Day one:
Met up with the boys for the JT ride on Sunday. I was actually nervous about riding with these guys. Many of them I had not ridden with before and was unsure weather I could hang or not. Heading up the Switchback to Summit Hill I could tell the pace was going to be just a bit speedier than I am used to (my thought - Suck it up Muto, don't puss out). But after a few short breaks early I felt ready.
These guys can ride well, but I was entering a comfort zone with the group and loved the choice of trails Don guided us on. Some sections on the ridge were super technical and it was motivating to see the guys clean some really funky lines. I could feel some adrenaline start to push me to the edge of my riding envelope.
Unfortunately, later in the ride quad cramps slowed me down, but I still pushed to ride everything and did, and without injury I might add. In fact we had no injuries and that is always a good day on the bike when you can finish a group ride like that.
Can't wait for the next trip.
Day two:
Abbie and I took personal days off on this beautiful Monday. We gear up, drop the youngster at day care and head out to Jacobsburg. I am really looking forward to the Quality Time on the bike we used to have often before the child. I also have a hidden agenda for Ab. I want to get as many confidence and endurance building miles on her legs as possible without getting her irritated with me.
It was pleasant right from the start. No time limit, no child, no worries. She led out at her pace which was a bit speedy for her, I thought, so I said..."Easy, don't spend yourself so soon, relax and enjoy the ride." I also said that because my legs were still weak and my Dupa still sore from sunday's ride. We had a great day. I missed riding behind her, the view is much better than riding behind the guys.
Abbie had a great ride. She kept grinding up the longer climbs. Her downhill skills were pretty solid. Only the flat technical sections and short steeps required a mix of dabs and dismounts. Once the strength returns those sections will be better, too. She and I ended up putting in nearly 10 miles of mixed trail types. I can't think of a better way to spend some QT with my wife (well...maybe one other way, but that's a bit more private) than on the trails on a beautiful Monday while America is working.