Just came back from a ride at the park. Rode with a youngster who pretty much lives there, think his name is Luka, he's about 12 or so. I can't remember when last I had so much fun on the bike!
The thing about riding with a kid is that you start riding like a kid. You jump over everything, ride stuff you normally wouldn't at speeds you normally wouldn't and generally wreak havoc on the trails.
As adults we learn that there are rules and restrictions and we learn to live within these. We also don't heal as fast so we tend to be a bit more careful. Today I saw new lines in the park that I would never have thought of. Jumping from the wooden bridge into the tunnel, jumping down the drops, etc. The creativity that kids see in the normal stuff is amazing. I understand now why there's always crap all over the Trials course when we get there - the kids see it differently.
So, here's my advice. When you go on your next ride, slow it down a bit. Look around, and look for those things you normally wouldn't do. Is there a jump you can do? A log you can balance on? A wallride you can hit? Then DO IT! Stop thinking about it and start having fun! You'll feel like a kid again, and you'll probably come home like a kid as well, full of dirt, mud and scratches, but with a huge smile on your face.
Isn't that what MTBing is about?
