Finally after all this anxious anticipation, spring has sprung and the trails are just waiting to be ridden. The winter has done a number on the trails I frequent and we accept that it's up to all of us to get them back into peak riding condition and it’s no different with our bodies. It’s time to get rid of the heavy riding pants and thermals and to dig out the gear that has been sitting in the closet waiting to be worn.

I had to learn the hard way that conquering the outdoors isn't near as forgiving as the stationary bikes at the gym. Yes, I had to pack my gym bag, drive several miles on snow-covered roads and put up with many sweaty individuals all winter long so that when riding season did finally arrive, I wouldn’t be completely out of shape.

If you happen to come from an area that had you suffering through the harsh winter, looking outside at the 6 feet of snow that fell in the night you know where I'm coming from! So I did what every ambitious New York mountain biker would; I packed up a bag and went off to the crowded gym, waited for a machine or arrived early to get into a class. Fun? Not really but the vision of trails so exhilarating come spring was enough motivation to keep huffing.

I spent many cold months listening to an instructor scream “crank it up, ladies” in a dark room with my MP3 player working overtime. I would have traded it all to be out in the beautiful sun, getting some well-deserved rays and vitamin D. Instead I usually hit the tanning bed after spin class. Not the same!

This past weekend I rode for two miles over the rocky and rooty terrain that’s been calling to me all winter long and boy did my butt hurt, and my once-pale skin gained a tint of red. I feel truly sorry for those poor individuals who think spinning is the only way to go. Indoor exercise is all fine and good during the snow or rain, but to choose such activities over the thrill of conquering a tough trail is mind-boggling to me.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Years parties are over, but the food that you consumed is likely still present as fat deposits in your body. Use the warm weather as motivation to get out an exercise in and of itself; here in the east summers are short. We literally have to make the most of each and every good day we get.

Just remember, don't push yourself too hard in the beginning of the season, as it’s easy to strain muscles by overdoing it. Start off slow and increase your endurance little by little each ride. Make sure you eat a good meal several hours before you ride and throw on that sunscreen even on cloudy days. It may not be the “dog days of summer” just yet but the sun’s rays are still intense enough to burn pale flesh.

Like always, watch for the poison ivy, oak, and sumac, because if your trails are anything like mine, the foliage is probably quite overgrown until you lay down your first layer of track for everyone else to follow. Be careful and have fun.

If you have any questions you would like answered please contact me at manzrn@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you.