Clementina: Peddling in another direction

Friday, 12 February 2016

Peddling in another direction

On the odd post I've mentioned a relatively new pursuit for me... mountain biking. I was initially introduced to the sport around 18 months ago but would only venture out once every few months. Since moving back to Canberra last July, I've bought my own dual-suspension mountain bike and have been hitting the tracks much more regularly - in fact, most weekends or whenever I get the chance!

Riding 'Loop 2' at Mt Stromlo (Photo by Talentspotter)

As it's quickly becoming a big part of my life, I thought it was time to write about my mountain biking adventures. When I first started my partner (and also my incredible teacher when it comes to the sport) kept telling me how mountain biking gives you a mental escape from life and that it gave you a sense of accomplishment... these are things I've heard from people who run, but having tried running could never understand (running is definitely not for me!). From my perspective, why couldn't I be just left to stitch to feel that same sense of accomplishment (ok, provided I actually finish things haha). At the same, I've been trying to keep up some regular exercise, and if the man I love enjoys the sport surely I should give it a go... After my first attempt at a bike ride, while it was fun, all the concentrating on getting through very technical aspects of the track, and having an incredibly sore body from the exercise for days after, I wasn't completely sold!

My bike, at Mt Stromlo

But I persevered and now absolutely love it. Through mountain biking I've seen parts of Australia I don't think I would have otherwise have seen. I have conquered fears and accomplished many goals. I've done things on my bike that I would never have thought I'd be able to do. It's exactly what my partner said it would be. But it's also so much more: it gives me energy for the week; it provides an avenue for regular exercise; and it's something I can share with the man I love.

EPIC trail, Mt Buller

I've now ridden quite few tracks, from 'North South' on Mt Wellington in Tasmania, to Mt Stromlo here in Canberra, as well as some tracks in Brisbane. It's something we love factoring into our holidays as well as weekly routine.

EPIC trail, Mt Buller

Just after Christmas we ventured down to Victoria and Mt Buller where there is a ride called Alpine EPIC. This ride, advertised as 40km - but actually turned out to be 43km - was as much a mental challenge as a physical one. It took a full day, and about half of it was uphill (of which we ended up walking a fair bit of!).

EPIC trail, Mt Buller

Getting to the top of the mountain felt amazing, and the flowing track to descend was a good reward for all our efforts. The final three kilometres were probably the toughest, I felt like a car whose fuel marker was showing lower than empty. I was definitely running on reserves! But I completed the track and couldn't be happier with what I had accomplished :)

End of EPIC trail!

The next day we hit the tracks of Mt Buller again, this time opting for the track that includes no climbing but instead a fun ride down the mountain and through some amazing scenery. The track followed the Delatite river and had some spectacular views - I was regularly stopping to get photos!

Delatite River, from Delatite trail Mt Buller

After the EPIC trail, our usual track at Mt Stromlo has felt so much easier and therefore fun to ride. So my partner has been introducing me to some new challenges; and we've also decided to make some tweaks to my bike to better suite my riding style.