterRide Alumnus Joey Schusler ripping trails and having fun in Columbia!
My hydration pack is full on long rides, not just with water. In addition to the usual multi tool, spare tube, first aid kit, jacket and patch kit these items can make a ride ending mishap a minor inconvenience. 2. Your cell phone! Just because you friend is carrying his doesn't mean you don't need yours. Where our friend wrecked AT&T phones had no reception but Verizon did (my Verizon however was in my car). Having my phone would of gotten help there hours earlier. This is by no means everything you may need. Always bring more water and clothing than you think you will need on long rides.
