| I told myself that this was going to hurt but went ahead and swapped out my suspension fork for a rigid one. Psyched. No more than ten minutes after the start of our group ride, I found myself bouncing in all directions. My fatty front tire on rigid, steel fork was in a constant wobble. Unaccustomed to my new riding set up, I relaxed my death grip on the bar, loosened my stiff arms and I tried by best to tame my beast of burden.
I knew from the get-go that I was in for a world of hurt. Much to my surprise, however, the big hurt didn't ensued until the very last rocky downhill where I found my arms throbbing and burning as if they were being branded in a ring of fire. The terrain consisted mostly of single track with lots and lots of rocks thrown in for kicks. Drevil, my brother in arms, I'm sure, was suffering the same fate as I. But even with a rigid fork he rode with grace especially during the downhill runs where he battled for pole position with the suspended riders. I on the other hand, had to keep my speed in check for fear of meeting Mr and Mrs. Rock up close and personal.
There are many ways to the crest of the hill. Technical climbing on a rigid fork was a blessing in disguise. The front end felt so light and stiff that climbing seemed to require less effort on my part. I just pointed my modified Deluxe straight up and made like a Billy goat. Riding a rigid single speed on a super technical, hilly terrain is about simple qualities, humility and willingness to take the difficult path. There is no logical reason to do it but it isn't about logic. It's about heart and grit determination to go beyond what your body is capable of doing.
Mountain biking is what most of us live for. We are awash in it. We can all talk about it until we are blue in the face. We all have the tendency to relive each ride again and again. Admit it. While glued to your computer monitor at work or home you daydream of single track and your mind starts to fill with thoughts of riding and being. Like y'all, I'm guilty as charge so you may as well lock me up and throw away the key. It's normal and a common thread that we all share so do yourself a favor and embrace it with open arms.
Thanks for reading and have a grand day..muggster.
 Walking was only half the fun.
 Will, Tito, STS and Tom enjoying the day.
 Rocking and rolling. Polariss clears the rock gardens.
 Happy, happy, joy, joy, the always smiling Rosita.
 Atttempting to ride one of many rough sections.
 Drevil, the rigid, single speed fanatic.
 My hurt so good, beast of burden.
 Tito in a mellow state after the long climb.
 The crew: Rosita, Will, Tom, STS, Drevil mentally preparing for the last few miles back to parking lot.
 "If I had wings and I could fly, I know where I would go, but until then I'll just sit here, and watch the river flow." Bob Dylan, (Watching the River Flow, 1971) |
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