echappy
Active Member
I am (or perhaps was) a decent cat-3 roadie with a diesel engine. Can't sprint to save my life, but got in quite a few breaks that stayed away and generally did well in ITTs.
After moving to Morris county, I've found myself enjoying road riding a lot less due to narrow/no shoulders, high traffic volume, and sinuous roads, and I basically spent the last six months exclusively doing Zwift.
I've now bought a MTB that's wayyyyyyyyy too nice for my needs. Part of this is to use it on gravel trails (e.g. Columbia Trail) on which my road bike won't fare well, but I'd also like to learn how to ride a MTB properly and perhaps even compete XC one day. When I started on the road, I was fortunate that the cycling club of my school had skills rides and riders willing to help out the newbs with techniques. Is there any clinic I could attend or perhaps group rides you'd recommend where they'll show beginners the ropes? Any clubs in the area that might take in a rider like me?
I realized that I'm extremely fortunate to live close to Lewis Morris Park; which of the trails would make for a good loop if I just want to crank away? And which would you recommend for improving skills? I don't ever foresee myself pushing the envelops too much, as I've already got titanium hardwares in my mouth from road racing, but it'd be nice to be technically adequate so that if I do decide to race, I won't be so out of place.
Many thanks in advance!
Jim
After moving to Morris county, I've found myself enjoying road riding a lot less due to narrow/no shoulders, high traffic volume, and sinuous roads, and I basically spent the last six months exclusively doing Zwift.
I've now bought a MTB that's wayyyyyyyyy too nice for my needs. Part of this is to use it on gravel trails (e.g. Columbia Trail) on which my road bike won't fare well, but I'd also like to learn how to ride a MTB properly and perhaps even compete XC one day. When I started on the road, I was fortunate that the cycling club of my school had skills rides and riders willing to help out the newbs with techniques. Is there any clinic I could attend or perhaps group rides you'd recommend where they'll show beginners the ropes? Any clubs in the area that might take in a rider like me?
I realized that I'm extremely fortunate to live close to Lewis Morris Park; which of the trails would make for a good loop if I just want to crank away? And which would you recommend for improving skills? I don't ever foresee myself pushing the envelops too much, as I've already got titanium hardwares in my mouth from road racing, but it'd be nice to be technically adequate so that if I do decide to race, I won't be so out of place.
Many thanks in advance!
Jim