The Taos News from Taos, New Mexico • Page B004

B4 June 4-10, 2015 Sports The Taos News Learning to ride at Angel Fire Resort By Gabriel Weinstein The Taos News I have proudly told friends about Angel Fire Bike Park's national acclaim since I started working for newspapers in Northern New Mexico two years ago. But I had a little secret. I had never actually ridden down one of its trails. Even worse, I had never gone downhill mountain biking. So when I heard that Angel Fire Resort was offering a free downhill clinic I decided it was time to finally learn.

I woke up early Saturday (May 30) for my day of riding. I watched a YouTube video about the merits of wearing tight versus loose-fitting mountain biking shorts, powered through a breakfast of scrambled eggs, and then headed to Angel Fire. After getting my equipment in the rental shop, I headed to the back porch of the bike shop where a mass of newbies like myself waited to begin their downhill careers. A group of 18 women congregated toward the back for a lesson with the Pin It Girls, a group from Albuquerque that encourages women to pursue action sports. Eventually, I found myself paired with Eric Pietryga of HeartSoul Racing, an Albuquerque helicopter mechanic who moonlights as downhill racer.

After a short introduction, Pietryga and Angel Fire Resort visual media producer Jim Merritt and I headed up the Chile Express to start our day of riding. My first test of the day was in the instructional area on the top of the summit. There we worked on riding berms and rock gardens. At first I struggled with the berms. My instincts told me to mash down on my brakes as I headed into the banked curve.

It took me a few tries in the practice area before I started to get the hang of dropping my outside foot heading into a berm. I was not very good in the rock garden. I needed some time before I was able to enter the rock garden with enough speed. "You know how you get better at it?" Pietryga asked after another difficult attempt in the rock garden. "Just by riding," he chuckled.

After 10 minutes in the practice area Pietryga decided it was time to try a real run and we headed down to Easy Street, one of the park's easiest. Things started off poorly. I wiped out trying to navigate around the first berm. I landed on my side Angel Fire ResortJim Merritt Sports Editor Gabriel Weinstein, in foreground, makes his way down Easy Street at Angel Fire Bike Park Saturday (May 30). and got three small scrapes on my elbow.

Pietryga and I dissected my fall and determined I failed to drop my foot. I hopped back on my bike. I thought of an old Converse commercial featuring basketball player Dwayne Wade that preached the importance of "fall seven times, get up eight." The rest of the run was idyllic. My foot seemed to drop automatically (in my mind) around berms. I loosened my grip off the brakes as we barrelled down hills.

I found myself thinking about nothing except biking. It had been months maybe even years since I felt so zoned in during an athletic activity. I started to understand why downhill riders are so passionate about the sport. At the end of the run, Pietryga, Merritt and I celebrated. I rewarded myself with a candy bar, water and a few minutes of rest.

Our next challenge was Sierra, a green run that takes riders through narrow passages and has several uphills. I struggled through Sierra. I huffed, heaved and puffed on the uphills. I wanted to hop off the bike and did during sharp, claustrophobic turns. We took several breaks on Sierra.

They were as much mental as physical. My early confidence was crushed. A few successful turns on the latter part of the run gave me the ego boost to finish the run. Pietryga, Merritt and I said our goodbyes after Sierra. I considered calling it a day after my ugly run.

I plotted my course during a lunch break. With a turkey sandwich in my stomach, I headed back up the mountain, determined to prove to myself that I was better than my miserable run down Sierra. I went back to Easy Street, where I enjoyed my early success. My sharp focus returned. My worries about random stressors evaporated.

I put all my energy into executing proper technique around berms and keeping my eyes on the road ahead and not on the dirt. When I began my third run, I thought it would be my last of the day. I decided I had one Angel Fire ResortJim Merritt Sports Editor Gabriel Weinstein, left, learns the fundamentals of downhill mountain biking from Eric Pietryga of Albuquerque's HeartSoul Racing Saturday (May 30) at Angel Fire Resort. dering about what podcasts I wanted to listen to instead of concentrating on maintaining my form. As I headed toward the bike shop caked in sweat and sporting fresh scrapes, all I could think about was how much fun I had.

My day at the trails introduced me to a new sport. More importantly, it gave me a deeper insight into the community I cover. Now when I rave about Angel Fire's Bike Park, I can honestly tell people how fun it really is. more in me. My last run down the mountain I felt even better.

I began to anticipate more and have faith in my ability and the equipment. But I knew it would be my last run of the day. Going down hills, I caught myself won fririiViT SIDELINES Registration for Taos High sports June 8 Registration for the Taos High School 2015-2016 athletic year will begin Monday (June 8) at the THS Small Gym from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. El Centra Family Health is working with the THS athletic department to athletic physicals for $25. Athletic packets will be available on registration day and in advance at the athletic office.

THS Boys Basketball announces youth camp The 2015 Taos Tiger Youth Basketball Camp for boys and girls ages 5-14 (all ages) will be June 8-11. Camp registration is $75 for children 5-8 and $100 for children 9-14. Contact THS boys basketball head coach Daniel Trujillo at (575) 770-8808 or dantrutaosschools.org for information. Penasco Valley Baseball Game on Sunday Sunday (June 7) is the annual Penasco Valley Baseball Game between the Hippies and Indians. The day of baseball, music and fun begins around noon at La Joya on the east side of State Highway 76, just south of Ojo Sarco.

Arthur J. Back in Time Softball Tournament The Arthur J. Back in Time Softball Tournament will take place June 13-14 at the Taos County Softball Fields. There will a men's and women's division. Any ball and any bat are permitted.

There are unlimited home runs. For more information contact Korky at (575) 779-9236 and leave a message. 1 i In 'Mill i ill.