On Jan 26, 3:54*pm, Trevor wrote:
On 1/26/2012 1:55 PM, Mike Vandeman wrote:

On Jan 25, 2:35 pm, *wrote:
I'm not into any of that fancy stuff. I mostly just like riding
leisurely along the trail, enjoying nature - much like hiking.

Not really. I guess you don't do much hiking. On a bike, you have to
pay attention to controlling the bike, or you will crash. While
hiking, you can experience nature 360 degrees and all the senses.
Mountain biking is all about the equipment. You don't need any special
"equipment" to hike. Unless you hike (or if you are addicted to
adrenaline), you will never understand this.

I guess you can make mountain biking be all about the equipment, but
then you take all the fun out of it. Once you have a bike (it doesn't
have to be anything fancy), a helmet, and stuff to fix flats with,
you're all set.

I actually do a lot of hiking with my family, and I do have to pay
attention to where I'm going, much like I do when riding my bike. You do
need some equipment - at minimum good shoes or boots and a container to
hold water. I enjoy hiking, but usually spend a lot of the time wishing
I were riding my bike instead.

- Trevor

I guess you aren't there to experience nature or peace and quiet.
That's typical for mouintain bikers. They are addicted to the
adrenaline rush. Hiking isn't thrilling enough for them.

Can you be honest enough to say why you wish you were on your bike
instead of hiking? I rode a bike off-road once. It was the must
unpleasant time I have ever spent in nature. I really can't see a
single thing about it that is attractive. I saw nothing, and felt
rattled by the bumps.