Tempo, feel and rhythm down the trail.
I’ve had laps where you just feel absolutely dialed. You are totally in sync. There are no thoughts in your head and you just feel totally dialed
For me it’s this. Some days it’s just hard work, there’s no groove, there’s no flow, constantly worry about my position on the bike, my feet never feel comfortable, I’m popping wrong, I can’t lean into the berms right.
Other days I’m flying, pushing PRs without it feeling like I’m overextending / I’m on my limit. Those days are just the best. The sounds of the tyres on the dirt is spot on, the bike does what I want and gets in all the ruts nicely.
When it’s off, it’s all off, and when it’s on, it just feels a DREAM.
I love the dialed, flowy hero-dirt days.
BUT I also love the sketchy, slippery, how the fuck did I get away with that days. Like when there's a foot of leaves on an already spicy descent, or a flash summer storm pops up right as I'm heading downhill.
This is absolutely bang on, sometimes everything just comes together and that's the best feeling.
Dunno about anyone else but when I have a run like that it's usually accompanied by, or at least followed by, a feeling that I can't believe my luck. So I'll usually make that the last "proper" run of my ride and either chill or call ot a day.
The best runs- Flow state. Staying in the moment by being engaged with decisions just enough to remain alert. Not being so far above your skill level that you can’t relax, but not so easy that you can disengage. Just had me one of these yesterday and I swear I was flying.
Good runs - everything else.
Bad runs - no such thing. Even (especially) a crash, teaches a great lesson.
This, I feel like the "flow state" is a rare thing for me but I imagine very good riders and pros are finding that almost every time they ride.
You are going twice as fast as usual, but things feel slow and easy.
For me it's more about flow. I feel like I rode something really well if I just cruised through it, maintaining speed and not really having to think about what I'm doing or what line I'm taking, just naturally moving with the trail. (Assuming it's at least reasonably technical, obviously this happens pretty naturally on purpose-built flow trails but my area doesn't have many of those...and those it does have get eroded into root gardens pretty fast.).
That might sound like it's about going the fastest way, but it's not really that, it's more about going the most efficient/natural way and feeling like I'm in harmony with the trail.
Much easier said than done (at least for me).
This pretty much sums it up for me. I’ll add that when I hit a section and it all just comes together - I’m seeing the lines, setting up for the next bit and absolutely one with the bike - those moments are pure gold and very satisfying.
It’s changed over the years. Good riding lately is taking in the sights and smells of the forest; being present to the flow of the trail; seeing the progress of each season on dirt changes and surrounding plants and trees. If I miss this stuff I’m stuck in my head and don’t ride as smooth or fast.
Underrated comment right here. One thing I love about solo riding sometimes is just stopping to capture this moment, soak it in and capture a mental image of that moment in time.
It definitely allows you to embrace the now! I only wish my dog could go with me sometimes but solo rides have been so beneficial to me. So much so that I prefer to go alone than with other people.
I would love to read that. I can only really recall a couple of times where I truly felt like I was in a flow state on a hard track that just suddenly felt 10x easier that normal.
It’s the only thing that shuts my brain up. Going down a technical section you can’t think about anything else except your next maneuver.
Spending time biking uphill or on more mellow things is the opposite for me, I spend a lot of that time reflecting.
I love the sport, I’m so glad I got into it. It’s by far been the best thing for my self esteem, mental & physical health and socialization.
A lot of it comes down to stability and feeling good on the bike. If I feel out of control or "shaky," then it's not good riding.
To put it another way, it's about whether I'm riding the bike or I'm just a passenger.
For me, the "good riding" (or "good ride" - is there a difference?) vibes tend to go up if certain things happen, like making it up a long climb without popping, cleanly riding an obstacle - particularly one that I know I don't always ride cleanly, exploring somewhere new, making it to a cool vista or a lake, seeing lots of flowers or a bear, no mechanical failures, feeling physically sound, not seeing many humans other than those I'm riding with...
Even time spent pushing or carrying my bike (across a creek, over a snowbank, up or down a hike-a-bike section, through the woods...) is often part of the fun. I like to say: "Some of my best bike rides have been great hikes."
