…………………..NOPE
I didn’t think so.
So WHY oh WHY do I feel as though people judge me for my uphill struggles (literally, going uphill for me is something of a challenge) rather than my downhill radness.
I am SHIT at riding up big hills and roads. I am simply not used to it. But I feel as though my biking is judged solely on that (by some). I know I am crap at this aspect and I always end up at the back and take about 5 minutes longer than most people to get to the top of the climbs but must I really be judged on that alone?
I know for a fact I am pretty good at going down stuff. I am fairly brave and have become so much better at committing to some scary (ish) descents. I am very fast on some parts and can manage a bike technically VERY well. I understand my bike, I love my bike and most of all I LOVE GOING FAST DOWN STUFF!
I want the world to appreciate this and understand that I will NEVER be able to accept being judged for going up stuff (road climbs long boring climbs etc.)
Put me in a downhill competition any time. Race up hill…… NO THANKS.
Apart from the feeling of being that last one to the top (its a bit like the feeling of coming last in the cross country races at school) the ride on Thursday was awesome. I was faster than a lot and I rode my bike well. I love flat pedals and want better sticky shoes now.
I am so in love with my bike.
I love riding down stuff
I hate climbs and always will – FACT
So all those who get pleasure from riding a mountain bike UP and not as much down…. you’re weird.
(I may have just ousted myself from a large part of the MTB world but I DO NOT care.)
PS Downhilling is RAD and cool and ace and exists!
February 5, 2010 at 5:21 pm |
I’m going to make one of those comments that’s probably not 100% watertight, but most people who focus on someone else’s uphill skills or lack of, are lacking in downhill skills themselves… Although I love to make it up tech uphill stuff, there’s categorically no shame in getting off & pushing as long as you roast down the downhill! FACT!
At the start (of MTBing) there were actual uphill races! Imagine that.
…and you are right about flats as well!
February 6, 2010 at 2:48 pm |
I absolutely agree.
Having read your comment, I feel refreshed knowing that somone else understands. I know I am good downhill (sorry to sound so bigheaded) and rubbish uphill. So, maybe I will just have to live with that.
I now feel the urge to ride again (not ridden for sometime due to lack of cnfidence/time/too many excuses!)
Cheers