I love the seasons and the subtle lifestyle changes that come with the warmer weather. The Spring season is a special time of year for me. As the temperature warms, the snows clear and I am thrilled to be able to ride some of my local trails. Every week, it seems we eagerly anticipate the opening of more trails. Friends on social media spread updates on trail conditions - many areas good to go and some still needing a week or two to dry out in the sun. If we can’t wait for our own town trails to open, we try to make a weekend excursion to Grand Junction, Moab or Sedona. In these places, it seems you can always get a jump on Spring by a month or more.
(Fruita March 28th, 2015 Representing VIDA and the ColoRowdies!)
Here in Durango, Colorado, many of our town’s trails are slowly opening. Small buds are forming on our trees and I wake up in the morning to the happy songs of birds chipping. We have set our clocks ahead and the evenings extend almost until 8pm. The equinox made it official- Spring is here!
Here in Durango, Colorado, many of our town’s trails are slowly opening. Small buds are forming on our trees and I wake up in the morning to the happy songs of birds chipping. We have set our clocks ahead and the evenings extend almost until 8pm. The equinox made it official- Spring is here!
(March 22nd, 2015 Raider's Ridge!)
As the seasons change, so do I. I think back to when I bought my first bike in the spring of 2009, a Cannondale F4 Headshock Hardtail. I had no idea what I wanted in a bike, but I fell in love with where it took me. This was when I first realized how biking made me feel... alive. A crash left bruises and scrapes, but the lessons I learned created a lifetime of memories. This still stands true today. I am always learning, which is one reason I love this sport so much. When riding my bike I can control pushing myself in a variety of areas - building my confidence and empowering me to be a better rider.
As the seasons change, so do I. I think back to when I bought my first bike in the spring of 2009, a Cannondale F4 Headshock Hardtail. I had no idea what I wanted in a bike, but I fell in love with where it took me. This was when I first realized how biking made me feel... alive. A crash left bruises and scrapes, but the lessons I learned created a lifetime of memories. This still stands true today. I am always learning, which is one reason I love this sport so much. When riding my bike I can control pushing myself in a variety of areas - building my confidence and empowering me to be a better rider.
(One of my first epic bike rides, Summer of 2009, Crested Butte 401 trail)
This past weekend, I explored one of my favorite playgrounds, Road 18 in Fruita, Colorado. My first trip to Fruita was with my Cannondale in the fall of 2010. One reason I love this place so much is that we go out and hit a lap or two, come back to camp and have lunch, maybe a beer, then head back out for another lap or two. Five years ago it was Kessel, Joes, Zippity, or Chutes and Ladders, but as seasons change so do the trails and this trip lead to laps of Kessel, Joes, Mojo, and of course PBR! As I rode, I thought of all the changes I have made in my life, and not only as a rider. Since connecting with my Cannondale, I have moved towns, got married, and bought a home. Riding my bike and progressing as a rider has remained a constant throughout the changes life brings. Mountain biking has taught me to manage the changes in my life similar to flowing with bumps on a trail. So get out there and enjoy this spring weather and the all the bumps the trails may bring!
This past weekend, I explored one of my favorite playgrounds, Road 18 in Fruita, Colorado. My first trip to Fruita was with my Cannondale in the fall of 2010. One reason I love this place so much is that we go out and hit a lap or two, come back to camp and have lunch, maybe a beer, then head back out for another lap or two. Five years ago it was Kessel, Joes, Zippity, or Chutes and Ladders, but as seasons change so do the trails and this trip lead to laps of Kessel, Joes, Mojo, and of course PBR! As I rode, I thought of all the changes I have made in my life, and not only as a rider. Since connecting with my Cannondale, I have moved towns, got married, and bought a home. Riding my bike and progressing as a rider has remained a constant throughout the changes life brings. Mountain biking has taught me to manage the changes in my life similar to flowing with bumps on a trail. So get out there and enjoy this spring weather and the all the bumps the trails may bring!
(My first trip to Fruita!)