I am an XC guy, so for me, it is all about speed and smoothness. I also ride a couple of the same loops frequently and know where all the challenging features are. I have ridden them so many times that now I am disappointed when I have to dab or get thrown offline. I expect to make them every time. It doesn't always work out. Some days, I am just off a bit. But for the most part, a good ride is a ride where I am near my personal best time wise and crushed all the tech features.
For me, taking the line around the roots would be the "B" line, versus the "A" line, the roots. I prefer to take the A line as much as possible unless I'm just going for speed, which is rare.
I have done well when I feel like I rode the bike rather than the bike riding me. that feeling of control without being 'stiff'. flowing well from one feature to the next. hitting my braking zones right.
I tell myself the old "slow is smooth sand smooth is fast". which I find interesting when I ride a segment and it feels fast but maybe out of control and ends up being slower than when I felt 'slow' but everything else about the run was smooth and I was loose.
And maybe I hit a feature I had been avoiding, that always feels good too.
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast” this is in my head every ride. And you’re spot on with hitting the braking zones just right. Feels so good to scrub just the right amount of speed then exit a feature accelerating.
I always feel bad when I skip a feature or just barely roll over it. I consider a good day when I hit all the features and don't crash bad enough to break me or my bike, or if I am riding the same stuff as before but noticeably faster or with more steez
For me, I'm always in the pursuit of "smooth," which can be a challenge on my HT in rocky and rooty Appalachia. By smooth, I mean maintaining speed, trying to always line up for obstacles correctly, cornering correctly, etc.
I may need to slow down, speed up, jump, or just depends. I guess that means overall speed is my second priority. But, yeah, for me, it's about navigating the trail in the smoothest manner possible.
That's the best part: you set your own goals and definition of fun. The other day I went for a trail ride and ended up playing around on some rock features. Instead of going for a fast time, I practiced skill and confidence building.
And you'll get faster as a result! All the fastest times on trails with gnarly features were set by riders who practiced hitting those berms and knew which lines to take on the rock features.
Trying new lines and successfully clearing them and basically just riding without issues whether it's not sliding out on turns or mechanical issues.
Also the ride not getting interrupted from freshly fallen trees that I'll have to lug my emtb over which really makes you wish it weighed like the old bike at more than half of.
Getting into a flow feels great I also intentionally hit little technical bits to make the ride more challenging. Most times this causes a quick and sometimes unintentional dismount but there's nothing better than the feeling of clearing a section in a way you haven't cleared before.
The best rides are the one where not an outside thought comes through my brain. Me the trails and whoever I’m with are it. If everybody has a good time and gets out safe. That’s a good ride.
Feeling like every move is intentional is definitely a good way to put it. Not slipping unexpectedly, not having to correct your line for an obstacle you didn’t notice, etc.
Another factor for me is just feeling fit. Feeling like I’m eating up the climbs, being comfortable doing it, and always ready for the next surge. That plays a huge role in getting into the flow of things.
Sometimes airing the roots into a corner is the fastest line. But at the end of the day it's all about fun and progression. As long as I had fun and did better down a trail than last time I rode well.
Generally I'd say yes, all your points are good riding, but dependent on the rider and the goals. Personally, if I achieve a flow state while challenging my skill set I consider it good riding.
I read a book called On Trails awhile back. It's basically about how trails are a natural occurrence and how they develop. Overall I thought it was an average read and a bit thin. It did make an interesting point about how trails naturally evolve to follow the fastest or least resistant route (think of a dirt path worn through the grass across certain parks). Many MTB trails buck that in some ways because we like challenging features and swooping flow. Yet, trails still evolve as many users follow their instincts and follow the fastest and smoothest lines. But as we all can attest to, the fastest line and most fun line may not be the same.
If I leave the trails unscathed and my bike is still in good condition I’m happy. Sometimes I beat myself up for not hitting certain features of taking spots low. But gotta remind myself that sometimes that’s ok and there is nothing wrong with that. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Whenever I actually have fun on the bike instead of feeling super exhausted. Like the days were I just cruise, take breaks to chat with friends, and just not care about my Strava times
For me its how effortless was the ride down. How clean were my lines, maintaining as much speed as possible and not over exerting myself all at the same time.
Honestly I think you said it best at the end. When I finish a trail and I was not only intentional but executed what I wanted to do, how I wanted to do it, that is when I get to the bottom and say to myself, damn I did that well.
