About 12 years ago, I separated my shoulder while goofing around on some jumps at Tsali Mountain Biking Park in North Carolina.

I had gotten into riding when I was in college and went with a group of friends to hike, camp, bike ride, and ski over my final spring break in college.

Since that crash, I have probably only been out mountain biking 3-4 times.

Until now.

At the end of March, I got a new Trek X-Calibur 8 hardtail mountain bike and started back to riding with some friends from work.

I have taken my share of falls (some pictures below) but I am hooked.

I have been riding Cochran Mill (southwest of Atlanta), Cochran Shoals (home of the infamous 6’8 Chattahoochee Gator, which has now been trapped and removed), and Blankets Creek (north of Atlanta). All of these vary in length and difficulty but are usually 6-8 mile rides (which can be repeated) with moderate climbs, nice downhills, and some technical obstacles. If you aren’t sure what technical means, it usually refers to there being roots and rocks and other things that make riding straight difficult, both from a steering perspective (choose a good line) and from a pedaling perspective (when and how hard can you peddle without dragging over something).

What I have loved about getting back on the bike is that it is technically challenging and it pushes me to the edge of my comfort zone; but I see progress with each ride. I take turns just a little faster. I switch gears a little smoother. I miss the tree by a few inches instead of hitting it with my hand or shoulder. I have the legs to peddle just a little harder over a big rock or uphill root. While I am nowhere near “good”, its really fun to challenge myself and see continual improvement.

As I get better, it becomes more fun because I can ride faster and handle more exciting obstacles. Whether its from an unexpected obstacle, a ridiculous crash, a big downhill that I nail, an 8 foot snake flying down the trail, or a new conversation I have with a riding buddy…each ride brings a new adventure.

Injury highlight reel. Nothing serious, but makes for less-than-fun showers.

And yes, I always wear a helmet (and gloves).