And thus began my first-ever mountain bike adventure.  After picking up a sweet vintage Scott mountain bike at the Sturto's bike swap in Hailey, I was chomping at the bit to see if I could hack it.  Nevermind that the bike doesn't quite fit right (yet).  Or that there were bound to be quite a few bikers out on such a beautiful day - therefore making the possibility of public humiliation very real.

Heading east out of Ketchum towards Trail Creek, we jumped on Sun Valley's Valley View Trail.  The Valley View Trail is a 5 mile route that circles the new White Clouds Golf Course and climbs a modest 200+ feet in elevation.  While gathering my wits about me at the trailhead, two kind gentleman lobbed encouraging remarks in my direction. Okay, I thought to myself, I can do this.

I learned a few lessons on the climb to the top of the rise:  1) You go much faster, and gain elevation quicker, on a bike versus hiking. Duh, you're thinking.  I know.  But it was a revelation.  2)  Sun Valley's sun is hotter than sun other places.  I don't know how, but it's true.  3)  My fiancee was right, if you don't keep your weight over your seat you'll spin out ... and it's not a fun experience.  I showed off a little grit in my teeth with a big smile at the top.

After the first big rise, the trail volleys up and down as it traverses the backside of the hill, boasting a sweeping view of the valley.  It then descends to the front side, eventually dropping back onto the bike path.  This is my fiancee's favorite part - the fast descent - so I encouraged him to zoom away as my cautious self slowly crept down after him.  It was at this point that I saw two familiar faces - the gentlemen with encouraging words at the start.  They were riding UP from the other side.  I asked if they were doing circuits, and they smiled and nodded, bantering more friendly words of support at me.

Well, I'm not at the stage of riding circuits for the sheer fun of it, but I call my first mountain bike ride a glowing success.  I stayed on my bike, didn't grumble, rode a beautiful trail and interacted with supportive people. 

So my only question now is - where to go next?

Sara Sheehy is a local Sun Valley blogger & photographer. You can see more of her work at www.sarasheehy.com.