It's hard to say what's going to be discussed (if anything) when a group goes mountain biking. This morning while riding in
Michaux State Forest with Mark, Glenn, Timmy, and Matt,* I found myself in the middle of the pack which gave me access to all kinds of conversations. Mark led the ride because...well...
Mark can (as Tim says) find a trail anywhere. Matt and Glenn brought up the rear because they had never ridden on
this particular trail. Mark and I really wanted to take Glenn up to our favorite vista overlooking the forest. After a quick ride down the "rail trail" near
Fuller and
Laurel Lakes we began our nearly 3 mile climb up the the ridge. It's not the shortest way up...but, as far as we know, it's the easiest way to
ride up (yes, you can choose a shorter "hike-a-bike" trail.)
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| After reaching our destination at the top of the trail today we took about 15 minutes to relax, cool down, and appreciate the vastness of Michaux State Forest -- July 26, 2016 |
Riding in the front with Mark the two of us discussed how we were going to get around the newly logged area that we usually ride in. Drifting towards the back I was privy to conversations that went from movie special effects, to the oppressive humidity, to wondering why Glenn didn't wear a shirt that unzipped, to Glenn comparing himself to a 1970s Volkswagon (I still not sure what that was all about.)
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| Matt experiencing Glenn's humor for the first time -- July 26, 2016 |
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| Unlike Glenn, Mark dressed for the weather today -- July 26, 2016 |
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| It was too bad...but there was a short hike-a-bike included on today's ride -- July 26, 2016 |
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| Timmy took this pic of me appreciating the view below -- July 26, 2016 |
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| Looking good, Mr. Medice! -- July 26, 2016 |
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| Yep...a little fire road was necessary to get around the newly logged area on top of the ride -- July 26, 2016 |
Thing is...regardless of if you like trail talk...or if you would just rather ride...the conversations mean that everyone is together, doing okay, smiling, and having fun. That's what it's all about.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- July 26, 2016
*Okay...today was the first time that Mark, Glenn, and I have ridden together since July of 2009. How freakin' awesome! Also, today was the first time that Matt rode with Mark and Glenn...and the first time he was exposed to Glenn's humor. I sure hope he comes back!
