Swapping tarmac for trails

I have a confession to make. Up until a year ago, I hadn't ridden a mountain bike since I was a kid. My world revolved around road cycling-smooth tarmac, long-distance rides, and the constant hum of tires on pavement. But life has a funny way of shaking things up, and in my case, it took a pretty dramatic turn to get me off the road and onto the trails.

Last May, I had a serious accident while road cycling. A driver who wasn't paying attention caused a crash that left me with a broken clavicle. Surgery followed, complete with a metal plate to put me back together. It was a tough time, but it also made me rethink my relationship with cycling. I needed a way to get back on the bike while feeling safer, away from unpredictable traffic. That's when my girlfriend surprised me with a mountain bike. And just like that, my two-wheeled world changed forever.

Discovering the thrill of the trail

At first, it felt completely foreign. Gone were the long, straight roads and steady pedaling. Instead, I found myself navigating winding trails, dodging roots, and adjusting to the unpredictable terrain. It was a whole new challenge, but one that quickly became addictive.

One of the biggest differences I noticed was the sense of control. On the road, no matter how skilled you are, you're always at the mercy of traffic. But on the trails, the only real dangers are the ones you can see-rocks, trees, and the occasional steep descent. It felt liberating.

When I'm on my mountain bike, there's no traffic around me at all, which means that if I do get into an accident, it's likely caused by the conditions of the trail or by me making a mistake.

Of course, that doesn't mean mountain biking is easy. I had to relearn a lot-how to handle sharp turns, how to pick the right line through technical sections, and how to stay balanced on uneven ground. But every ride brought a new lesson, and before long, I was hooked.

From casual rides to racing

What started as a way to recover and stay safe quickly turned into an obsession. I began exploring every trail near my home, pushing myself to tackle more challenging routes. The more I rode, the more confident I became. And then, almost without realizing it, I found myself signing up for my first mountain bike race.

Since getting a mountain bike, I've gotten very excited about it and started riding all of the trails next to where I live. I've already participated in three mountain bike races, which were very fun.

Racing was a whole new experience. The adrenaline, the competition, the sheer unpredictability of the trails-it was exhilarating. Unlike road races, where drafting and strategy play a huge role, mountain biking is all about individual skill and endurance. Every race pushed me harder, and I loved every second of it.

Looking ahead

Now, a year into my mountain biking journey, I can't imagine going back to just road cycling. Don't get me wrong-I still love the speed and endurance challenges of the road. But there's something special about being out in nature, riding through forests, and tackling rugged terrain. It's a different kind of freedom.

So what's next? More trails, more challenges, and definitely more races. I want to keep pushing myself, exploring new routes, and seeing just how far I can go. Mountain biking has given me a fresh perspective on cycling, and I'm excited to see where the trail takes me next.