Indian Summer...

I do not regret moving to Colorado.  My soul has known, always, that these mountains are home. I'm stoked to be here, truly stoked.

Last minute, as this is standard Pirate form, I made a lame attempt on the 'book of face', to coordinate an EPCC (Estes Park Cyclist Coalition) MLK group ride. My efforts failed, and therefor I had only two takers; Jeremy and Mark. This was not a bad thing at all, as these two fellas are good friends and are always psyched to ride. The bonus is that they both know how to ride. This would allow for a really great time in the saddle riding some hard terrain and a getting in more mileage - all pretty much off-the-couch for me, as I am still recovering from my multiple ligament tears in my right foot. But, you just gotta ride, right? I know I do.

The three of us made the thirty minute drive down Big Thomson Canyon to hit-up one of the few dry trails around - Devils Backbone. This piece of singletrack starts just off Highway 34 hwy at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and heads North all the way to Fort Collins. There are various options along the way to ride alternate loops of varying difficulties. We always choose the most difficult option , as you don't learn shit from taking the easy way. Always try harder, go for it and do the harder route. If you fail, try again. You can only get better (or really hurt). Knowing when to hike your bike is key, and knowing when to let-it-all-out and give everything you have is gold.

We rode North from Devils Backbone to Blue Sky, then just before Coyote Ridge, we headed West and did the Indian Summer loop. Once finished with Indian Summer we headed back South the way we came, with one deviation on Laughing Horse. Rocky and technical terrain kept huge smiles on our faces. Rock and snow, dirt and a few patches of mud kept us focused and totally psyched at the varied terrain and warm sunshine. Did I mention is was super freaking awesome out? It felt like summer. You know the sun shines like 360 days a year here. Winters are mild and 30 degrees feels warm.

The views here in the Front range are impeccable. Serious beauty surrounds, and the air is as crisp as biting into an apple on a warm summer day.

I love to ride bikes. It's very freeing. I find my truest self when I ride. It's a  meditation and escape from the responsibilities I've created as an adult, a father, a husband, a small business owner and a motivator. 

Writing this entry makes me miss my old crew in KC. MaxiThad, WhiteMike, The Manimal, Handleballs, The Silent Killer, Beej, Pyro, G-Wiz, The Trail Asshole, Wilson, JaiLBayt, Coletrain, Speeding Jesus, Farmer, Shoffy - I can only hope to find such great friends here in the mountains. Don't worry, there are a few worthy here that I have befriended already. They just don;t know me like you do, as you are and will continue to be a tough crew to replace. Doubt it will ever happen, but I am hopeful that in these hills I will find something close - a handfull of fellas super stoked to ride, to hang, to chill - to entwine the cycling lifestyle into their everyday. Thanks for all the fucking great times! Here's tipping a glass to many more of the 'good ol' days'.