Familiar Places, Changing the Methodology
The image above is from the main gate of the former Trappist Monk Monastery. Early morning rides up this way have always been more a tempo ride, than anything too stressful. Given the conditions of some of the roads this year, I'm still not crazy about taking the road-bike out. A very good work-around has been to swap tires on the hardtail for some extra wide commuter treads, still going tubeless. Along with navigating the numerous construction sections, it is also riding on the notorious "bike path" part way across the valley. This is technically a pedestrian pathway, as it is not conducive to riding a fast road-bike - for multiple reasons. The hardtail with the faster rolling treads allow for quick transitions in and out of the trail. The variations in elevation also make for a bit of an interval type thing. I'll pickup up the trail just off the end at River Drive, cut around Eden Park and jump across the highway to catch it again by the elementary school. On it around the back side of the lake to SR 39 at Huntsville. Aside from that, it is still pretty much the same route I'll take on the Six-13. The hardtail does run out of gears on one downhill at about 38 MPH. Aside from that, it is a constant effort pedaling - quite a bit more than on a road-bike. I still need to replace the front ring with a couple more teeth. It's a great ride early in the morning - the earlier the better.
Wild Onions....
Recent light rain sprinkles have really brought out the familiar smells. Sure, it is a little sticky in the mornings before the sun breaks over the mountains, but it is that reminder of what I knew as a very little kid. Early mornings trudging through the dew laden sagebrush to go fishing with my dad....it still smells the same. Our house is built in the middle of a lot of Gamble-Oak and Maples. The wild onions take root in that rich soil with a tiny flower and a very large smell. It is only for a very short period when it does happen. Some years it doesn't happen, but when it does - it is home. Sure it's hard to get motivated some mornings, but I know it has to be done. Whether it being longer rides, or 90 minutes of hill intervals, you just have to push past the lack of motivation and inspiration and shove-off. It sure gets lonely some days. But then the smells take me back to my youth and put my mind almost right.
...tell him your plans.
The Vanzant bothers did a little thing a few years back that deserves a little attention. How true it is; "You hear God laugh? Tell him your plans". I guess sometimes we do get a little full of ourselves. It is better to have a plan, as it at least gets you going in that general direction. Just be prepared for a little disappointment along the way.
Pulling for Reed. Ride HARD!
