I’ve always ridden a bike. I guess it’s just something you learn when you’re a kid. But it was only this year that I started mountain biking. In fact, it was just a few months ago that I joined the world of ‘clipless’. For those non-mtn bikers out there that actually means you are attached to your pedals by a cleat in your shoe (and I thought kayakers were backwards).
I started biking here in Reno as a cross training option but soon I realized it was an excellent way to tire out my dog, Fiji. So almost daily I dawn my funny shoes and clip in for an adventure.
Recently I took my adventurous biking side to the next level when I joined TNRG (Tuesday Night Ride Group) for a trip to Moab. 20 bikers piled in an RV and Denali and made the 12 hour drive across Nevada and Utah into the geological wonderland called Moab.
I knew I was going to be challenged but I had no idea just how difficult some of the rides would be. We started off with the classic SlickRock and by day two the die-hards wanted to step it up. And that we did. The ride up Poison Spider that next morning was fun, but the way down Portal (a class five plus) was more of a hike than a bike. I was having an off day and besides landing in a pile of cacti, I almost fell off a 1000ft cliff. Phew. Being from the north I had NO idea just how painful a butt full of cacti could be – let’s just say I don’t recommend it. With only one day left I wanted to ensure I had more biking than hiking so I joined two ladies for a double day. We packed in Gemini Bridges and Klondike racking up more miles than most of the other riders that day. Girl Power!
Campfires and costumes filled the hours after riding. But full tummies and tired bodies quelled even the hardest partiers.
Today, my bruises are finally almost gone, but my memories of Moab still linger. Looking forward to going back next year with more skills and a bigger taste for adventure.
