It is truly amazing to watch some of these guys ride. They have the best bike handling skills in the industry. Not too long ago, I did a post on how important practicing your balance is on a bike. These guys have made it an art form.

I know…it sounds funny, but who better to tell you how to wreck a mountain bike other than 198? If you have clicked the “About MTB by198” link above, you already know that I am very qualified to explain how to wreck, but more importantly, how NOT TO WRECK.

Yesterday, Jenn and I went on the 19th annual, July 4th Cartecay ride with what looked like over 50 of my closet biking friends at the Tanasi trail system. It was a great day full of riding and socializing. Jenn and Kristen did a 9 mile adventure around some of the lower trails to really get a feel for mountain type riding.

This is the first day off I have had from my job in a long time. So what am I going to do with all of the free time? Hopefully, I get everything on my list done in time to get some riding in…if not, get ready for Tanasi.

Many people think of one thing when it comes to cycling, those tight spandex shorts, wondering “do I have to wear those shorts if I want to get serious about cycling?” Well people you are in luck. Bike clothing manufacturers are making baggy bike shorts for those of us that want to be comfortable on the trails and not self conscious.

A friend of mine and I are working on some businesses that will hopefully have me self employed by the end of the year. I have a goal in mind that the prize is going to be a Whistler trip. So needless to say, Whistler is on the mind a lot lately.

I was reminded yesterday how important it really is to pace yourself. Luckily, nothing bad happened, at least to me, and I got through the ride clean. When you don’t pace yourself over the course of the ride, there are several things that are bound to happen.

Today, Jenn and I headed down to Conyers, GA so that she could attend a woman’s beginner clinic held by Namrita O’Dea. Namrita is on her way to becoming the fastest endurance racer in the woman’s class so her advise for Jenn was going to be incredible. Her and her husband Eddie (another endurance monster) also own 55Nine Performance.

In the day and age of $4.00+ per gallon gas, I think all of us fall into the category of being a “Biker On a Budget”. I mean getting started in biking can be expensive, or you can cut corners in the right places to get the enjoyment you want without the large out-pouring of money.