Let us start by setting some expectations for what this is all about. You are not about to be subjected to a rant about how I despise electronic devices, riders wearing headphones, or most of the things you may expect. For a good portion of riders/readers you are more than aware of the points that I am about to blabber on about. That is because for a good contingent of riders, we view the trail as a sanctuary, or distraction from the stresses and routines embedded into our daily lives. Quite honestly, I view myself as a rider that uses the trails as therapy - an escape from real world thoughts. Being out in nature gives me a chance to focus only on the banter and conversation with a fellow rider, the sounds of rubber attacking the trail and a chance to clear my head.
Today however was an eye opening experience - even though I thought my eyes were already wide open. It started with what is probably the perfect poetic metaphor for my morning trail ride. (The 4th this week!) You see this morning I awoke with the intent to ride and like many mornings, the fog of sleep would cast a veil on my morning and try to coerce me back under the warmth of my blankets. I fought the good fight by bolting upright and starting the process of preparing for a ride. First stop, the restroom ....... ( Flipping through my Decline) ,,,,,,,,, (Pondering the layout of my eventual backyard pumptrack) ...... (..............................................) ................... (..............................................) ........... (zzzzzzzzz......zzzzzzzz) HOLY SH*T!!!!! I fell asleep on the john! Dammit I scream silently within my skull, the reverb pounding in the realization that my time available to ride before the wife heads to work is now shrinking. Ok, now I am charged with the pseudo energy that comes when you dart awake after falling asleep despite your best efforts not to. So I grab my gear and head down stairs to get dressed. Riding shorts on ... CHECK, Shirt On ..... CHECK, sitting down to put socks and shoes on .................. (zzzzzzzzzzzzz) DAMMIT! I am asleep again dreaming that I am awake, testing product, enjoying trails, and flowing carelessly through nature. Unfortunately I am now giving myself a pep talk, about how we are responsible for the choices we make and don't make, as the stark realization that my casual ride is no longer an option.
Today however was an eye opening experience - even though I thought my eyes were already wide open. It started with what is probably the perfect poetic metaphor for my morning trail ride. (The 4th this week!) You see this morning I awoke with the intent to ride and like many mornings, the fog of sleep would cast a veil on my morning and try to coerce me back under the warmth of my blankets. I fought the good fight by bolting upright and starting the process of preparing for a ride. First stop, the restroom ....... ( Flipping through my Decline) ,,,,,,,,, (Pondering the layout of my eventual backyard pumptrack) ...... (..............................................) ................... (..............................................) ........... (zzzzzzzzz......zzzzzzzz) HOLY SH*T!!!!! I fell asleep on the john! Dammit I scream silently within my skull, the reverb pounding in the realization that my time available to ride before the wife heads to work is now shrinking. Ok, now I am charged with the pseudo energy that comes when you dart awake after falling asleep despite your best efforts not to. So I grab my gear and head down stairs to get dressed. Riding shorts on ... CHECK, Shirt On ..... CHECK, sitting down to put socks and shoes on .................. (zzzzzzzzzzzzz) DAMMIT! I am asleep again dreaming that I am awake, testing product, enjoying trails, and flowing carelessly through nature. Unfortunately I am now giving myself a pep talk, about how we are responsible for the choices we make and don't make, as the stark realization that my casual ride is no longer an option.