“Just so you know, Guatemalan trails only go up hill.” My mountain bike guide Branden was kidding of course, but I wasn’t so sure. I was gasping for air at the top of a very large incline. I only knew this would be an interesting day.

A downhill followed. It was a narrow, winding trail covered in loose leaves and mud. Half way down I had a slow motion fall into a small stream that gave me a good coating of mud.

“Gawd I love this!” I meant it.

After trudging up and down a few canyons, Branden told me that I was probably only the second white person to ever visit this area. Many of these trails are ancient, built by the Mayans, and are still in use today.

All-in-all it was a fun, challenging day. There is something rewarding about putting yourself out into the world. Experiencing places that you’d never imagine. Especially on a bike.