The New Hope

I have been a little down lately. I have not ridden my bike for 50 days other than to commute and a few token attempts on the track. I indulged my funk. I have been eating chocolate covered almonds. I bought a couple of pairs of Dickies one size too big fully expecting to grow into them this winter. And, most significantly, I have been complaining, whining really, about how I have lost my passion and that I am not looking forward to much of anything. Decadence! Its a trap!

Luckily, simple action displaces all thought. What do I love? I love riding my bike. Like the passive aggressive, non-comital adolescent I once was, I made many excuses and rationalizations not to ride. I, instead, watched two entire seasons of "True Blood" (an awesome show by the way....Blood and nudity! What else do you need in TV?) I regress/ed. Tuesday, we made change. Em purchased and installed a chin-up/climbing board. The challenge is on! I have already improved 100%!!! Tuesday, I did two full c/us. Yesterday, four! Come on by and try!

Phil Abbot holds the current record of nine using the wide stance holds. From the chin ups. I finally went for a ride this morning. Nothing ambitious. I took my single speed on the bike pass south along the bow river. Once again, overwhelmed by the impossible beauty of the sunrise, the leaves, and the remarkable diversity of animals along the path. In my hour and a half "get back into it" ride I saw:

• coyote;
• two white tailed deer;
• canada geese;
• buffle head duck;
• golden eye ducks;
• common mergansers;
• hooded mergansers;
• coots; and
• a golden eagle.

As well, I saw a few other ducks that I did not immediately recognize, I will have to consult the bird book on top on my microwave.

I did  stop to take pictures. I kept a steady pace. Nothing killer. I soaked it all in. Quieted my mind. And dreamed of the Master's National Road race next year in Edmonton.