3 Days, 3 Groups, 3 Rides

I was climbing the walls last week, stuck in the heat of the desert and short base mile rides on Hawes.  Boring, uninspiring solo rides on singletrack I've ridden every way possible were taking their toll on my sanity.  I needed a change of scenery otherwise my joie de vivre on two wheels was in serious jeopardy.   When I saw DurtGurl was driving north, I invited my self along so I could find something different.  Still thinking I was going to go off on a bikepack or long day rides, I was pulled by the desire to slow down, ride with people and share in the wonder.

Day one started slow with a ride up Weenie Walk and plenty of relaxing.  It took me a while to get used to not always moving...but I adjusted just fine.

After a great descent down Sunset....it's always a great descent....we climbed back up Little Gnarly and headed out to Jedi where we were greeted by the budding explosion of Aspen in spring....

Obligatory aspen pics were taken.....

...as were Log Roll shots....

DurtGurl airing it out....

It's easy to get punch drunk on Log Rolls when you've been spending all winter riding the desert....

ChongoBob flashing his trademark concentration.....

BC rolling it out....

After having a great time on Jedi, we descended Schultz and slipped into town for some beer at PnT, some pizza at Fratellis and a shot at the Weatherford before climbing back up Schultz with backpacks filled with beer.  The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent sharing in mirth.

Day two, more folks joined to climb Weatherford and descend Overlook....I was starting to really enjoy the group pace, taking time to talk with folks I've not ridden with before and snap shots of some great riders.  Here, Jeffro shoots a steep slot line......

....followed by DurtGurl....

More folks joined in on the Log Roll celebration....Dave makes this roll look small on his Pivot 429, size XL.....

....but a change in zoom brings things back into perspective.....

Lynette approaching the same.....

....DurtGurl flashing a stoke filled smile....

....and SuLing exuding focus.

After Overlook, we moved onto Supermoto-Dogfood-Oncelor....and then I stopped taking pictures, enjoying the ride throughly.  Day 3 dawned with a ride up LittleGnarly-Pickle-Lower Prom Night-Rocky Ridge-another trip to PnT-Schultz.

Riding with so many friends, both old and new was a refreshing change of pace and is something I'm going to focus on more.  The sharing of stoke and laughter with like-minded individuals was just what this rider needed.