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On the edge of my town a sprawling network of mountainous trails juxtaposes the noise. The sounds of motors crossing the roads turn into the sound of birdsong and quiet, rhythmic mechanical chains being moved by pedals.

Today I went to visit a set of bike trails on the edge of town. The trails had everything to challenge a newbie cyclist like me: Twists, turns, short yet steep inclines and declines, rocks over brooks, tree roots trying to make the trail trickier, and winding routes. I fell once but it was so minor I don't even think the scraps breeched the second layer of my skin. I was going too slow around a tricky corner and did not see the tree root. I remember laughing as I picked myself up and my bike. Just apart of the challenge.

I kept going following the very narrow trails, stopping at forks wondering which way I should go. Twice I ran into signs telling me if I follow them, I could go back to the parking lot to end the day. I was tempted honestly as these trails were so challenging and I was afraid of getting hurt further. When I looked at another option a trail provided me I was tempted to go home as there were steeper declines and I was not confident of my ability to take it carefully. I almost did call it a day but before I knew what what happening I found my legs pushing myself towards that perilous trail. I remember thinking, "What am I doing??" but I decided as I was already passed the marker I might as well continue. Pushing back fear I took on each and every sharp corner and twist, climbed over slope after root-scarred drop and found myself in a clearing.

"Easter Egg Hill" is what a random wooden sign greeted me. I found myself on a large hill surrounded by flowers and grass! What a lovely sight! After taking in that sight I continued further. Each pedal just as challenging as the last. Eventually I did call it a day as the Sun was threatening to set quickly. I did not want to be on a set of unfamiliar and treacherous trails with very little experience in the dark.

Those trails are so hard for me to ride but I intend on coming back to ride again in the hopes of gaining more experience. I hope someday I can ride them with ease.