So what do you do when it is too wet outside to go for a ride?
Easy, you go for a ride. It is that simple....and if you pick the right terrain - you will remember that smile you had as a kid after a big rain storm and the sewer drain plugged up. Don't get me wrong....the road bike is a blast. The lessons that the body learns are priceless. Endurance, speed, long term conditioning....ride with the right crew and you will be trying to catch your breath...believe me, I know. The Tues/Thurs Loons - especially Jay and Neil - like to pound the road. BUT - take what you have learned on the road and take it off-road....now it gets interesting.
The last few weeks have been a bit of a liberating experience. I dusted off the Mt Bike - took off all but one gear and hit the dirt....mainly mud and I found some freedom. Elm Creek has way too much to offer - road, trails and skiing. The usual route is really not usual - with all the different trails, you can mix it up. TT, fast, technical, clean and dirty - it is all there. My starting point is easy to find....go up Super Preme and at the T intersection - keep going straight. Start there, or anywhere and soak it all in. The northern horse trails are rough and filled with land mines that smell really bad. The mud holes are many. I love it!
You must not forget that cycling is about your own achievement. Taking what you know and building on the last ride. Beating your last time. You dont need the latest Voodoo bike to make it work - I am riding a 17 year old full ridged, beat up old mt bike and my smiles are many.
Take a ride on the dirt and see a side of the world that many dont ever see. Take that road less traveled...you may find that what waits for you is more than mystery - it's your childhood all over again.
AC
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