After the American Standard ride I was feeling good. Got the new bike and fork dialed in, rode some new trails and I was getting out on the local trails at least 3 times a week.
The most significant upgrade to my riding routine was finally getting Abbie out to Sals. She loves it and a Tuesday evening at Sals with the better half became a regularity at least until July 4th.
An event at the end of May changed the complextion of my neigborhood. I have always been jealous of many of the people in this club who live so close to each other and to the local trails. Living in Kutztown certainly has it's disadvantages, but some of that changed the weekend my neighbors Pat and Tracy moved in four doors away. Pat is a former racer and former employee of Rodale working on issues of Bicycling and Mountain Bike. Since they moved into the neighborhood I have had even more opportunities to ride and I don't have to use as much gas getting to the trails.
The morning of July 4th put a speed bump in my year of riding. As John T. and I crested Bear Creek and began the decent I caught my foot on a log that I had passed dozens of times before and only sticks out into the trail a measly 6 inches. Well I came close enough to have the log stop me dead and send me flipping over the bars and finishing the head over heals tumble with a broken hand. Six weeks of bikeless life would follow. Thank God for the 2 weeks of Disney during the recovery time (except it was hot as b*lls in FLA.)
As the new school year approached I got back on the bike. I was again riding about 3 times a week. Mid September began the night riding season and it was refreshing to be out after dark when it just seems quieter and more peaceful. Finishing a night ride, sitting on the tailgate and enjoying a few beers is a feeling second to none.
Another notable ride was the Bike Magazine meet, greet and ride at Sals. It was a pleasure to meet and ride with Lou and Morgan (I think that was his name) from Bike magazine. It was also really cool to see so many people (especially the ones I had seen post, but never met before) show up for that ride at Sals...on a Monday no less. I still wonder if they all were hoping, just as I was, to possibly make the pages of Bike on their bike. Trevor and I are eager to see that issue. Our timing may have been right.
I was honored and flattered to be nominated for VMB Vice President by Doug at the September meeting. Win or lose it is still really cool just to be nominated among all of the fine people associated with this club who would also make excellent officers.
One of my goals in 2007 was to get my a$$ out on the trail for building and/or maintenance. It is tough with a 3 year old at home to find the extra time, but in the snow on the Nov 18th trailwork day I finally got the chance to bust my hump and move some earth. It may have only been for a few hours, but I feel much better about my place in this sport. I don't want to be a trail snob and only care about the riding part; so getting dirty and helping to create a new trail helped me rest easier.
It's mid December and I have had more days on my skis than my bike since Thanksgiving. Even though I change modes from 2 wheels to 2 planks at this time of year I'm always ready to let loose with Beowulf.
Finally, I want to comment on one constant I always looked forward to day in and day out. This Club, it's website and all of the wonderfully crazy fun users. Those who scheduled rides this year for taking the time to share your knowledge and enthusiasm of trails. Those who have increased my knowledge of beer. Those who have made my gut burst with laughter. Those who have encouraged and motivated me to push my riding abilities. Those who have inspired me, simply, by their own personal accomplishments. Thank you!
Til we ride together again, take care and Merry Christmas