Run-In With Three Amigos

While out on a solo-ride (well it started out being solo) I ran into two amigos (John & Al) who I hadn't seen in over a year on Fort Lewis trails. They were indoctrinating a new amigo, Doug from the Puyallup area.  Doug just retired and has lots of new free time to go ride now so be sure to say "hi" should you see him.

 

I got to ride with the amigos for half of "Race Track" before I doubled back and they took off for other duties.  One of them had even managed to volunteer hosting 100+ Rotarians at his home and acreage (i.e., ranch), left his wife at home preparing for the event, and was able to finagle getting a ride in!  I've got to get his recipe for finessing that!

Sometimes I enjoy the solitude of a solo ride yet by far enjoy the camaraderie and fun engagement with other riders so this ride was a treat.  Another highlight of the past two weeks was a text-message starting off with one rider, who then invited another and they invited others -- ending up with five (5) highly charged guys all pushing the fun-factor on the trails.  The ride included a very painful wrong turn downhill peppered with 4'-5' thistles and stinging nettles.  All you could hear coming down the hill were shouts of pain, much yelling, and I thought perhaps a few expletives aimed at the trail lead.  I must say I left that ride and had warm and fuzzy feeling for the rest of the day and evening on the legs and arms after that!  What a memory!

By the way, Race Track is becoming far "racier," now that the ferns and grass on the sides of the trail are beginning to wither and die out.  This amazing trail goes through a few notable seasonal changes throughout the year and near August and September is a time I always look forward to.

Helpful hint:  If you have spare jingle bells or a cow bell, put it on your bike.  The equestrians who help punch in much single-track will love you for it.  "Adopt a bell and they'll love you for it!"