12-ish miles
I got an invitation to ride G------- G---- (I don't think that it's a secret that it exists, but I'm not totally sure), up in Washington State. This is clear evidence that I have really broken-into the upper rungs of the cycling cognoscenti. All those years of networking with dirtbag mountain-bikers are finally paying off! A nice guy named Andrew led a group of 12 mountain bikers through a complex network of roads and trails.
G-------- was mostly semi-steep climbing up rocky forest roads, followed by choice singletrack descents, featuring log obstacles, slick roots, and stomach-launching jumps. I got off my bike more than once to walk down a particularly steep section. Peer-pressure contributed to me attempting some sections that I probably wouldn't have if I had been alone. But I skipped some sections that I probably should have attempted.
I was feeling a bit low. I had stayed up until 1 A.M. the night before for reasons neither salacious nor interesting. I had been feeling sort of down in general. I was usually the last one up the climbs and I was not ripping up the descents, either. My only food was a Snickers bar from the gas station. So when a chance came to head back to the car early and take a nap I was all over it.
So, second ride of 2013 and I already broke resolutions #1 and #4. Definitely should have gotten more sleep. But, I don't want to make it sound like I had a bad time. I had a great time, especially on the descents. I recited Wu-Tang lyrics on particularly hairy descents, to keep up my courage. I bounced off roots and rocks at speeds just slightly faster than comfortable. I had a blast. The 12 miles felt more like 50 and I ended physically spent but spiritually restored, at least a little. Church of Bike, as a friend is fond of saying.
Road rides are hit-and-miss for me but I have never completed a mountain bike ride without receiving an emotional boost and a renewed conviction that bikes are key to keeping myself sane and happy.
Photo stolen from Cristinia
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