ALL TRAILS LEAD TO ICE CREAM

Leading Matt and Tim on a crisscross ridge adventure in Michaux State Forest -- June 21, 2022   Mountain biking with your friends is great group therapy.  There is nothing like hitting the trails and heading off into the woods to lose your mind and find your soul.  There are conversations to be had, stories to be told, laugher to be shared, and trails to be shred. There's not a care in the world...unless you are the ride leader.  You know, the guy who ultimately knows where you are, where you've been, where you are going, how you are going to get there, how long it will take you to get there, and (at any given moment) can point and say "our vehicles are parked over there."  It's a lot of added responsibility. Leading the way in Patapsco Valley State Park. -- December 28, 2021 Taking the lead for our annual ugly sweater ride in Hershey.  Left to right:  Matt L, Dave R, Ben K, Matt W -- December 11, 2021 I've been that guy for the past few years and I ki...

 2021 was a good year on my bike, a good year to be submerged in nature, and a great year with those closest to me.  In the past twelve months, I've ridden my bike or hiked in four States, the District of Columbia, no less than eight State Parks, three State Forests, and four National Parks.  I've had the privilege to have ridden or hiked with (please forgive me if I accidently leave you out) Robin, Alex, Jackie, Sophie, Mike, Matt, Ben, Tim, Lynne, Josh, and Chris.  Looking back on the year, there have been so many good outings with many special people.  I tried to narrow it down, in no specific order, to what I thought were the best dozen rides and hikes of the past year.  The 13th activity listed is the exception.  It was, and still is, probably the most fun ride I've ever completed. I wish you all a happy new year and I hope to cross paths with you in 2022.  Let's backtrack 2021.  Enjoy! Taking a break and appreciating it all. -- April 25...