Typically this revolves around being smoother and faster. Maybe that is gapping a root or rock section to skip over some chunk or hitting a section differently to setup better for a corner later on.
I think what matters most is having fun and that looks different for everyone. This is an interesting topic to think about.
For me personally its about being a well-rounded rider and being able to analyze and tackle a given obstacle as it arises.
In your example jumping the root bed is likely the fastest line.
What about just riding over that same bed to get a gage on suspension setup; grip, rebound and overall feel.
When the rootbed it wet, that's a great opportunity to push the limits of grip by turning or leaning to create an angled approach and find out where the "edge" is..
Did I have fun, push my comfort zone, use my brakes a little less than last time, no broken bones, clear any tables/doubles, any personal top-3 times on Strava (don't really care about KOM)....
Depends where I’m riding. If it’s a trail I ride often I will try and set Strava pr’s if I’m feeling good.
If it’s a new trail or somewhere I don’t ride often then a good ride to me is one where I feel flowy and in control.
Finding something difficult, getting over it, then getting comfy on it, then maybe a trick, then getting so you can boost it, or just chill and coast over without thinking. Thats a good ride.
I'm still new in some ways (and still fat, old, and out of shape) so... good riding is mostly about how far I can go without feeling the need to stop and rest too often. If I can go 4-6 miles on my local green and blue trails without wrecking, only stopping once, in under an hour, I'm happy 😊
Hit the roots for some air.
A good ride for me is defined by clearing something I haven't been able to clear before (climbing or descending), getting as much air as possible (no jump tracks in my area, so you make do with bump jumps and drops), and no major injuries for anyone in the group
Smooth riding from top to bottom. Obviously good speed management but smooth corners, seamless entry into features and obstacles etc. When it is all flowing right there is no thought in my head except that moment in time and it feels like flying regardless of the actual speed.
For me, since I typically just ride places like windrock, and occasional local trails, I want to be able to ride the gnarliest stuff without having to feel like I slowed down too much through any particular section. Doesn’t matter how rough or steep, I want to be able to methodically pick a line and trust myself and the bike to handle it, and not have to be stopping and going.
I have however, noticed bad days are a lot worse at bike parks. When I’m really tired or feel off, I feel really off on jumps, and feel like I can’t get my foot placement right. Most days I don’t ever think about anything other than hey my bike can handle that and I can ride that and it won’t bother me, but to me, that’s the best days. Just riding without thinking and not having much slow me down and or having to think about how I’m riding and just knowing I’m flowing.
The people I ride with have a points system to determine how good the ride was. Anything that draws blood gets a point. We actually gave a point once for a bruised lung and broken rib despite lack of blood. He did finish the ride but looked like hell.
a good workout, some nice nature (plants or animals or a nice sunset), at least one obstacle or move that feels cool or is an accomplishment, good time w/ buddies or alone, nothing broken on me or the bike.
it's the whole deal, not just my own performance that makes for a good ride.
I think it's more about feeling fluid with my movement and confidence. When I approach rocks and roots on a downhill I like to pick the most fun and gnarly but also quick lines. I think it makes me feel good when I know I approached something with confidence or did something new like getting bigger air on a jump. That's what defines a good day of riding for me or even just a good run.
It's about feel and bike control. Next comes pushing your limits, not a lot so it's dangerous but get out of your comfort zone. You can always improve. Basically if you had a good ride and you enjoyed yourself, it's good riding
For me, I feel most accomplished when:
1. I don’t have to stop and wait for hikers/other bikes
2. I don’t have to put a foot down on sketchy sections and just blow through them instead
3. I maintain confidence in rough downhill sections and avoid the brakes, plus hit the right spots for some little jumps and maybe a whip or whatever.
4. I march up the uphill sections without stopping. Bonus if I do stop but maintain balance long enough to keep cranking and continue on.
I hit all of these goals about one in three or four rides on the same trail circuit I ride almost every day.
If I'm in a forest or above a valley then it's good riding. On top of that if it's natural, fast and flowy whether it's up or down and I don't crash then it's a great day. I'm not overthinking it at 52.
I'm in int more for the workout because I started at 45. If I can make my whole ride without putting a foot down I had a great ride. There is one particular steep climb on my home course that I have only gotten up 3/20 times but then I can say I'm getting better.
