I was riding a section of trail that I have only made up once maybe twice in the past 14 years. As I started the technical switch back climb I was feeling good and got up the first slippery rocky section with no mistakes. Then making the turn for the loose steep final push I lost traction 3/4 of the way. My disappointment was only momentary because I had a long climb ahead and this trail will be calling me back like a siren from the sea.
As I continued up I realized how much I love that section of trail. Then I began to think about all of my favorite trails. How many of those trails have shut me down? All of them!
Finding the right motivation can be hard sometimes but the one thing that pushes me is my own failure. There is no clock, no KOM just a video stuck on loop in my head. As I watch these moments playing over and over it forces me to look at my mistakes, own them and find ways to correct them.
Successfully riding a trail after failing, produces an overwhelming feeling that just keeps drawing me back. It’s my drug!
Here is an old picture of me in Wendell State forest riding the Hanna Swarton trail. There are still sections of this trail that will kick my ass if I let her. Still my favorite trail to ride.
MTB Nor’East 