"Race Track" and Rider . . . Have Nice Curves

Military Assault Squirrel (MAS)

Tomorrow is an opportunity to ride Fort Lewis single-track again. The trail planned to be ridden is referred to as "RaceTrack" (area 21). It's about 11 miles out and back, is fast, swoopy, and it's got nice curves and turns to it. One time riding it we were stopped and threatened by "Military Assault Squirrels" (MAS's). We gave 'em some nuts and they got to become "friendlies." Here's a photo one of the friendlier ones.  

What's With The Sign

Speaking of trails with nice curves reminds me that one of my best friends (okay, I'm married to her too) started taking riding more than just casual -- on her own motivation. She's taking riding serious (and seriously fun) and has increased her fitness level and satisfaction in being able to "stay on my tail" more often now. I was surprised recently when she showed me her new little notebook (it's not black and it doesn't have men's names and numbers in it . . . yet), to keep track of the dates of her rides with a goal of 100 rides within the year. (Jeff Hall raised the idea!) New math says that's an average of two (2) rides a week. I offered up some incentive stating I'd give her something special on ride #'s 25, 50, and 75. Any ideas?

Thumper Turns 100

Today was a good ride - pushed it on the RaceTrack at Ft. Lewis, Area 21, setting a new personal best at just under 45 minutes.  Ran into Ken and had a nice introduction and chat.  Agreed to hook up for a ride when he comes through Bend, my soon-to-be new home.

But the real reason for this post is that I got home and decided to catch up (several months behind) on logging my rides off the Garmin.  Turns out today was the "century" ride - # 100 - on Thumper, my Specialized StumpJumper.  I am pretty much just a week-end rider, so it has taken almost two years (a month shy) to hit 100 rides (Gee, I guess that adds up at 52 weeks in a year.  Duh!).

Total stats are 100 rides, 155 hours in the saddle (moving time), 1,078 miles traveled, 91,000 feet in elevation gain (at least that sounds impressive), all at an average speed of 7.0 mph.

What those numbers don't convey is the amount of joy captured, stress unloaded, and companionship enjoyed.

All thanks to my riding buddy John Specht  (aka Girlfriend, as my wife calls him), who introduced me to MTB and very patiently rode with me as I improved over the years.  The Garmin does not capture it, but I would bet that 800 of those 1,000+ miles were ridden with John.

Thank you, John.  Happy trials and looking forward to sharing my new "home trails" with you when you come to visit me in Bend (soon and often, hint, hint).