Watch Out For Gravel

With the start of "off season," several of my training buddies have been bitten by the mountain biking bug.

I tried mountain bike riding a few years back. Like 10 to put it in perspective. I can't remember where we rode, but I do remember being so proud of myself after rolling over a few small log piles. I also recall thinking it was fun - like a day of hiking - though I hopped off the bike for a few more scary sections of the trail.

Well, my friends are on a whole 'nother level with their excursions. I've heard about the crazy falls and seen the impressive hematomas.

They've been gradually wearing me down, though, with promises of becoming a better bicyclist. When my company sent out the ten year work anniversary "pick your award" email, I noticed there was a mountain bike.

This must be a sign, right?

So I cut and paste the details and forwarded to the mountain bike goddesses.

Who promptly wrote back (kindly not making fun of me in the response)...

"No - that is a cruising mountain bike - meant for nice rides on sidewalks!"

Given I can't even pick out a mountain bike, let alone have the daredevil coordination to stay on the thing - I am thinking this may actually be a sign -

To stay on paved surfaces!