For many cyclists, there is a constant tug between the desire to ride the road or ride the trail. Others prefer to engage almost exclusively in one mode of riding. I prefer to do both, but many riders do not like to do real off-road riding. I've heard all the excuses why some roadies and triathletes do not like mountain biking - the trails are too technical, I don't like falling (who does?) or I don't like getting muddy, or I don't get as many miles in my training log.

My only goal when riding off-road is to achieve a state of trail rhythm, a merging of physical, mental, bike and trail awareness that allows me to guide myself over the trail's challenges without serious incident.

On days when I am riding well, I rapidly and readily achieve this state. The trail seems somehow wider than it is, the obstacles seem smaller or less daunting, the reflexes work instinctively instead of reactivly, and my breathing settles in to a pace and cadence that matches the trail and my level of effort. I'm completely absorbed in the moment, destination is irrelevant, and the mind empties itself of anything but the ride and the place. That's why I know the hardest technical rides are the best, as they are the ones most likely to clear my mind of anything but that elusive goal of trail rhythm.

There are other things about off-road riding that bring me far more satisfaction than road riding. If I'm riding the road and don't do my share of the work or don't ride well, there is a lingering sense of disappointment and dejection that permeates my mood for the rest of the day. On the trail however, there is no such thing as a bad day. Even if I get dropped or fall or have no trail rhythm at all, off-road riding is pure joy.

Sure, there are days when I don't ride well, but I have never finished a mountain bike ride unhappy with the experience, and I never base my day on the trail on how I rode compared to someone else, its just me and my bike and the woods and whatever or whoever else is there.

Ironically though, despite the more inward focus of mountain biking, there is also a better sense of camaraderie on the trail. Faster riders wait for slower ones, assistance is more readily offered, and we all seem to share a greater sense of appreciation for riding and being outdoors. There's also more laughter on these rides than a whole season of road riding.

For me, every mountain bike ride is a new adventure, a trip into the unfamiliar but not yet forgotten time of our youth, when the only goal was to have fun.