Good times… Good times.

Status: Duo

Riders: Steve and Arne

Nice ride. Kicked my ass. But that is all Steve’s fault.

Actually it isnt his fault, per say. He just really stomps any trail, and keepin’ up is a bit of a challenge. We headed off to Schaeffer for a little after work ride. The weather, while warm in the sun, was really acceptable. Humidity was low and there was a gentle breeze coming across the crop fields. We headed off on some familar trails and before long, Steve had found a new stunt to try. It was this set of large rocks that had been placed in line to form a small bridge of sorts. Of course, first attempt, he nails it. Not being enough of a challenge, we are back on our bikes heading further out in an attempt to quench Steve’s appetite for danger and mayhem.  

We hit up a part of the trail that I havent ridden in 5 years or so. The last memory I had of this section was that I suffered greatly on it. Trying to keep optimism up, I embarked on this section  with hopes that my skills had hopefully improved since those days. Steve found the halfpipe section a blast, as did I. He was tearing through these turns, up and down 80 degree slopes, as if it was nothing. And while I certainly was left with a great sense of needing to improve, I was able, for the most part, to hold my own. Slow, very slow at times,  but no crashes.And I after Wednesday’s ride, that is a good thing! I realized that I was really heavy on my brakes today. This was not helping me at all. Keeping momentum was a real difficulty and my insticts kept me hitting my brakes when I just needed some good old fashion speed! Minor improvements were made with this knowledge, but it just seemed as I was “brake happy” and my brain wouldn’t change. Oh well.

The ride ended with a beautiful finish. A gradual climb along side the corn fields. The corns stalks must have been 7 or 8 feet high. Beams of sun were slipping through the space between the stalks as it was dipping into the western sky. While my legs had had enough, I mind was thrilled to be there at that moment. 

Photos from the ride.

Tomorrow Mike, Steve and I will head out for some new trail. We havent determined what that will be but I am sure it will come together. Pictures to follow.

Cheers,

Arne