positive traits strengthened through mountain biking

[LBmtb]

What two characteristics or traits has mountain biking strengthened for you?

For me, I'd say determination and perseverance. Getting out there and being rewarded handsomely for giving it your all really teaches you something about how great it feels to have accomplished something that most any other person would have backed away from.

[Big Guy]

I had high blood pressure, high triglycerides count (bad cholesterol) and I got diagnosed with sleep apnea. I was controlling the first 2 with medications and the doctor wanted to plug me to a machine when I sleep.

It was 3 strikes, all with the same cause, my weight. so I got on a strict diet and got serious about riding. I initially lost 60 lb. I got back about 20 lb in the first 12 months but I haven't got up in a year and did not change pants size so I think I initally lost some muscle mass.

I do not need any medication, my cholesterol and blood pressure are good and I feel better than I ever felt. The better I feel, the more I want to ride.

[Evel Knievel]

Physical fitness and self reliance.

I'd like to think my cardiovascular system has been greatly strengthened, even though I still got my gut, my legs and lungs are in great shape and I am able to clean most climbs I attempt that I wouldn't have been able to do had I not started mt. biking.

Secondly, I have met nothing but great people through this sport, the commorodery (sp?) in the mt. bike community is amazing. It is a healthy and positive hobby in almost every aspect I can think of.

[Epic_Mtn_Biker]

healthy mind and body;

MTB'ing just challenges you in both ways at a higher level than most sports for a longer consistent period of time if you push it. that's what i love about it

[Ladd Jasper]

Coordination/balance and stamina. Had both before MTBing, but in much smaller measure.

[Pho'dUp]

Stress management. It's the one thing I found that while you're doing it, you are totally engrossed in it. When I am on that bike I completely forget about what happened that day and what was bothering me. The endorphin rush is so great that I don't even notice the traffic jams as much when driving home. Just zoning along. (Gonna need to start night riding soon though)

Then I got a single speed. Granted, I only can last an hour, but that's 60 min. of great anger management.

Friendly peeps. 90% of the folk out there are super nice. They share the same passion as you and were incredibly helpful when I started out.

Last. Guess I got a little more mechanically inclined by wrenching on my own bikes and learning to turn a few bolts or so.

[PacMan]

Physical fitness and a better mental attitude i.e.--a better disposition and outlook on life. I was always pretty mellow and easy going, but mt biking took me even further down the road to mental peace. It's hard to get aggravated at things when you are constantly riding/planning the next ride/reliving the last ride in your head.