It was a stupid idea, I knew that within 30 feet of entering the trail head. Night riding on the most root strewn trail, the night after a huge wind storm blew threw the area which left roughly 2 inches of wet leaves to hide those evil roots.
It was a Stupid Idea Night Riding Last Night
I could feel it, my lights weren't picking up depth with the colorful leaves thrown across the trail. They weren't picking up the roots I knew that were around that corner. I had to ride. I had to. I needed it, my soul needed it and I needed to feel again in away that riding at night can only give.
Cautiously I rode on. The trail is around 3 miles long and I felt confident in my navigating skills. I had ridden in the pouring rain without site before, this would be fine. I would be fine. I would feel again.
Pushing myself carefully around the turns. Testing my brain and memory skills from riding the trail a few nights earlier.
Oh shit moments. Back tire spinning in place stuck on a root that I hadn't seen under the golden leaves.
Smile with happiness as I glide through the creek bed. I've almost completely one lap on the trail, I knew I could do another. This wasn't as bad as I thought.
Dabbing. Why did I second guess myself there? I know this trail. I know how it feels, I know where the roots that grab your tires are, I know what to avoid.
With one last section left to clear, I eased up and slowed down a tick. The night was beautiful. It felt great to be out, in the middle of November in spandex. Feeling at peace from a crazy day.
The rooty berm was ahead. I picked my way threw.
My Rear Jammed and I Crashed
Laying there, I looked to see what my wheel had stopped on. I saw nothing, I didn't see a reason for the sudden stop of momentum. What just happened? Thankfully the golden pile of leaves (that probably had a golden shower from a dog or two) caught my fall. I was fine, but I was baffled as I didn't see anything that would have stopped my .
I laid, and thought, and breathed. Silence. My helmet light shined off the trees over head. In that moment I believed something stopped me. Something grabbed my tire at that moment, right when I would fall on a pile of leaves. I was meant to be laying here in this golden pile of leaves to reflect and find peace.
This is Why I Ride
Going fast is fun. Being faster than your friends is nice. The moments when you stop and look at where you have come from, or maybe that large hill you still have to climb. I'm happy to be on the bike, and happier to share these moments with people that care.