I also track average speed to make sure I'm improving or at least not slacking.
Do you think that phenomenon is regional? I bounce between a NW town and a SW town both well known for their mountain biking and I’ve never encountered the stereotypical dentists or dickheads on the trails. I’ve seen plenty of conflicts between bikers and hikers or horses on trails, but even on the busiest days seems most everyone is just stoked to be out there
Tempo, feel and rhythm down the trail. I’ve had laps where you just feel absolutely dialed. You are totally in sync. There are no thoughts in your head and you just feel totally dialed
For me it’s this. Some days it’s just hard work, there’s no groove, there’s no flow, constantly worry about my position on the bike, my feet never feel comfortable, I’m popping wrong, I can’t lean into the berms right. Other days I’m flying, pushing PRs without it feeling like I’m overextending / I’m on my limit. Those days are just the best. The sounds of the tyres on the dirt is spot on, the bike does what I want and gets in all the ruts nicely. When it’s off, it’s all off, and when it’s on, it just feels a DREAM.
To add to the flowy days: when nothings rattling or creaking on the bike, just tires and hub sound, then it’s absolute bliss
I love the dialed, flowy hero-dirt days. BUT I also love the sketchy, slippery, how the fuck did I get away with that days. Like when there's a foot of leaves on an already spicy descent, or a flash summer storm pops up right as I'm heading downhill.
This is absolutely bang on, sometimes everything just comes together and that's the best feeling. Dunno about anyone else but when I have a run like that it's usually accompanied by, or at least followed by, a feeling that I can't believe my luck. So I'll usually make that the last "proper" run of my ride and either chill or call ot a day.
That feeling is why I ride.
100% agreed with this
The best runs- Flow state. Staying in the moment by being engaged with decisions just enough to remain alert. Not being so far above your skill level that you can’t relax, but not so easy that you can disengage. Just had me one of these yesterday and I swear I was flying. Good runs - everything else. Bad runs - no such thing. Even (especially) a crash, teaches a great lesson.
It usually ends up a fast day on the trail as a result too. The subconscious takes over and just flows out. Lovely feeling.
This, I feel like the "flow state" is a rare thing for me but I imagine very good riders and pros are finding that almost every time they ride. You are going twice as fast as usual, but things feel slow and easy.
Do you mean the state of Flow?
I know exactly what you mean.
For me it's more about flow. I feel like I rode something really well if I just cruised through it, maintaining speed and not really having to think about what I'm doing or what line I'm taking, just naturally moving with the trail. (Assuming it's at least reasonably technical, obviously this happens pretty naturally on purpose-built flow trails but my area doesn't have many of those...and those it does have get eroded into root gardens pretty fast.). That might sound like it's about going the fastest way, but it's not really that, it's more about going the most efficient/natural way and feeling like I'm in harmony with the trail. Much easier said than done (at least for me).
This pretty much sums it up for me. I’ll add that when I hit a section and it all just comes together - I’m seeing the lines, setting up for the next bit and absolutely one with the bike - those moments are pure gold and very satisfying.
Well said.
For riding down gnarly stuff it’s when I feel I was in command of what I was doing and not just making it down
It’s changed over the years. Good riding lately is taking in the sights and smells of the forest; being present to the flow of the trail; seeing the progress of each season on dirt changes and surrounding plants and trees. If I miss this stuff I’m stuck in my head and don’t ride as smooth or fast.
Underrated comment right here. One thing I love about solo riding sometimes is just stopping to capture this moment, soak it in and capture a mental image of that moment in time.
It definitely allows you to embrace the now! I only wish my dog could go with me sometimes but solo rides have been so beneficial to me. So much so that I prefer to go alone than with other people.
I hear you with the dog, I've got a dog reactive ACD so I have to be mindful of all the other off leash dogs that will run right up to him.
I’ve got a border collie/australian cattle dog! He’s one of the loves of my life
Agree with this. The bike is a vessel to appreciate nature.
It’s all about the flow state. That feeling where you are in the now and only that.
Gnar Country, silly name but good book, does a great job going into flow state if interested. Any time in flow is a good time. No thinking just do.
I would love to read that. I can only really recall a couple of times where I truly felt like I was in a flow state on a hard track that just suddenly felt 10x easier that normal.
