It was a hectic week between work and trying to get things straightened away for two other VISTAs to take up residence on Lilac Street. Although the power and gas still isn't on in one apartment and there is a 1977 Datsun 280Z taking up one of the garage bays, things went as smoothly as possible. I spent a good portion of my weekend cleaning and preparing for them to move in so there wasn't much left for riding. I thought about going out yesterday but I was too tired from a late night (morning) and a full day of cleaning, fixing, and installing. So today was the day the riding took place.
Now, you must understand that it was a pleasant, sunny day until I got to the trail head and set up the bike. Really. Lots of sun, a few clouds, temps in the upper 70s and low 80s, moderate humidity. Perfect in every way. Enter the prospect of shredding some single track and - boom - out come the dark clouds and a nice steady rain. It has been a long time since I rode irresponsibly but I needed this ride like a coke addict needs another line. So ride I did.
While I was waiting to see how bad the rain was going to be - t-storms probably would've nixed the ride - a women pulled up and informed me she was going to hike in the rain in preparation for an upcoming trip to the Grand Canyon. She proceed to fill her pack up with gallon jugs of water. She said yesterday she'd hiked 12 miles and was looking for another 8 today. I wished her a good time and started off.
It was a bit muddy to begin with - we've had a healthy dose of rain the past few weeks - so things were mucky to start. I felt pretty good from the get-go despite not eating much and having been busy walking up and down stairs, moving boxes, and all the other fun stuff. Someone installed a well placed log-crossing on a downed tree so I was glad to see that. I bombed down some trails faster than I should have in rain with wet rocks and roots but managed to keep it rubber side down the whole ride. I felt really good on the climbs for the most part, nailing some good lines. I think riding in the rain is like running in the rain, very exhilarating for some reason. Since I began running in high school, I've always felt the best when doing so in the rain. I wonder why?
I did take a moment to search out an old cemetery I remember seeing one other time while riding at Bear Swamp. One of the graves is for someone who I think is a veteran based on the flags next to his headstone. I think it is really a tribute to his family's dedication that nearly 150 years after his death (the date he died is 1864), some one still honors him this way.
All the rain and mud left me a bit muddy - hence the Swamp Thing title. I find this humorous to a degree because it was this weekend last year that I competed in the Raccoon Rally race which was also a mud-fest. Toward the end of the ride, though, I began to get cold and was reminded of the almost-hypothermic rides I have done with Michael a few times. (Turns out it was only 61 degrees so not too far off the temps when rain can lead to hypothermia). I thought about staying out a little while longer but decided to call it a day. Getting back to the car, I wished I'd brought a change of clothes. Eh, well, I toweled off as best I could and drove home with the heat on.
Next weekend I am thinking of checking out the new trails built in PA at Raystown. Suppose I should start looking in to places to stay being it is the Fourth. Or I could just wing it. Probably will be a mix of the two.
Tune back in the near future for pictures. Blogger isn't cooperating with the upload process.
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