How is 2008 shaping up to be for you?

Definitely going to be my worst year. I'm in terrible shape. Went through a few job changes, some stressful and depressing times, and lost pretty much all my drive. I'm hoping to turn things around now that we're seeing some day light, but we have been hammered with snow, so I'm not going to get out on the trails for a few months at least. Another tough thing is that I just had my first son a year ago, so it's been really tough to get out there (both finding time and getting "permission" from my wife).

I'm feeling pretty bad about myself, and miss when I was at the top of my form, which was only 2 summers ago. A lot can change in that short amount of time, so I'm hoping I can change things back just as quickly.

Brandon, as a father of an almost 2 year old I completly follow you, here however are some tips from last summer.

If you get a bike trailer for the munchkin you can take them on short rides, You would be Amazed how a trailer can change your perspective of a trail. Hills become HILLS!! Gret for keeping in shape.

A trailer might not let you ride singletrack but double track ca be lots of fun and taking breaks with kids who run around is a lot of fun.

As for the Wife and "Permission", give her a night or a weekend away while you take care of the wee little one, and then set up a weekend or day trip with your MTB friends, and trade.

Hope that Helps

The summer looks better the closer it gets, this year I need to go to the Rockies And I will make it Happen. So it's looking like a great summer

Brandon, hang in there! Spacemonkey is right, summer and warm temps change everything...

Walker T

Off the road, on the mind...

Thanks guys! The encouragement I get from this site really keeps me going in this snow-filled wasteland we call Canada.

I will be stealing my brother in law's trailer for the bike, so that should really help. Even though it may not be the fun singletrack that I like, it gets me out on the bike, which is what really matters.

I will be joining a gym near my office so that I can get some excercise in for the next couple of months until I can ride, then will work on the whole "permission" thing. My thought, is that if I take the son out for a ride every weekend, it gives my wife some time alone, which will maybe help me get some time alone with my bike!

Keep up the great work Walker. Love the site.

Hey Brandon:

Another canuck here too, waiting for the winter to thaw. I don't think there's anything wrong with riding a winter beater MTB in the snow. The snowy/icy sidewalks can sometimes be just like a trail, if you use your imagination.

My two kids have gotten old enough so that we can bike together. In fact, we join a race series put on by an LBS, in the summer.

As for your negotiation, I manage to go out (really) early Saturday morning (as do a bunch of other dads) when our wives and kids are asleep at home.

Just a few possibilities that you can look forward to. I'm sure you can adapt some of these ideas into your lifestyle.

MikeG

Either riding or Thinking of Riding... The madness of MTB, I love it!

Thanks Mike! Yeah, I hit the trails a few times this year in the snow. Bought some nice winter gear, although, you have to admit, we got shafted this summer with snow! I'm going to try and get out a few more times though. Although, I don't really have a winter beater any more, my brother parked it out in front of a bar up in Timmins, Ontario, and I haven't seen it since...I wasn't happy, or too willing when he asked if he could borrow my back-up bike.

Once I get my butt out of hibernation mode, I can maybe get back to the thing I really love to do, and get some riding in. Also, we just moved, and my neighbour is a pretty dedicated rider, so I'm hoping to hit him up for some motivation and someone to ride with. It's always nice when you have others to get you out there.