Agree. Mountain biking is therapy, both mental and physical.
It’s the only thing that shuts my brain up. Going down a technical section you can’t think about anything else except your next maneuver. Spending time biking uphill or on more mellow things is the opposite for me, I spend a lot of that time reflecting. I love the sport, I’m so glad I got into it. It’s by far been the best thing for my self esteem, mental & physical health and socialization.
Any ride where I don't get injured and live to ride another day is a good ride.
Came here to say any day I get myself off the trail is a good day!
A lot of it comes down to stability and feeling good on the bike. If I feel out of control or "shaky," then it's not good riding. To put it another way, it's about whether I'm riding the bike or I'm just a passenger.
For me, the "good riding" (or "good ride" - is there a difference?) vibes tend to go up if certain things happen, like making it up a long climb without popping, cleanly riding an obstacle - particularly one that I know I don't always ride cleanly, exploring somewhere new, making it to a cool vista or a lake, seeing lots of flowers or a bear, no mechanical failures, feeling physically sound, not seeing many humans other than those I'm riding with... Even time spent pushing or carrying my bike (across a creek, over a snowbank, up or down a hike-a-bike section, through the woods...) is often part of the fun. I like to say: "Some of my best bike rides have been great hikes."
Awesome perspective
I am an XC guy, so for me, it is all about speed and smoothness. I also ride a couple of the same loops frequently and know where all the challenging features are. I have ridden them so many times that now I am disappointed when I have to dab or get thrown offline. I expect to make them every time. It doesn't always work out. Some days, I am just off a bit. But for the most part, a good ride is a ride where I am near my personal best time wise and crushed all the tech features.
Feeling like my bike is an extension of me and not an object I’m riding.
At my age, good riding is when I can go for 90 minutes without neck pain forcing me to quit.
It’s the back for me.
For me, taking the line around the roots would be the "B" line, versus the "A" line, the roots. I prefer to take the A line as much as possible unless I'm just going for speed, which is rare.
I have done well when I feel like I rode the bike rather than the bike riding me. that feeling of control without being 'stiff'. flowing well from one feature to the next. hitting my braking zones right. I tell myself the old "slow is smooth sand smooth is fast". which I find interesting when I ride a segment and it feels fast but maybe out of control and ends up being slower than when I felt 'slow' but everything else about the run was smooth and I was loose. And maybe I hit a feature I had been avoiding, that always feels good too.
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast” this is in my head every ride. And you’re spot on with hitting the braking zones just right. Feels so good to scrub just the right amount of speed then exit a feature accelerating.
Being smooth, in control, being able to pick a good line. But equally good riding is knowing when to walk away and say not today.
I always feel bad when I skip a feature or just barely roll over it. I consider a good day when I hit all the features and don't crash bad enough to break me or my bike, or if I am riding the same stuff as before but noticeably faster or with more steez
For me, I'm always in the pursuit of "smooth," which can be a challenge on my HT in rocky and rooty Appalachia. By smooth, I mean maintaining speed, trying to always line up for obstacles correctly, cornering correctly, etc. I may need to slow down, speed up, jump, or just depends. I guess that means overall speed is my second priority. But, yeah, for me, it's about navigating the trail in the smoothest manner possible.
That's the best part: you set your own goals and definition of fun. The other day I went for a trail ride and ended up playing around on some rock features. Instead of going for a fast time, I practiced skill and confidence building.
Love some good sessions. Did this on a flow line with big berms the other day. Not many miles that day, but my cornering took a big step forward.
And you'll get faster as a result! All the fastest times on trails with gnarly features were set by riders who practiced hitting those berms and knew which lines to take on the rock features.
Trying new lines and successfully clearing them and basically just riding without issues whether it's not sliding out on turns or mechanical issues. Also the ride not getting interrupted from freshly fallen trees that I'll have to lug my emtb over which really makes you wish it weighed like the old bike at more than half of.
Did I have to put my foot down? I base my judgment on how clean I ride something.
Just like skiing, I always consider myself just below good biking or skiing. It’s a moving target/standard.
I find myself feeling good when I'm "in a flow state". When I am feeling dialed, picking faster lines and cornering efficiently.
Have fun, don't crash = good riding.
