Dirt

It's amazing how much the dirt you are riding on defines the ride you are on. Different soil types, in different places can make your bike feel at home on one ride and can leave you laid out and dirty on others.

Moisture content can also make a huge difference. A trail that's loose and sketchy one day can make you feel like a pro after a little rain. I just did a ride the other day on a trail I remembered as drifty at best, this time around it had rained and the trail was as grippy as any.

You can never choose your dirt, but you can always make the best of what you're on. As you get a feel for your bike and your riding conditions, you can learn to make small changes to your setup to make your bike perform better. Changes in tire pressure are sometimes all it takes, other times, small changes in your suspension tuning can do the trick. The point is, pay attention to your dirt, and don't be afraid to switch things around a little to make the best of it.