In my attempt to populate the world with more mountain bikers, I thought I would start at home! Most of you have probably already seen the thread on Johnny’s girlfriend aka. my future wife’s new bike. Yesterday we got the change to get it dirty for the first time at in Woodstock, GA.  Blankets Creek is probably the best beginner trail that I am aware of. The Mosquito Flats and Mosquito Bite trails allow first time riders or beginners to ease into the sport without it being overwhelming.

To start the night, we stopped by OutSpokin’ Bikes in downtown Woodstock to pick up some shorts and chain lube. After we had all of the necessary gear, we loaded up and headed to the trail. Luckily, due to my need to try something new all the time, we already had a Camel Bak Mule and a Bell Sweep XC that fit her perfectly.

We started out on Mosquito Flats and to my surprise, she started off extremely well. The only real reason I say surprised is because this was her first time mountain biking…ever! I knew she was going to have a pretty good feel for the bike, but I didn’t realize it was going to be this good. In this first run, you have to climb the roller that you see in the picture and she made it look easy. After that we rode around the trails hitting creek crossings, climbs and rooty descents. She handled every thing perfectly and even seemed to be having some fun in the process. After we were done, I loaded up her bike and set off for some hot laps around the Dwelling Loop.

I really think she would have been able to ride longer with a better saddle. That was really her only complaint during the entire ride. Honestly, I don’t blame her. That Felt branded saddle didn’t look very comfortable, but luckily, I have a WTB Rocket V ti in the garage that should fix that problem completely. She even said, “I think I could have ridden a lot longer if it wasn’t for that seat.” I don’t think it will be very long until she is on clipless and riding the entire trail system. I have a weird feeling that in 3 months I will be telling her to wait on me at the next intersection. One of the harder things to get used to for a first time rider is the endurance and muscle usage. It really is different riding a mountain bike on the trails than on the road or running. Once she gets used to that feeling and gets her endurance up, she will be a force to be reckoned with.

I think this quote off of our local board by Tweety (Mr. Tracey).

Jenn: Wow this is really fun.
Me: Wanna go to a really cool mountain bike park?
Jenn: Why not?
In Whistler
Me: Weeeeee!
Jenn: Weeeee!
Me: Wooooooaahhh!
Jenn: Woooooaahhh!
Me: YahooooOOOOOOsh!t!!!!!
Jenn: Shake it off 198, it wasn’t that bad…
Intermission…
Jenn: Wow babe, that was great, you almost made it. Some Hope brakes and I9 wheels will help prevent that!
Me: Dammit, I’m not sure how I feel about my girl out riding me. Guess I better talk to Tweety and see how he handles it…

I am incredibly happy with how the night went, and I am looking forward to more great rides with “my better half.” I am really lucky to have a woman who wants to share this side of my life with me and before long she’ll be the expert in the family.

Now I just have to try to keep her away from those killer pink Industry Nine‘s!