Random Thoughts on Monday

We've had a good turnout on the lunch time rides lately. A few months ago I was lamenting the pitiful turnout on the rides, and was wondering if an era had come to an end. Fortunately through completely random turns of events, the ranks are replenished and there is almost always somebody to ride with. Each new rider brings fresh dynamics to the group. New bikes, personalities, riding styles, and senses of fashion keep the same old trails fresh. The group today in no way resembles the group from five years ago. It makes me smile to think of all the neat people I've gotten to know through the lunch time rides.

It's also funny to think about the amount of time I've spent in bathroom stalls performing the perfunctory change of clothes for the bicycle rides. I'm quite the expert at standing on one foot. There is a small restroom in the basement where I work that only changes one. There are two of us that ride from this building, so one of us sometimes has to go upstairs to the lobby restroom. The lobby restroom has toilets with automatic flush systems. The kind that sense movement. When you stand in the stall and change, all the contortions you put your body through cause the toilet to flush no less than three times. Four flushes are not uncommon. I often wonder if I'm known upstairs as "Mr. Four Flusher".

There isn't much I'd rather do with my lunch hour. It far surpasses hunting Fred in my opinion.

Monday Lakeview- Lounge Ride

We met at SC 11:38. It was Todd, Jeff M. , Sandie and Me ( Marcus). It was a beautiful, sunny day. Not to hot. A very slight breeze. We rolled up the pavement at a good pace as usual. Unusually normal conversations... Nothing too witty was said. No exciting encounters with any motor vehicles. Just rolled up the streets towards the hills. Todd did mention that he is preparing his house for his move in family! I will be thinking positive thoughts for you and will keep a vision of happiness for all of you. Moving requires physical and mental strength to stay positive. Find the opportunity in any setbacks!

When we hit Combs Canyon Rd. we encountered another Mt. Biker. Todd, Jeff and I passed him and I pushed as hard as I could up the long grade. Sandie, being the social butterfly, talked to Jon and he joined us for the rest of the ride.

We re-grouped at the intersection of Lakeview and were soon on the dirt. We pedaled to the top of the hill and bombed the sandy downhill. Someone had gone through the trouble of lugging some pretty big boulders into the middle of the trail. What for? I don't know. Maybe to stop erosion? If it was meant to slow us down it didn't work. Lots of smiles as we blazed down the hill.


We got on the old railroad track trail with the yippy skippy big ring hills on the side. I have to say this section is becoming more and more fun. There are so many opportunities to De-Wieght along the corners with lots of smooth transitions. Thats what its all about. Kinda like a roller coaster except I get to pick the line. Like Disneyland without the lines and the 6 hr drive.

It could all be summed up as a typical ride. No one was injured. No real fancy tricks were done. There were some smiles but nothing really funny was said. A full on Lounge Ride. A great day to be greatful for all the wonderful things we have. The abundance in our lives. We work next to these wonderful trails. We have state of the art technology that allows us to enjoy them at high speeds. We are all healthy. I look forward to riding this route in the decades to come....