My favorite local MTB trail is The West Hartford Reservoir.
This is where I first learned to ride 5 short years ago. Before that, skiing was my outdoor sport of choice. While skiing in CO 6 years ago, a friend of mine told me that I should look into mountain biking as a way to stay fit in the warm months so that I'd be in better shape once the ski season came around. That made sense to me so the following year, I decided to go for it and purchased my first MTB and headed over to The WH Res. I found a small area that had some features. They were small bridges that went up and over trees that had fallen. I learned what OTB stood for right away..OVER THE BARS!
Call me crazy but I was hooked immediately. That Winter I only skied a few times and couldn't wait to get back on that bike. The next MTB season was awesome and before I knew it, I was looking for a Fatbike to ride in the Winter. Sorry skiing, but I got the bug, MTBing is now all I want to do. The WH Res has always been there for me...its hard climbs, cool rocks to roll, flat flow trails and fast downhills. It doesn't hurt that I know it like the back of my hand so no fear of getting lost.
The trail is my life coach. Look ahead, breathe, relax, be present, look where you want to go, picture success then DO IT! If at first you don't succeed, just try it again...never stay down, there's always the next time. I also have made all kinds of awesome connections on the trail...trees, streams, ponds, rock formations, wildlife, clean air, dirt, great friends, it will take you as far as your imagination will allow.
I know that without sobriety, this experience would not be possible. If I were still abusing alcohol I would not be in the physical, emotional or spiritual place to be able to do this and I am so thankful for the opportunity to experience this for myself and share it with friends and with others who seek to be free from the shackles of alcohol and drug abuse.
Get out there and ride, you will be amazed!
By Bling