Last week was tough ride for me, especially my face (though I had several comments that it actually improved my appearance!), and I was looking forward to getting past the twitching that would happen every time I thought about the rock obstacle that threw me. Today was the day I would attempt to put that experience behind me and get past the twitching, once and for all...
Ty decided to forgo the showing off for the previous week and brought a brand-new bike to the trail for breaking in. He certainly made a big splash with the judges on the stream jumps he attempted and especially the ones he made. Good for Ty on not letting the shiny paint on his new ride keep him from giving his all! Mike had the best water spill of the day when he was attempting to get up the far bank of a crossing. The water was very deep and really slowed progress and forced lots of downstream pressure. I was just coming around the corner and heard the splash so I missed the actual event, but the current was strong enough that Mike's bike headed downstream before he could grab for it!! So a mad surge downstream and a risky grab at the right moment retrieved the trusty steed and saved Mike from a long walk back to the car!!
It was fun watching Steve crawl through under and over brush trying to find ways to jump across the stream at various locations to avoid getting wet. He very happily pointed out his dry feet often, and rebuffed comments about the scratches on his arms and legs as being petty accusations from wet-footed losers. Or something like that. He did finally ride through one crossing on the way back down the trail. He pointed to his soaked feet and gloated, "See? Still dry!" It was then I realized there were about 3 muffins missing from the muffin pan.
Mosquitoes were out in full force this time up the canyon. I think there was something about a slow, white-legged rider that they liked and during the week, word spread like wild-fire on "ProboscisBook", the mosquitoes online social network. Oh well, it was nice to have company while the other riders blazed ahead.
As we rode around a curve in the trail, there stood the demon rock obstacle that outmaneuvered me the week before. Most of the scabs were healed and the plastic surgeon had told me he couldn't have done a better job and I was ready to chill the rock pile. Mike graciously showed me the right way to ride it (I already was well-versed on the wrong way) and I was ready. Long story short, it took me at least 8 or 10 attempts to feel right about riding it. The guys were great. They were patient and kept the betting ticker going very quietly. Finally, I got lined up right and headed up the obstacle and down the other side. And I was still up and the rubber part of my bike was still down! I honestly don't remember a lot of the moment as I was pretty panicked, but it was a good, controlled panic! Next time I plan to open my eyes.
The weather was perfect and the company was terrific. And no more twitching! It was a great day on the trail...
Huffyman
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