Early summer skiing depression? Not!

[Greg]

This is typically the worst part of the year for me and in previous seasons, I would be bummin' right now, big time. Not this season. Why, you ask? I got back out on the [post="276215"]mountain bike[/post] for the first time in almost 10 years this spring!

There are so many parallels to skiing. The gear whoring, wondering when the next outing will be, spending time away from all the everyday bullshit in the woods, riding with ski buddies. I'm hooked and my mindset is firmly fixed on MTBing for the next 5 months. Plus I should head into next ski season in much better shape.

 

[snoseek]

Mountain biking is my savior also. Click in just like skis and descend hills just like you're skiing-plus a much better workout than skiing. Other pluses include not needing to devote a full day, less or no driving, and it's much less weather dependant than skiing. It really is the perfect summer sport. That said I'm skiing probably my biggest line of the season on friday.

I should also add you can be damn near anywhere and find good mountain biking-no need to travel far.

 

[Greg]

Mountain biking is my savior also. Click in just like skis and descend hills just like you're skiing

I never thought about the clicking in aspect since I'm new to clipless pedals, but you're right! 8)

Other pluses include not needing to devote a full day, less or no driving, and it's much less weather dependant than skiing. It really is the perfect summer sport...I should also add you can be damn near anywhere and find good mountain biking-no need to travel far.

I agree on every point. Plus the initial gear cost is probably comparable and while maintenance costs are higher, there are no access fees like lift tickets or season passes. Good singletrack is about as close as you can get to tree skiing in the summer.

 

[billski]

Is there an analog to a powder day?

 

[Greg]

Is there an analog to a powder day?

No. But you're not getting that in the summer months anyway, so get over it and ride!

 

[Lostone]

Is there an analog to a powder day?

Not my cup of tea, but I have heard many that enjoy it as saying the analog is a wet, muddy ride. They come back totally covered in mud, and with a powder day smile.

 

[Greg]

They come back totally covered in mud, and with a powder day smile.

:lol: That is so cool.

 

[abc]

Is there an analog to a powder day?

Sure! Everyday is a powder day!

Seriously, NOT having to wait for the rare and occasional dump, I can go out to ride any day as long as it's not pouring rain. A few hours after work or a quick spin in the morning. All the envy we had for our Rockies skiing bud because they can ski any day they care? This must be how it feels like, to be able to bike just about any day I feel like it!

 

[Greg]

A few hours after work or a quick spin in the morning.

Yes!!!! For me, short, say one hour rides, are kinda synonymous to rediscovering a good night skiing option that I can take advantage of in the middle of the work week. Just a little fix, but it keeps you going...

 

[marcski]

Glad to see you got a bad case of the bug! Best thing, is you don't have to stop for 1/2 the year...go through the entire season..Even in the snow...depending on the composition...we've ridden slick rock covered with about 6" of frozen crunchy snow...was quite grippy!

 

[snoseek]

Is there an analog to a powder day?

Different experience than skiing powder but you feel like a million bucks after a good ride. I have never gotten that same feeling at a resort.

 

[severine]

What's your wife think about this? J/K

I've had no skiing-related depression this year. Too much going on. My 5K training is definitely helping keep me active though.... would like to MTB more. I can definitely see the parallels with skiing.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

This is typically the worst part of the year for me and in previous seasons, I would be bummin' right now, big time. Not this season. Why, you ask? I got back out on the [post="276215"]mountain bike[/post] for the first time in almost 10 years this spring!

There are so many parallels to skiing. The gear whoring, wondering when the next outing will be, spending time away from all the everyday bullshit in the woods, riding with ski buddies. I'm hooked and my mindset is firmly fixed on MTBing for the next 5 months. Plus I should head into next ski season in much better shape.

I'm dealing with summer..well it's still late spring pretty well..I'm going to see if I can go until August without watching any ski videos...and then when it's the ski season I just need to ski every possible day..even in the rain...and I'm looking at putting in longer sessions...

 

[Greg]

What's your wife think about this? J/K

She bought me the bike, so.....

Actually, we have a very fair give and take, I think.

 

[Warp Daddy]

RU kidding????

There are WAY too many OTHER diversions besides skiing that make life interesting . While skiing is important -------Life is not a One trick Pony as far as recreational actvity or hobbies are concerned .

 

[skiadikt]

golf, rollerblading , biking, hiking ... nice but none of them are skiing. 7 months is a very long off-season.

 

[2knees]

I agree that there are alot of other things that keep me occupied in the summer. A-#1 priority for me, outside of my family, is bringing my golf game back from the dead. Been out 5 times with 27 holes planned for this weekend. Like skiing, my golf has suffered immensely in the last 4 years with the lack of time. I desperately need new irons though. Buy a bike or buy new clubs...... that is something i keep waffling on.

 

[Greg]

Buy a bike or buy new clubs...... that is something i keep waffling on.

Buy a bike. You already have irons and we all know it's the operator, not the equipment. Knowing you, you will love mountain biking once you build some wind.

 

[2knees]

Buy a bike. You already have irons and we all know it's the operator, not the equipment. Knowing you, you will love mountain biking once you build some wind.

Yes and no on the equiptment thing. to be perfectly honest, about the only 2 sports i play where i can tell a difference in quality is in golf and softball. there is no comparison between a high quality bat and a cheap one. likewise, my irons are older top flites. I've hit my friends Ping's which are much larger and have a much bigger sweet spot. the margin for error is greater and painfully obvious, even to me.

I used to mountain bike all the time in college and shortly thereafter. I know i'd love to get back into it but i dont want to plunk down $600 on a bike and use it 2 times. Golf, i know i'll play.

 

[Greg]

I know i'd love to get back into it but i dont want to plunk down $600 on a bike and use it 2 times.

We'll be here to drag you out, man.