The Road to the Trail

Having more fun in Deer Valley. Photo: Ale DiLullo/Cannondale

As much as I love riding trails, I hate driving to them. Sitting in my car, wasting gas, money and time just frustrates me. The paradox that in order to get to the places I love I have to take actions that potentially harm them is one that I can't get away from. Not going to the trails is not an option, and I can't move to where the trails are, so the inner-conflict continues. Every time I feel motivated to ride I think about having to sit in the car, spending 8 to 10 bucks in gas, putting emissions in the air and miles on my car. It's pretty un-motivating. Even last week when I was in Park City, with trails just a two minute walk away, I was still reminded that I took a flight there, and I can only imagine what it took for Cannondale to get all the bikes, gear and journalists out.

Knee pads, a first for me. 

But I can't stay away from the trails. After years riding on the road, I feel like I've come back to my roots. I grew up racing BMX and while most of those skills have left me, the exhilaration hasn't. So I drive. Each trail presents something new for me to learn. I recently did a group ride with friends down some of the loosest, gravelly trails I've been on. Plus, the bottom was some of the rockiest terrain I've attempted to clear. I even put on knee pads. Pushing myself out of my comfort zone (see the text below the title of this blog to read my opinion on comfort zones) was a good experience. It's amazing what having other riders around will allow you to do. Sure, they won't keep you from crashing, but you know if it hits the fan, you have guys there to help. It's the best time to take chances. It wasn't pretty, and I walked some sections I could have ridden, but I progressed and made it through unscathed. I was glad I made the drive.