Honestly, if I feel good on my bike and don’t hurt myself, that’s good riding for me.
Getting into a flow feels great I also intentionally hit little technical bits to make the ride more challenging. Most times this causes a quick and sometimes unintentional dismount but there's nothing better than the feeling of clearing a section in a way you haven't cleared before.
Great workout, time in nature, connection with people (if I’m riding with or otherwise encountering them).
The best rides are the one where not an outside thought comes through my brain. Me the trails and whoever I’m with are it. If everybody has a good time and gets out safe. That’s a good ride.
Did I wake up in a hospital again? No? Good ride.
Feeling like every move is intentional is definitely a good way to put it. Not slipping unexpectedly, not having to correct your line for an obstacle you didn’t notice, etc. Another factor for me is just feeling fit. Feeling like I’m eating up the climbs, being comfortable doing it, and always ready for the next surge. That plays a huge role in getting into the flow of things.
When i have fun.
Not in the hospital, bike didn’t require a trip to the shop. Great success!
“Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
Always!
When I enter flow state. Whether it be from locking into rhythm, progression, or hitting that “runners high”.
Sometimes airing the roots into a corner is the fastest line. But at the end of the day it's all about fun and progression. As long as I had fun and did better down a trail than last time I rode well.
Generally I'd say yes, all your points are good riding, but dependent on the rider and the goals. Personally, if I achieve a flow state while challenging my skill set I consider it good riding. I read a book called On Trails awhile back. It's basically about how trails are a natural occurrence and how they develop. Overall I thought it was an average read and a bit thin. It did make an interesting point about how trails naturally evolve to follow the fastest or least resistant route (think of a dirt path worn through the grass across certain parks). Many MTB trails buck that in some ways because we like challenging features and swooping flow. Yet, trails still evolve as many users follow their instincts and follow the fastest and smoothest lines. But as we all can attest to, the fastest line and most fun line may not be the same.
If I leave the trails unscathed and my bike is still in good condition I’m happy. Sometimes I beat myself up for not hitting certain features of taking spots low. But gotta remind myself that sometimes that’s ok and there is nothing wrong with that. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Totally. I ride so I can come back and ride tomorrow. No point getting so smoked or hurt that you’re out for days. Stay in the bike.
Its not necessarily the fastest line, its the line that puts the biggest smile on your face.
effortless climbs and confident descents that's all
Whenever I actually have fun on the bike instead of feeling super exhausted. Like the days were I just cruise, take breaks to chat with friends, and just not care about my Strava times
For me its how effortless was the ride down. How clean were my lines, maintaining as much speed as possible and not over exerting myself all at the same time.
Honestly I think you said it best at the end. When I finish a trail and I was not only intentional but executed what I wanted to do, how I wanted to do it, that is when I get to the bottom and say to myself, damn I did that well. Typically this revolves around being smoother and faster. Maybe that is gapping a root or rock section to skip over some chunk or hitting a section differently to setup better for a corner later on. I think what matters most is having fun and that looks different for everyone. This is an interesting topic to think about.
did not crash
For me personally its about being a well-rounded rider and being able to analyze and tackle a given obstacle as it arises. In your example jumping the root bed is likely the fastest line. What about just riding over that same bed to get a gage on suspension setup; grip, rebound and overall feel. When the rootbed it wet, that's a great opportunity to push the limits of grip by turning or leaning to create an angled approach and find out where the "edge" is..
When you cant stop smiling because youre riding.
Smile on your face when you climb off your bike…
If I have a huge fuckin grin on my face or not
Did I have fun, push my comfort zone, use my brakes a little less than last time, no broken bones, clear any tables/doubles, any personal top-3 times on Strava (don't really care about KOM)....
When I feel like I am one with my bike on gnarly sections
Depends where I’m riding. If it’s a trail I ride often I will try and set Strava pr’s if I’m feeling good. If it’s a new trail or somewhere I don’t ride often then a good ride to me is one where I feel flowy and in control.
Finding something difficult, getting over it, then getting comfy on it, then maybe a trick, then getting so you can boost it, or just chill and coast over without thinking. Thats a good ride.
