I couldn’t even remember the last time I rode singletrack. Yeah, I’m sure if I REALLY wanted to I could look at the shit show that I call my Garmin files, or back through the shittier show that is this blog to jar my memory, but in the end I don’t really care. All I know is that Saturday rolled around, I aired up my tires, loaded up the PrOcal and headed up to MMCC for a ride.
The drive up was like racing NASCAR; thousands of Michiganderburghers heading north for the holiday weekend meant that it was bumper to bumper at 80 miles per hour for 25 minutes. At least the hectic drive took my mind off worrying about how my back and hip would behave for the planned 16.5 mile lap.
The ride was going well enough until about 3 miles in when I went up a log ramp, got distracted by something (I have no idea what), and ended up laying in the brush with my bike on top of me. It was one of those moves that had me extremely grateful that no one was with me to see it! So graceful…
I wish that I could say that I felt awesome the whole time, and that my hip and back felt great. Sadly that wasn’t the case, and they both sucked ass. Regardless of the discomfort I pushed on, and despite wanting to cut the ride short more than a few times, I finished the entire loop. Discomfort or not, there’s something to be said for riding around in the woods, and I was glad I pushed on.
As seen in the top photo, big thanks to the Trail Lords at MMCC for making it clear that eBikes need not ride the trails. That makes me very happy, if for no other reason than eBikes are dumb. Yeah, an eBike would have made my loop on Saturday virtually pain free, but you know and I know that wouldn’t bee the same as doing it on my own.
After the ride it was a night of Mexican food, beverages, footy watching and goofing off with Wifey with an eye towards a Sunday ride on dirt roads.
Sunday was about perfect for riding; blue sky, sun, warm temps, very little wind, dry dirt, and good legs. On top of that I got more than few photos that I was happy with.
***
While riding singletrack comfortably continues to elude me, dirt road riding continues to work out. I thank God, the bike gods, and all the other karmic forces for all that. Much appreciated.
***
As I type it looks to be another great looking day here in the Mitten. Despite that, I think I’m gonna goof off around the house today. It’s the 4th of July, and I don’t have any fireworks, but I might just set a bunch of shit on fire, and run around screaming FUCK YEAH! AMERICA!! until the neighbors call the police.
Later.