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Portland Velo Team
Ride |
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Lately, I have been pondering changes; life changes; changes that could alter future plans and expectations. This weekend, I had the time to think. I had the space to open my mind up to new possibilities; new opportunities. It was Friday night and I was grouchy, probably because of fatigue from gym work all week. I was so mentally spent I nearly threw in the towel for Saturday's ride with Team Velo. The changes would have had to wait. Today, I did not change anything, but the changes came anyway. My mind was hazy from too much happening during the week, hazy enough to make me forget my water bottles at home as I was speeding to Longbottoms. I finally arrived under thin overcast that promised to burn off. The air was a cool 42 degrees as I layered up and hoisted my steed off the roof, before glancing to my left. "Javad?!" I could not believe it as a buddy from high school, whom I have not talked to in some time, was parked next to me in the lot. We exchanged current information before gathering in our respective speed groups. The day was starting out rather well.
In PV, you have to choose what group you would like to ride with, in essence, you have to choose how much pain you can endure. The groups are the 15s (Max 15 MPH), 17s (Max 17 MPH), 17s-Tempo (Avg. 17 MPH), 19s and 21s, before you get to Hammer and Nails; the racing team. I needed a break, so I quickly darted towards the 17-tempos before taking off and quickly got into a conversation with Joe. Joe was a retired, east coast transplant and this was his first week here. The man looked in unbelievable shape with calves made of sculpted marble and he really knew how to ride. If you can spin at speed with only two inches separating each others knuckles and still feel comfortable, you can ride. Indeed, Joe was in shape as we had one very important thing in common; Joe has thru-hiked the AT. We carried on our conversation at 21MPH, quickly catching the 19s. I did not ask what was up as the terrain made 21 easy. The day was as fine as it could be as, lately, every ride I take is better than any I have ever taken in my past-riding history. We stopped at Maggie's where I showed Joe the ropes, but it did not take much as he went straight for the cinnamon rolls. We wolfed down what we could (I had a delectable piece of blueberry coffee cake), before J-Rod stumbled in to let us know we were getting left behind.
The pace quickened as I felt my week's efforts while standing on the pedals, climbing. The 45 miles went all too fast as we quickly returned to Longbottoms. I could not believe my day, rather, I could not believe what life had proved to me in just 12 hours. Joe and I exchanged information as upcoming hikes and rides would be a for-sure thing. I said goodbyes to some other friends I made today before loading the bike and heading home.
P.S. This is a work-in-progress as I did not bring the camera. The scenery was stunning and would have made for a good journal entry. Next time. |
