Finding Joy

I have previously written about my inability to find joy in just riding. Everything must be race related. Either actual racing or training to race. Riding at a friendly pace with family or friends was either a terribly boring chore or just not done at all.

 This past weekend, I think everything has changed. I was finally able to just have fun and enjoy the ride. And what is this magic formula that enables you to break free from the chains of racing you ask. It is a magical element of mountain biking called "travel". Six inches of travel to be exact. 

My friend Josh brought his Specialized Enduro for me to ride at our camping weekend at Santos. I have never experienced such pure joy just riding a bike. And I'm not talking just a slight smile on my face. I'm talking laugh out loud joy! There was no pain, no suffering, just laughing. 

I couldn't believe how much fun I had. I aimed that bike at every rock and root on the trail, and a bunch that weren't even on the trail, and that bike rolled and jumped over everything. Step-ups, step-downs, g-outs, it didn't matter. That bike made me feel like I could ride anything. Even with all the fun I was having, the true joy however came from watching someone who knows hows to ride a bike like that in action. Following Josh was like watching some freeride cartoon. He caught air over pebbles and whipped the back of the bike up in the air on every fast turn. It was hard to control the insane asylum inmate-like laughter. 

It was a great experience and it opened my eyes to a whole new segment of bicycling. I'm looking into buying an Enduro as I type this. I would love to add this bike to my collection.

This is Josh showing me how it's really done. Thanks Josh!