Unforeseen obstacles
Looking at the most recent post, it is obvious I've gotten a bit off track. In fact, lets call it sideways. The details really don't matter, rather it has been one challenge after another. Add to that, getting past some physical obstructions. It takes focus to stay on track and diligence to remain focused. But having things constantly pile-up is taking all of my energies to simply stay a-float. That is just life. I looking to turn a few corners in the next week or so....
Commuting.....
I'll take the hardtail out whenever I can -be it a ride to a ball game, or over to a neighbors house (several miles away). It takes more effort to ride than on the road bike, but it fly's compared to the full-sus. Usually by now I will have stacked some really good base miles, but not this year. Still, the hardtail is enjoyable given the garbage conditions of the roads in the upper valley this summer.
An evening hardtail ride out to Point Bluff, on my way to a ballgame in Huntsville.
Back on the Mule
For the past twenty or so years, there has been a section of rough (and getting rougher by the year) climbing single-track that I can ride from right out of the garage. I've talked about it countless times over the years, but the overlook atop of Mules Ear is my quiet place. Sure, you can walk it, but pushing the old body as hard as possible just makes it a little more sweet - or so it seems. A lot has changed over last several years, but the last mile or so to the top is still as rough and gnarly as ever. Again, this year, they have made several trail improvements down lower and even added trails halfway up the switchbacks. Long sweeping turns with sections wide enough to expect curb & gutter - it is a far cry from when it was a quiet little trail for bush-whackers. There were a couple places that bucked me off, but it is to be expected for my first time up during the year. At that, its kind of late for it to be my first time up to the top. Looking at the Garmin stats, I get a much better session in about the same time period by doing simple repeating hill intervals, but there is something about getting to the overlook that brings a little peace to ones soul. Of course the ride out is always fast and fun, but just that moment at the top is all worth the effort alone.
..How old would you be...
We lost Toby this last winter to the Big-C. That one kind of hit home, as there were so many things I could relate to in his story. We've lost far too many over the years....it's hard to keep track. When Paul lost Linda some 25 odd years ago, that was truly the end of the band. Add to those my personal friends and associates, it sure makes one feel less than immortal than when we were younger. But am I really that old? Perhaps I can feel the lack of mitochondria, but other times I feel like the youngster bucking hay. I suppose it's all in the head - until the body says otherwise. As Toby said; "How old would you be if you didn't know when you were born?" I suppose some day it will end, but until then, ride like you are still a little kid - just don't crash.
Pulling for Reed! - Ride HARD!
