Since I infrequently have a riding partner (today's bailed on me) I thought I would reminisce about the last time I rode at Harriet Hollister with someone other than myself. It was with Michael and he kicked my butt. We did stop long enough for the above picture. It was fun to have someone else to ride with and push me (something I always look forward too). When I ride solo, I tend to be reserved do to the fear of getting injured and stranded. Today, I kind of threw caution to the wind and rode some sketchy stuff on the edge of control. Pacifier handled everything well, even the rock that glanced off my foot and then the frame. Stung my big toe pretty well but no visible damage to either me or the bike. Do they make steel toed riding shoes?
I was conversing with a friend last week who was expressing her surprise over how much mental awareness mountain biking takes when compared with road riding. I guess I never really thought about it until today when I was mulling over the bailing of a riding partner and having to ride solo again. It was eating me up something fierce but once I got onto the single track, all that went away as I was concentrating on the next obstacle and best line. Even when I was grinding up the hills (or pushing...) my head was clear. Maybe that's why I like mountain biking so much - there isn't time for anything other than being in the moment, a place I seldom find myself. Even road riding, I kind of get there but not like mountain biking. As an added bonus, the endorphin high keeps me going for a while afterwards.
I am on pace to have a record breaking year for mileage. Not like what diehards do but still good for me. The commuting is helping and I hope to find time to do more mtbing as the summer progresses. I still need to find a little, cheep digital camera to document these adventures but at least for now there is one picture on this thing...
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