Where Have You Been All My Life

With well over 100 miles under my belt over the past week I have to say riding fixie off-road is certainly for me. Not easy. Not always even what I'd call fun. But wow what a connection to the bike and earth beneath! Long descents have proven to be exhausting and I frequently find myself looking forward to the climbs, much unlike my attitude while freewheelin'.

I think I'm adapting pretty quick, learning how to anticipate where the pedal stroke will be when approaching an obstacle. I've had tremendous success with rock gardens, leaning or rocking the bike to one side or another to help the pedals avoid the obstacles.

I'm bummed I waited so long to try this but anxious for the future rides. I'm having to learn every trail and every patch of obstacles all over again. Day one on the fixie, I stood up to relax a bit forgetting that I didn't have a freewheel and got bucked a bit (but not thrown) and I'm just hoping that doesn't happen again... maybe a note fastened to the handlebar that says "KEEP YER FANNY ON THE SEAT".