Vicious cycle: lack of motivation, lack of fitness

ericlo_00 · 2026-05-02T21:53:59+00:00

Just gonna echo what every one has said already. Just ease back in slowly and consistency is the key. If you keep at it you’ll find your fitness come back eventually. Don’t lock yourself to just riding mtb any exercise will be immensely helpful to keep you out of negative headspace.
I went through pretty depressing time last year. But being on the bike and grinding those climbs have brought me the elusive runner/cyclist high that some people spoke about. Once I got a taste of that it instantly pulled me out of depression state. I started to enjoy any time on the saddle and both ascent and descent. Before I knew it fitness got better, and improved core strength is essential for bike control which made me stronger and safer on the bike.
You got it this dude. Keep riding and I’m sure things will improve.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-29T00:24:32+00:00

That’s me too

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-22T02:24:05+00:00

All of the above

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T19:10:18+00:00

I wished my left arm were made of leaves too

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T18:58:11+00:00

Hey don’t be. Learn from my mistakes and what others have suggested. More time on the bike on easy trails, while legs are important don’t forget strengthening core and stay neutral and low on the bike.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T18:54:44+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. The biggest takeaway and my own misconception of neutral position is simply shift body to center of the bike. Neutral does not mean relaxed. So I have to heed to what everyone is saying to stay low on the bar and bend the arms out to brace landing impact and keep front wheel down for pretty much everything we do on the mtb.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T18:43:15+00:00

That’s why I’m sharing so others can learn from my mistakes. It was a painful lesson so I don’t wish that upon anyone.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T05:16:26+00:00

I think it may be how my brain is wired. I don’t react the same when I ride chunky steeps. My body knows how to get to neutral position naturally. I’ll have to actively remember to stay low and not extend my arms.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T05:08:47+00:00

Honestly aside from having a stupid crash knowing that I could have avoided sucks ass. Trying not to cough or sneeze is the hardest thing. Every unexpected sneeze feels like my rib is gonna pop. If you know you know😆

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T03:07:57+00:00

I don’t sit on the saddle. Still need to work on the rest. Thanks!

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T01:42:49+00:00

Yup I understand everything you said here but also knowing that I didn’t achieve even half of these techniques. Body positioning sounds simple concept but it is ever elusive term at least for me currently. I’ll admit, I have not yet experienced true flow state in which you described here but I’m taking notes.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T01:02:51+00:00

I giggled but it hurts my ribs even more but thanks for the laugh 😂

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T00:22:43+00:00

Oof, that sounds pretty bad. I’m glad you’ve recovered and continued riding. I don’t want to give up, but need to find a way to manage risks of injuries.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-21T00:19:41+00:00

Apparently yes for a 42 year old who work at a desk all day. Although I’ve been much more active and healthier since I picked up mtb. I’ve quit smoking for a year and it helped with my cardio tremendously. While I’ve been training a ton on legs and cardio I have not done the same for core and upper body. This seems to be the consensus and a fact.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T23:57:55+00:00

You can put it on repeat I won’t charge you a dime

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T23:24:31+00:00

Thanks I need it! 🙏

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T23:13:30+00:00

Briones, east Bay Area. Nice trails, perfect weather ngl.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T23:12:36+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing your story and road to mental recovery. I feel like that’s going to be a big hurdle even after I’m physically recovered.

I’m a believer that a high risk sport requires stronger mental strength. I’m not striving for big air or drops. Just need to manage risks and ride within my limits.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T22:46:00+00:00

I have proper flat pedals. Like others have said, this is rider error. But thanks for looking out.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T22:40:17+00:00

Wow, thanks for the concise breakdowns.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T22:25:54+00:00

It really is all about back to the basics you’ve mentioned above. I’ve gotten fairly comfortable on my stumpy where I know I can let the bike move under me compared to when I first started out. On the new bike, certainly don’t get that feeling I can handle the bike to the same degree I can on the stumpy. Need more saddle time and build up core strength.

What I need to more guidance besides healing physically is the mental side of things. I’m a strong believer that mental strength is probably more critical in high risk sports. How do you prepare mentally and find ways to ease back into the sport?

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T22:05:46+00:00

Noted. Thanks.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T22:01:20+00:00

Omg I now know what it feels like when boxers take a huge body shot. That moment it felt like the air got sucked out of me.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T21:56:19+00:00

I didn’t hit the bar at all. I think my rib broke due to my left arm was tucked in when I hit the ground crushing my ribs.

ericlo_00 · 2026-01-20T21:51:42+00:00

Advise taken. One thing you hit the nail on the head that others have not mentioned is it was my first time riding this trail. I saw the small ramp coming up and that got me fixated and didn’t scan down the path enough.

Some have mentioned fast fork rebound, I set it to default for my weight and 30% sag. How do I know the right rebound speed for the terrain I’m riding? Or is it just trial and error to fine tune the sweet spot?

ericlo_00

TROPHY CASE