Starting From Scratch

    Starting From Scratch Learning To Ride Might Be The Biggest Adventure There Is

    Words by Matt Coté | Photos by Victor Brousseaud

    I remember the first time I got a glimpse at how tough this sport can be. I was bumbling down Mount Washington’s bike park on Vancouver Island with my then girlfriend, who was still new to mountain biking but really loved it—even with its challenges. One of them was about to present itself.

    Where the trails all merged near the bottom, some armor-clad asshole came barreling from behind and yelled for her to get out of the way. She stumbled to the side of the trail and desperately bellowed, “I need somewhere to ride, too!”

    It was one of those moments that tattoos itself onto your brain. It’s probably a good thing the guy made it onto the lift quickly since he was twice my size and I had a temper back then. That part’s better now, but what continues to trouble me is I’ve seen this same scenario play out 100 times since.

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