3 Things I’ve Learned from Riding This Spring
Spring is always a bit of a reset for me. The weather shifts, the trails dry out, and I find myself riding more consistently again. It’s not just the scenery that changes—it’s my mindset too. This season, I’ve had a few moments on the bike that made me pause and reflect. Some were uncomfortable, some surprising, and some just quietly meaningful. So I decided to share them with you here. My hope is to document these as a reminder of what this time of year continues to teach me.
Here are three things I’ve learned (or re-learned) from riding this spring.
1. Riding My Age
This spring I had my first real crash in years. It was a sneaky crash that left more than just a scratch, it really messed with me mentally. I’ve had plenty of tip-overs and awkward dismounts over time, but I hadn’t actually hit the ground that hard since I started riding. I’ve always prided myself on staying within my limits, and for the most part, it’s kept me from regular dirt samples.
But this one caught me off guard. After the crash, I took a week off the bike and couldn’t stop overthinking how the crash happened. Even after watching the GoPro footage back (below if you wanna see it) I kept trying to diagnose the mistake, but what really lingered was the soreness. My neck ached for two weeks, my shoulder stayed stiff, and recovery just didn’t come as easily as it used to.
What surprised me most was how deeply it affected me mentally. The lesson was this: I had gotten too comfortable in my zone. This crash reminded me that I’m not 25 anymore, and that’s okay. As I’ve eased back into my regular loops, I’ve felt my confidence returning. I’m thinking less about the fall and more about staying the moment. Riding more intentional, more focused, and maybe a little wiser.
2. Riding with Beginners Reminded Me How Far I’ve Come
This spring, I started leading beginner rides around the lower foothills. Nothing too long or too intense, just short tours to help newer riders figure out where to go, what to avoid, and how to feel more comfortable out on the trail. I’ll be continuing them through May, and after just a couple of meetups, I’ve already been reminded of something I didn’t expect: how valuable it is to ride with beginners.
For them, having someone who knows the trails, can give a few pointers, and can offer some encouragement really goes a long way. They’re incredibly grateful to have a guide, but honestly, I think I’ve gotten just as much out of it. Riding with newer riders has given me a lot of perspective. They have reminded me of how long I’ve actually been doing this mountain bike thing. So many little lessons I’ve learned along the way, and how far I’ve actually come as a rider.
When you spend a lot of time scrolling Instagram, it’s easy to forget that progress isn’t measured in backflips or likes on social. I heard the quote “comparison is the thief of joy,” and that quote has echoed in my head more than once on these rides. A few of the newer rider have commented on how good I was on the bike, which was surprising to hear. I don’t often feel that way. I sit comfortably in this community as an intermediate rider through and through. But in those moments, I realized that this intermediate plateau isn’t something to escape. It’s a foundation. And sometimes the best way to appreciate it is to help someone find their first foothold.
3. Ride What You Have
Not long ago, I caught myself itching for a new bike. I couldn’t quite explain why, there is nothing was wrong with the mountain bike I have. As I talked it over with a friend, I realized it wasn’t about performance or need. I just wanted something new for the sake of newness.
That conversation turned into a great reminder: instead of chasing new gear, chase a new feeling in your riding. My friend encouraged me to take that restless energy and redirect it into the trail in new ways. Through exploration or a new challenge. That stuck with me.
A few days later, during one of the beginner meetups, a guy showed up on an older bike. No carbon, no fancy components, no dropper seat, but he had a blast. He kept up with the group, rode smooth, and left with a smile. Watching him ride was the perfect reminder: the bike is just the mechanism. The fun comes from what you do with it.
Spring always feels like a fresh start, but this year I'm grateful for so many good lessons this early in the season. From crashing and learning to ride with a little more grace, to guiding beginners and remembering how far I’ve come, to resisting the temptation of shiny new gear. All these things have reminded me why I ride in the first place. It’s not about speed, status, or the latest upgrades. It’s about movement, growth, and the joy of simply being out on the trails. Whatever season you’re in, whether you're finding your footing or feeling stuck, there’s always something new the trail can teach you. So get out there and enjoy it!
Forever Two Wheels!
-Myles