Back in the Saddle

I just got back from the first bike ride of 2011. It felt so good. The wind was a bit chill, but it was soon forgotten as my body warmed to the tempo of pedaling. Did I say it felt good? I could feel my leg muscles working; different muscles than those I feel when running. On the hills, I stood on the pedals and felt the power of putting extra weight on the down stroke of the motion. I could feel my heart rate picking up, and sweat starting to build on my back between the shoulder blades. In my mind, I could imagine the extra fifteen pounds I put on this winter start to leap from my body and float away with the wind. I pedaled harder and turned a corner making sure the weight could not follow. The first ride always makes me feel like a kid again. It makes me feel like a dancer. I sometimes rock back and forth letting my mind and body feel the motion.

I didn't want to overdue it. It was a pleasure ride more than a workout. I looked around. High slate clouds covered the sky. I looked to the east and saw a panoramic view of the Wasatch Mountains. They stand majestic above the valley floor, snow-covered and uninviting to those who are wishing for summer. Still, a nice sight. I noticed that the willow trees in many neighborhood yards have a tinge of green with the first leaf buds starting to test for warmth of springtime air.

I thought of my favorite mountain bike trails, still buried beneath feet of snow. It will be a couple of months before I can ride them. I will be ready.

The bike is parked in my backyard right now. I know I will have the urge to get on it again before the sunsets on this day.

DECLARING SPRING!

I'm declaring Spring!

It's not official yet, but I'm declaring Spring is here. What snow may fall here in Utah will melt quickly in the valley. The temperatures are starting to stay around 50 during the day. Reports of Blue-winged Olive mayflies hatching on some of the rivers is welcomed news.

There's a bunch of snow up in the mountains and the ski resorts will probably run until Father's Day depending on how they planned their insurance this year, but I'm starting to plan my outside activities and that is always a good thing.

As always, I will be posting on my blog the little adventures I experience. I'm planning a few hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and fly fishing activities.

I've already started my training runs to make sure I'm in shape to enjoy what the Rocky Mountain Region has to offer. Let the fun begin!

Uphill

Uphill


Sherm's store stood at the top of the street,
the place all of us kids took our turn
being accused of stealing.

It was there, we lined up on our bikes,
racers and long distance riders, no need to pedal,
gravity provided speed, three, two, one, go!

Heads over handlebars, we leaned low,
gravel grinds, then flips, ricochets
and pings off frames, pelting ankles.

Spokes spin to a blurr, fast and fun.
Stern looks of determination
rode off our faces with smiles.

Finally, feet touch down miles from the store.
Pleasure replaced with realization,
as we turned and stared uphill.