This month, I'd like to introduce you to the real athletes in our family.  Which is anyone but me.  My three kids are in middle school and I'm married to the oldest kid of all.  My husband, Matt, loves to bike and has been introducing the kids to local mountain bike trails.  This weekend he took them out to Lowes Creek to try their first winter riding.  They all had a good time and declared it fun, but challenging.  I sat this one out... I'm rehabbing from knee surgery.  I have a new ACL and I'm pleased to say it is recovering nicely.  Biking is highly recommended for future excercise, but this winter, I'm spending my time indoors traveling on my recumbent stationery bike.  The scenery from my window rarely changes, but it is beautiful!

Erik, age 11:  Saturday, February 13, 2010.  Weather was sunny.  Temperature was in the 20's.  I'm Erik Weber and I like to ski and bike.  I like to play sports and read.  I am 11 years old.  Today we went winter mountain biking at Lowes Creek.  I thought it would be easy before we got there.  First we tried the beginner's loop, but it wasn't working so well.  Then we tried 'Start Me Up' and that worked a lot better.  We went on to 'Tetanus Shot' and we went up 'Worm' to 'Axed' to the 'Eagle Trail'.  We took the 'Eagle Trail' down to 'Twister' and off of 'Twister' we got back on 'Axed' and that took us to 'Worm' and then connected to 'Start Me Up' again, making a big loop.  I would do it again but with drier clothes, especially drier socks. 

Kate, age 12:  Same day, same weather, same place.  Biking at Lowes Creek is a lot of fun.  I suggest not going on the beginner's loop and starting straight on the other trails, where it is packed down more.  In the winter, biking is a greater workout then it already is.  If you plan on going, bring dry clothes and be prepared to get wet and cold.  I hadn't biked at Lowes Creek in the winter before and it was a good experience.  Now I know to wear long socks, thick gloves and warmer pants next time.

Alex, age 13:  My brother, sister, dad and I went mountain biking at Lowes Creek.  We found that the best place to bike was on the trails that were packed down.  These were the main trails named 'Mind Games' and any in the middle of the park.  Next time we go we will bring ski socks and waterproof shoes/boots.  You should take your kids out and try it.  

Matt, grown-up kid:  Saturday was a new adventure.  Our winter activities have already included ice skating on Lake Altoona, cross country skiing at Tower Ridge, downhill skiing and snowboarding at a few different hills, sledding, shoveling, building a backyard terrain park and a snowshoe race. I've even been bicycling to work every couple of weks.  Yes, through the snow and slush and salt and grime.  It's not good for the bike, but it is good for the psyche.  And it's not that difficult an endeavor if you work into it slowly, figuring out the routes and clothing and equipment bit by bit.  But Saturday was something new for us.  I've heard that there's a group of folks that continue mountain biking at Lowes Creek during the winter.  I also heard that my kids wanted to give it a try.  So we loaded up the bikes and off we went.  We learned at least three lessons.  First, stay on the trail.  The center of the trail has been packed down by snowshoes and other bikes, but even a few inches off to the side you sink in and come to a quick stop.  Second, pedal hard.  Even when you stay centered on the trail, pedaling in the snow really slows you down, it's a great workout.  And finally, take a look around.  Whenever you fail when of the first two lessons you are stopped anyway, so take a few minutes to observe the snow and the trees adn the winding creek.  It's beautiful in the winter, and whether you bring skis, snowshoes, bikes, or boots, it is worth the trip out to Lowes Creek County Park.