Taking the trail less traveled...

We're creatures of habit and love to do things that feel comfortable to us. Mountain biking is no exception to this, especially in a sport where familiarity with a course, its idiosyncrasies and kirks makes all the difference in the way we perform and enjoy a given ride.

When I'm riding on my own, I try to make the effort (this doesn't mean I succeed all the time) to take a different trail, change directions or add to my usual itinerary so it will challenge myself, now and again.

It's never easy, but it's always filled with new experiences, surprises, deeper learning and in the end, more fun!