Wow. Awesome ride today in the mountain park. I had my doubts as to whether I’d be able to use phrases like “I feel strong” or “I feel good” after destroying myself on the AZT300/KTR/GLR/CT this year (some very long races and rides). Today I was using those phrases every few minutes.
First ride at Tucson Mountain Park in ~5 months. Can’t believe it’s been so long, and can’t believe how little things have changed. I expected much more erosion damage. One thing that has changed is the new pieces of singletrack the Pima County crew have built. When we built them I wasn’t so sure they’d ride very well, but I was wrong. It’s nice to be proven wrong by yourself.
Approaching the climb I call ‘tech pass’ I had no expectation, no fresh memory of the trail. I wasn’t colored by previous failures or struggles. A completely clean slate. I wasn’t even really thinking about whether or not I would clean it.
I was riding a new bike (Leviathan) and as I approached the first of the three challenges on the climb the only thought in my mind was “let’s see what happens.” My tires led me right where I needed to go and I emerged at the top, taking deep breaths, incredulous. It was really nice to have power in my legs — that’s all I can say.
Other than that it was just a perfect day out on the trail. I saw exactly two people out there — and those two were part of my trail crew. I saw Alan’s van in the parking lot and figured he was out working today. Sure enough, he and Peter (a new guy) were out throwing tools.
By the time I exited the park, my legs were fried. Strength, but only for so long. Fine by me. I can work on that.
Riding back through town was easy with the wind at my back. Very glad I didn’t drive, as usual.
Leave a Reply