#mtb trail

Trip to Buzovgrad, Bulgaria.

Having been on the trails more than a handful of times now, I’ve spotted something whilst being out and about. Bikers are a good breed.

Often, I’ll stop and catch my breath at the top of a climb and give my tired legs a little rest before they’re forced to hang on for the decent. My fitness isn't up to par yet.

Sat at the top, breathing heavy and sipping water, is the perfect opportunity or others to whizz past as I admire their stamina. I can honestly say, the first time this happened I felt daft - I’d bought, what I considered, an expensive bike, I thought I was fairly fit and ready... and then several older chaps pedalled past. Smiling. I’m in my early twenties. Being passed by some grey haired riders made me realise how fit they must be.

Whilst I sat, feeling slightly embarrassed and envious, they smiled, greeted me and checked I was ok. I was. Just tired.

This is something that I now no longer get embarrassed about - I’m new to the sport. I’ve only had my bike nearing two months now, and I’ve had a multitude of different colds in that time. There are bound to be those who ride religiously every weekend who are fitter than me. And good on them!

What is wonderful is that every time someone passes me (or, as I ride more, I pass them) they’re always happy to say hi, nod an acknowledgement, or check that other riders are ok. I have yet to encounter a single rider who has completely blanked me.

Yesterday was a prime example. I headed back out on the killer 21 mile red route I’d blogged about previously (and felt much better since, this time, I took enough food). About 7 miles in I hit a decent climb. At the top, I stopped to catch my breath, drink and ditch the thermal base layer I was wearing. There were two other blokes who’d passed me only moments before also taking a break. They were likely old enough to have fathered me (sorry guys!), but they were as friendly as any of the other riders I’ve encountered. They were hilarious - throwing banter backwards and forwards between each other - but also wanted to talk to me. To see where I’d come from, to ask me about my bike, to suggest pedal upgrades, GoPro mounts and see if I was ok.

Eventually I passed them and took another break in a few more miles. Inevitably, they caught up and the same friendly banter ensued. It was like they knew me, and I knew them.