After the 5-hour drive from Park City, Sarah and I realized that neither of us had ever been mountain biking – that's when the anxiety set in! Mountain biking in New York City is a helluva lot different here in Fruita, Colorado!

We arrived at Over the Edge bike shop at 8am and met our ready-to-ride readers. These women were psyched and pumped to get on the trails. We were also lucky enough to have a group of local gals and professional mountain biker and coach, Gene Hamilton guiding us.

After getting fitted for our bikes and helmets...

We packed it up and headed to the start of Rustler's Loop trail.

We split up into two groups: experienced and a lil’ less than experienced. Sarah and I fell into the latter.

We got a quick tutorial from Gene on the basic do’s and don’t of mountain biking.


He explained the importance of peripheral vision, staying focused and looking ahead. Priceless advice, as it kept us all on the trail (which, mind you, was the width of a bike tire – no joke) and off our bums. Gene taught us that practice doesn’t make perfect, but perfect practice is what makes you a better rider! His words gave us the confidence to brave the elements and perfect our ride!

Our anxiety turned into pure adrenaline, as Sarah and I took in the breathtaking views of Rustler's Loop. We took occasional stops to soak in the mind-blowing mountainous desert of Fruita.

We definitely encountered difficult terrain – terrain that I never thought I could've tackled. As challenging as it was for two city girls, we realized 90% of it is mind over matter.

Our 3-hour tour was absolutely amazing! We had a few cuts and scrapes and were covered in mud, but it may have been the most intense, yet invigorating, workout I’ve ever had. There really is something to be said about testing your limits and stepping outside – way outside – of your comfort zone!!

After the ride we noshed on Back To Nature bars to refuel, regroup and give our adventurous bikers their gift bags.

We had such a sense of accomplishment as we got back in the Subaru to begin our 7-hour haul to Taos, NM. A few hours into the drive, our muscles began to ache. We still had a long way to go, so we reached for our AVEENO® Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion. It was just what we needed!

Despite our aching bodies, we’re psyched to learn yet another new adventurous sport when we go funyaking down the Rio Grande. Be sure to pay us a visit tomorrow…it should be interesting!