I think Bike to Work Week is coming up. Either that or it’s already over. But that’s beside the point. Make this week Take Your Bike Out and Get it Muddy Week.
You don’t have to go to Moab to have a great ride on a mountain bike. Wyoming has plenty of excellent places to ride, too.
Just throw your bike on top of your car or in the bed of your truck and head for the nearest trail. Or take a longer drive and check out some of the trails in another part of the state.
If you want to learn a little more about some of the best places to ride in the state, just make a quick stop at your local bookstore. In the regional section, you’ll probably find plenty of guide books dealing with our state’s mountain biking areas.
Once you have an idea of where to go, get there. Then get a little crazy. Strap on the helmet and lace up your shoes. Get yourself to the top of the mountain, then let it rip on the way back down.
That’s the fun part of mountain biking. Believe it or not, some people make good money racing bikes downhill. They don’t even have to work to get to the top. They ride a chairlift up, then try to get to the bottom in the shortest time possible without becoming part of a tree.
I spent a couple of summers trying to break into that line of work. It was a lot of fun, but I just didn’t have what it took to make it my day job. I spent way more money on entry fees than I ever took home with my winnings. Now if I want to ride down a mountain, I have to pedal myself up it first.
Be safe while you’re riding. Wear sunglasses or other eye protection, a pair of gloves, and always wear a helmet. And if you’re not riding in a sanctioned race, there may be others using the same trail. Stay under control so you don’t hit anybody. Slow down for blind corners and hills on the path.
Get outside this summer. Put that expensive mountain bike to good use.
