by Coach Kevin So you got yourself here, on a mountain bike. You’ve already done the hardest part. You’re here. You’re on that mountain bike. Now what? You think to yourself, “It’s just like riding a bike, right?” Sort of. You still feel that pit in your stomach. You know this is different than riding your old bike around the ‘hood, on the smooth sidewalks. There are rocks. There are trees. There are snakes. And this bike has such big tires. This bike, this bike is sorta scary. But the hardest part, the scariest part is done. You are here. You are on that bike. Let’s move on to the easier part now: let’s Ride. 1. Stand up. Yes, stand up when you ride. This isn’t the lazy sidewalk ride on that ‘ole bike of yours to go get some choice beverages. You can sit on that ride, just like you can sometimes sit on this mountain bike ride when the trail feels easy, boring. You will find those easy moments. They exist. You will enjoy them. The rest of the time, stand. Stand like you’re going to run. When you run, your weight is on the balls of your feet, your vision is forward, your focus is forward, and your effort is forward one step (or pedal stroke) at a time. You don’t need to be an Olympian to go for a run. You can run. Just like you can ride this mountain bike, one pedal stroke at a time. It won’t always be easy, but you can keep moving forward at your pace, one foot forward at a time. 2. Guide your bike with your eyes. Just like driving a car, look ahead. Wayyyyyy ahead. Especially at high speeds. Ever stare at the hood of your car while
by Coach Kevin So you got yourself here, on a mountain bike. You’ve already done the hardest part. You’re here.…