Switching To The Dark Side – Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels

We lost the war. “We” being the purist mountain bikers who wanted to keep motorized recreational vehicles off trails developed for hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians. “No E-Bikes” signs still pop up at trailheads but they are a dying breed. Land managers have bowed to the pressure of this newish user group, redefined what they consider “motorized” and welcomed motorized bicycles with open arms.

GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE ISSUE
I noticed 10 years ago that something was off. I struggled on rides. Losing weight and adding intervals to my routine did not have a noticeable effect. I even tried training on a fixie road bike. I just got slower.

Looking under the hood, a mechanic diagnosed an enlarged heart with leaky valve. He could crack the chest and make repairs but, “I can’t say you’ll feel a big difference.” I passed. I also quit riding mountain bikes.

DANG, I MISSED MOUNTAIN BIKING
Five years after quitting, I was surprised how much I missed riding. Especially night riding. So I recently sat down to feast on crow pie and purchased a Pivot Shuttle AM. I mean, if you’re going to the dark side, might as well jump into the deep end.

**Starting at the top:** I got so spoiled riding great mountain bikes as Editor of *Mountain Bike Action* that when I decided to go electric, I knew what I’d be missing if I didn’t go for greatness. The Pivot Shuttle AM is not for testing the waters. It is a commitment.

A NEW LEARNING CURVE
I only have a few battery charges under my chamois and already realize that motorized mountain bikes are way, way different from non-motorized bikes. Over the next few months I hope to pass along tips, tricks and hacks for riding motorized mountain bikes. I’ll also let you know about my new Pivot.

**Learning curve onto Shooting Star Trail:** Five years off the trails is a long time. Trail usage causes rocks to rise and ruts to deepen. I could not have ridden to this spot without the motor’s assistance.

SWITCHING TEAMS
I respect managed open space. I wouldn’t ride a mountain bike on The Pacific Crest Trail. I wouldn’t blaze an alternate line next to an existing trail. I wouldn’t intentionally ride on private property. I’ve always felt mountain bikers have plenty of riding opportunities without poaching “off limits” trails.

When motorized mountain bikes were first unleashed, they were 100% illegal to operate on trails unless those trails were designated for motorized recreation. Since that is no longer the case, I can legally use the crutch of a motor to get back on the trails.

Do I feel great about all of this? Not really. But times have changed and I might as well take advantage of the new motorized landscape while I still can. I’m sure I will take some ribbing on the trail and I’m ready for it. At least I’ll be back On Two Wheels.