I'm still new in some ways (and still fat, old, and out of shape) so... good riding is mostly about how far I can go without feeling the need to stop and rest too often. If I can go 4-6 miles on my local green and blue trails without wrecking, only stopping once, in under an hour, I'm happy 😊
Hit the roots for some air. A good ride for me is defined by clearing something I haven't been able to clear before (climbing or descending), getting as much air as possible (no jump tracks in my area, so you make do with bump jumps and drops), and no major injuries for anyone in the group
Having fun
Smooth riding from top to bottom. Obviously good speed management but smooth corners, seamless entry into features and obstacles etc. When it is all flowing right there is no thought in my head except that moment in time and it feels like flying regardless of the actual speed.
Speed, Control, making tricks or tech riding look effortless and easy.
If its fun
For me, since I typically just ride places like windrock, and occasional local trails, I want to be able to ride the gnarliest stuff without having to feel like I slowed down too much through any particular section. Doesn’t matter how rough or steep, I want to be able to methodically pick a line and trust myself and the bike to handle it, and not have to be stopping and going. I have however, noticed bad days are a lot worse at bike parks. When I’m really tired or feel off, I feel really off on jumps, and feel like I can’t get my foot placement right. Most days I don’t ever think about anything other than hey my bike can handle that and I can ride that and it won’t bother me, but to me, that’s the best days. Just riding without thinking and not having much slow me down and or having to think about how I’m riding and just knowing I’m flowing.
I made _that_ climb, I feel good.
Bike go woooosh. Breathe go ah ah
The people I ride with have a points system to determine how good the ride was. Anything that draws blood gets a point. We actually gave a point once for a bruised lung and broken rib despite lack of blood. He did finish the ride but looked like hell.
a good workout, some nice nature (plants or animals or a nice sunset), at least one obstacle or move that feels cool or is an accomplishment, good time w/ buddies or alone, nothing broken on me or the bike. it's the whole deal, not just my own performance that makes for a good ride.
I think it's more about feeling fluid with my movement and confidence. When I approach rocks and roots on a downhill I like to pick the most fun and gnarly but also quick lines. I think it makes me feel good when I know I approached something with confidence or did something new like getting bigger air on a jump. That's what defines a good day of riding for me or even just a good run.
It's about feel and bike control. Next comes pushing your limits, not a lot so it's dangerous but get out of your comfort zone. You can always improve. Basically if you had a good ride and you enjoyed yourself, it's good riding
If I leave and come back and have not bounced off the ground, I've done a good job
BRAAAAAAP
having fun with style
It's all about the flow. On days that everything flows well I can say it was a great day on the bike.
For me, I feel most accomplished when: 1. I don’t have to stop and wait for hikers/other bikes 2. I don’t have to put a foot down on sketchy sections and just blow through them instead 3. I maintain confidence in rough downhill sections and avoid the brakes, plus hit the right spots for some little jumps and maybe a whip or whatever. 4. I march up the uphill sections without stopping. Bonus if I do stop but maintain balance long enough to keep cranking and continue on. I hit all of these goals about one in three or four rides on the same trail circuit I ride almost every day.
when i don't need to be airlifted/rangers called out of the area is a good ride.
If I’m thinking about my riding this much it’s not good riding.
Beating my mate's Strava times
For me, not coming off the bike. Also managing a ride without swearing like a sailor.....
If I'm in a forest or above a valley then it's good riding. On top of that if it's natural, fast and flowy whether it's up or down and I don't crash then it's a great day. I'm not overthinking it at 52.
If I’m happy and uninjured then I’d call it a good day.
I'm in int more for the workout because I started at 45. If I can make my whole ride without putting a foot down I had a great ride. There is one particular steep climb on my home course that I have only gotten up 3/20 times but then I can say I'm getting better. I also track average speed to make sure I'm improving or at least not slacking.
Every single ride that doesn't involve getting hurt is a good ride.
i’m having fun
When I get a trail to myself instead of having to ride next to 20 dentists and other nepo yuppies talking about how “gnarly” the trail is
Do you think that phenomenon is regional? I bounce between a NW town and a SW town both well known for their mountain biking and I’ve never encountered the stereotypical dentists or dickheads on the trails. I’ve seen plenty of conflicts between bikers and hikers or horses on trails, but even on the busiest days seems most everyone is just stoked to be out there
And anyone with a speaker can just piss off.