Coldwater Review....Kind Of

I had kind of expected to get this review written much sooner, but by the end of the day, I realized it wasn't so much of a review as it is a self reflection.

Camouflage bike 

Last week, I set out with two friends to conquer Coldwater Mountain in Anniston, Alabama. They've ridden the trails too many times to count, always coming back raving about how much fun they've had. I've heard these trails are some of the best the Southeast has to offer, so I won't water down it's amazing reputation with my "I had a bad day" rambles.

Instead, I've decided to realize that, sometimes, it's really nice to have yourself humbled in order to take a very real look at your strengths and weakenesses. Coldwater was definitely a humbling experience for me.

Between not properly eating (what else is new?), having an incredible fear of rock gardens (don't worry, I'm over it now), and never having done any sort of sustained climbing, it was one of the hardest rides I've ever done. From the time we left the parking lot, I knew I was in for a rough day.

What was lovingly referred to as "The Death Berm"

Once I psyched myself out after the first climb, that was it for me. My least and most favorite aspect of mountain biking is how pertinent a positive mindset is. There are some rides that I come out of feeling on top of the dang world or, as with this ride, I feel like finding a new hobby.

On the positive, my Surly held up amazingly. I can't imagine having tackled that trail on anything less. The brakes were amazing, which I put through extensive testing that day. The shortened fork proved for better climbing. And she handled falling over over and over again with dignity. 

Although this past week wasn't my day, I'm excited to continue to build up my strength and endurance in order to have a better experience next time I'm out there

Pat's bike is all geared up for his upcoming adventures & it looks so dang cool