I’ve come to the conclusion that mountain biking is fun. It’s a radically different type of workout compared to endurance road biking. One of the aspects I really enjoy is that distance, average speed, and cadence are not stats I need to care about when riding. Each trail is a series of puzzles that need to be solved, hopefully without falling. I am completely bought in on trail riding, and don’t have any desire to hit jump lines at bike parks. I just want to be in nature, moving at about 8-10mph, and trying to navigate roots and rocks. After a few hours I’m just as wiped after doing a 40 mile road ride, and the feeling of exertion and accomplishment is the same.