Newbie needs help!

[zlanders]

Hello everyone! My name is Zak and I'm looking to get back into riding bikes, and general getting back into the outdoors. I live in Grand Blanc, work in Grand Blanc, and am looking to network with some relaxed, cool people that I can learn to ride with (properly). I'm actually the Injury Prevention Coordinator for Genesys, so bike safety and helmet safety are a big interest of mine as well. No point in reinventing the wheel, so I don't want to try and learn everything on my own. Dont get me wrong, I've ridden bikes my whole life, even mountain biked a little in my 20's, but just want to learn some basics, equipment to have, etc. I'm also up for volunteering, helping with trail clean up, brush removal, whatever. I also have a couple friends that would like to join and volunteer as well. I have a bike, which is getting a tune up now, helmet and thats about it. I would love to hook up with a riding group, or individual, that wouldn't mind having a new rider tagging along. Great site, love the volunteer work, look forward to meeting you guys and gals. Have a great weekend.

[G.Cook]

http://mmbahollyflint.wordpress.com/
You do not have to be a member to join their rides or volunteer to work a trail day . But it would be a bonus if you decide to join the chapter for you and them .
I know the Holdridge trail crew can always use an extra hand and they are an excellent trail crew to work along side of learning the ABC's of trail care .

[zlanders]

Thanks for the link and advice. I will head in that direction next!

[zlanders]

Also guys (and gals), i read the the warning on the MMBA home page about not riding until the ground thaws, and being new, I want to respect the trails. Generally, about what time of the year does this occur. I'm excited to get out there, but don't want to ruin the trails either!! Thanks in advance.

[c0nsumer]

Also guys (and gals), i read the the warning on the MMBA home page about not riding until the ground thaws, and being new, I want to respect the trails. Generally, about what time of the year does this occur. I'm excited to get out there, but don't want to ruin the trails either!! Thanks in advance.

Disappointingly it was much earlier last year than this. In some areas the ground is already thawed, but in many (especially the Holly / Flint area) it's not quite ready to go.

One really needs to be vigilant and careful about what they are riding. If the ground is firm and you're only leaving slight tire tracks; you're good. If you're sinking in and leaving ruts you shouldn't be riding that trail. See here.

[zlanders]

Steve, thank you very much. I searched the forums and followed the bulletin board but couldn't find any info. I'm VERY excited to get out there, and meet some of you guys as well. Thanks for taking in the new guy!!

[HKEKfreak]

Zak, I'm at Holdridge a couple of times a week. Send me a pm and let me know when you're available to ride and I'd be happy to meet you out there and show you around and answer any questions. (NOTE: I claim no expertice but, I have been known to stay upright on two wheels for several miles at a time)

dustin

[zlanders]

Thanks man, thats awesome. I'll send you a PM in a minute.

[Fall_out_boy_99]

I am farely new as well and would love to join you out there. I have been out to Holdridge a few times and would love to expand into riding other trails as well. Would love to meet up and ride if you are interested, it would be nice to know some people out there.

[HKEKfreak]

More the merrier. Zak and I are shooting for next weekend some time. I'll pm you the details. Hopefullly more of the trail will have dried up by then.

[zlanders]

I am farely new as well and would love to join you out there. I have been out to Holdridge a few times and would love to expand into riding other trails as well. Would love to meet up and ride if you are interested, it would be nice to know some people out there.

Yeah man, that would be awesome. Im trying to get a friend or two to come with me as well. Holdridge is very close to my house so I'm starting with that, but I've also run into www.teamsandbag.com who run the Ruby Trails north/north-east of here. Try and make it Saturday the 23rd morning with Dustin and I. I think it would be fun to get a little group of "newbies" that can ride and learn together. Peace.

[HKEKfreak]

I am farely new as well and would love to join you out there. I have been out to Holdridge a few times and would love to expand into riding other trails as well. Would love to meet up and ride if you are interested, it would be nice to know some people out there.

Saturday 8:30 @ Holdridge.

[Fall_out_boy_99]

What do you plan on riding out there? This will be my first time out this year and I dont want to look like a *beep* falling out and *beep*. lol. Im still carrying my winter coat. lol

[c0nsumer]

I'll likely be here, so I'm curious about what's planned as well. I've heard that everything but the east loop is a swamp, and the east loop can turn into a fairly epic ride depending on skill level.

[HKEKfreak]

I'll likely be here, so I'm curious about what's planned as well. I've heard that everything but the east loop is a swamp, and the east loop can turn into a fairly epic ride depending on skill level.

There's a few different places to bail, so we'll play it by ear. Whatever everyone's up for.