Just Another Sunday in the Woods

We had been out for just over two hours. A large group comprised of most of the guys I have been chasing around these trails for the better part of 20 years. Todd put up a brisk pace, with a loop not shying away from climbs. It was starting to get late. The group was breaking up a bit as there were beers to drink, and kids to pick up. A few us wanted to try and squeeze a couple more miles out of this fantastic morning that was quickly wrapping up as the once frozen trails began to show signs of thawing.

Buddy rolled to the front of the group, turned back coyly smiling as he said, “ I can’t be trusted on the front…” And with that Buddy charged up the trail lovingly called “UpChuck”. On his single speed, Buddy showed us all how he earned the nickname, “Buddy the Leg Breaker”.  I jumped on Biddle’s wheel.  We may have entertained thoughts of bridging that gap, but our apprehension got the best of us- Buddy was gone.  Biddle is one of the best trail riders you could hope to follow. Want to know the best line? Follow him, it will make you a better bike handler- trust me.  We crossed Tawes Drive and up one more little steep pitch to find Buddy waiting for us.  We were all pretty much out of breath and smiling…   A quick re- group and  the last standing of our group were off again charging back towards the parking lot, our cars, our homes…

I haven’t felt particularly good on the bike so far in 2013. Suffering through a fire-road ride Saturday, I began ponder if it wasn’t time to find another passion, and that maybe, just maybe this was the year to take up bowling.  That said,  for a few fleeting moments Sunday -maybe five to seven minutes, it was there. I felt like I could stay with the group, and not hide behind deception and guile.  I felt like I could make the bike do what I want, turn where I want…  In the end, it was just a hint,  just a sniff of where I want to be, but it was enough.  Sometimes just a glimpse is enough to keep us going… I was stoked- and shattered-  for the rest of the day. Perfect.

respect
fatmarc