Weekend Report
Saturday:
I’d never ridden with tunes before. I was afraid I would miss the “all senses” outdoor experience by filling my ears with music. So I had been resisting Dr. Decadence’s (CJ) “you have to try this” prodding.
He arrived home yesterday, with 2 IPOD Shuffles. One of which was for me. I probably would have been able to resist, but he pulled it out of the bag and it was purple. I love purple, and he, of course, knows this. I caved!
Then he connected my computer to his so I had access to the 65,000 songs he has on his computers hard drive, (give or take a few doubles). I then put myself to the task to choose my “riding” music.
We got a late start for an evening ride yesterday. So it was a sunset setting in which I launched my first “musical” ride.
Click photos for larger version
Happily, I could still hear the crunch of my tires on the trail, and the yipping of the coyotes through the beat of the tunes. I found myself swooping magically, winding my way up, down, and across to our pre-planned stopping spot at the top of the Chutes.
CJ looked at me, started laughing and asked, “What’s that look on your face? Do you like it? Talk to me?”
As the light was fading, I pointed my bike downhill towards home. Appropriately, at that moment I was listening to Paul Simon. I sang along out loud with the music…”STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, Y…E…A…H, STILL CRAZY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.”
Sunday: 6:30 AM
CJ and I were pedaling our bikes to the 50 Year Trail. We started the climb up Rollercoaster. Almost to the return for the Chutes…
…and my legs felt yesterday’s ride. I was glad to have the music. The beat let me detach and creep the rest of the way to the top.
That uphill warm-up to the 50 Year Trail definitely has it’s rewards. It leads to one of the best trail systems on the planet.
We saw few people out enjoying the trails. We met Dee and Randy. It was Randy’s 1st mountain bike ride. Dee was navigating using a map, and was looking for the easiest route back to the parking lot. CJ suggested I take the lead. CJ being an IMBA certified instructor, coached the ladies as they rode. He’s very good at it, and they were enthused. At the corral, we said good-bye to them and continued our ride.
We kept riding, moving at a pretty good pace. After a few hours, it was getting toasty.
My Camelbak was empty ( CJ shared his), but my iPod was still full. With the rising temperatures and low fluids, we started our return. We got back on Rollercoaster and cruised. I’m very thankful its downhill to go home.
Riding is always a glorious time and, I have to say, the music made it that much better.
MaryEllen
