This was only the second time ever that I've been mountain biking.  The first time was almost 15 years ago.  Derek and I were working at a camp together (that's where we met) and one night as I was getting into bed I found that a bike had beat me to it.  Putting a bike in my bed was Derek's way of inviting me out for a ride.  The night was full of stars.  We rode past fields of quiet horses, up and down grassy meadows and past rocks and trees and water (there's a lot of rocks and trees and water in Northern Ontario!) before heading back to camp.  It was a glorious night. 

I'm not sure why I haven't been mountain biking since, especially after that lovely introduction.  Also I love cross country skiing and hiking so mountain biking is kind of an obvious extension.    

Anyway, it was time for all of us to hit the trails!  Last Sunday Derek lent me his new wheels, Anna Sierra rode an Opus Nix that is lightweight and responsive, and Jasper hopped on a trail-a-bike behind Derek who generously rode his old mountain bike. 

A quick lesson from Daddy on continuous pedalling to get through mud was all Anna Sierra needed before she flew off to lead the way on the single track.  Jasper laughed his way over the bumps.  And I followed and took pictures whenever we stopped to rescue a bike or a shoe or have a snack. 

Derek's bike is very forgiving, so even though I'm inexperienced at mountain biking, I was hopping over roots, staying upright through the mud and having a fantastic time.  If you are a mountain biker and you'd like to introduce someone to it, I highly recommend sharing your best bike with the newbie. 

The kids had so much fun they actually said, "Thank you for taking us on this awesome ride, Daddy!" 

Got family biking stories to share?  We always love to hear them.  Email Kathleen at familiesonbikes[AT] momentumplanetDOTcom.