Two Wheel Blogs

Whoever it was who said that, thanks.

As I rode out of the woods at the base of the trail earlier today I saw a group of MTB riders gathered in the shade across the road. I rode up, said a quick hello, smiled and rode by on my way to another lap.

"He's riding out here on a single speed!"

That's what I heard over my shoulder as I rode off. It wasn't so much the words spoken but the way he said them. I don't know whether he meant to convey respect, amazement or that he thought I was crazy. Whatever it was, thanks. You made my day.

Lots of people out on the trails today. I passed several heading my way and a few headed the other way. When it's as hot as it is today out there riders tended to stop in two kinds of places: the deepest shade at the base of climbs and at tops of climbs. Plenty of opportunities to chat and things to chat about, like for instance the woman running the trail in red lycra.

I figured out the guys riding full suspension geared bikes seem to be limited by their lungs rather than their equipment. I saw a guy ride one of the toughest sections on the trail, seated. Amazing. Impressive. He had to stop at the top to catch breath - I did too, and in this heat it wasn't easy - but to me he didn't look like he'd just made the climb and pushed his car up that hill to boot.

I'm pretty sure that's how I must have looked to him.

Did you ride today?