Right now I have a full head. A few days of skiing, a tough canyon, three days of great cycling with friends old and new, a long drive, and in a few hours the first class of the semester. Each a mix of new and challenging and familiar and challenging. It makes for a full life, and in the end who does not really like to be busy?
I was reminded how much I like mountain biking, and long rides. I missed their presence in my life over the last six months, and welcome back more of them, soon. The extent to which one can relive the analogy of a whole period in one’s life (the first semester of grad school) in one day on the bike never ceases to amaze: Adam’s “the race is the metaphor for life.”
On Sunday things started out light and lively, but with the hidden ambition of riding the whole stage lurking not far under the surface. The climb up to Starvation was just fun, the beginning of navigation along the powerlines with Fred, Sonya, and orange Dos guy the first serious gesture. The wash and canyon sections and (fantastically fun) climb up Joe Blake Hill began to inhabit the full ambivalence of enjoyment and seriousness. The rollers along the second powerline bit were a tough moment, the 20 mph downhill tailwind up north a moment of ease, the turn back south into the wind and away from town was the choice.
I’m not making metaphysical pronouncements for others, or much of anything beyond taking recreation too seriously, but for me today, choosing to turn south and push on is a powerful example of the things I want for myself, and the conflict inherent in getting them. Point being, I’m very glad I made that turn, especially in light of my equivocations earlier in the ride. The rest of it, in spite of the wind dragging things out, felt not too bad, in truth a foregone conclusion.
I was psyched to have the mental and physical strength to make it all happen, especially punching up the hills on the final dirt sections. I was even more grateful to have Sonya along side to keep things light and in perspective. At the time I didn’t say enough how good was the company, thanks girl!
I rode less than last winter, but rode smarter, got better, and came to camp stronger. Nifty.
The Lenz continued to inspire as the perfect machine for everything under the sun, and with the 34/20 by 14-32 gearing I think I’ve found the ideal setup. The Gobi may be my ideal saddle, and the X9 twistie for the front was excellent. I look forward to getting an X9 rear derailleur to mount up the other one.
Only real fly in the ointment was my front hub. I didn’t notice it until packing the bike yesterday morning, but some how the axle had migrated to riders right, without actually causing bearing tension to loosen. I recentered and tensioned it this morning, adding a bit of locktite to each side. I’m beginning to wonder if the design is excessively high maintenance.
Most importantly; the people. A rare collection, too many in one place with too little time to make the rounds. Thanks to everyone for coming, and especially to Lynda and Dave for being such generous hosts. It’s a lot more stress and work to organize these things than it seems.
Right now I’m enjoying the snow out the front window, but I’m also very much looking forward to a certain day in late March.
Bedrock & Paradox 
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