"Log" On.....................

Part 1

What a beautiful November day. Clear blue sky, bright sun, and crisp air. I put my layers on, jumped on the bike and headed down the Greenway (local gravel trail that used to be a railway). My mind and body still in chillin' mode. So with my camera in my pocket, my journey took on many blog ideas and thoughts. If only I could put them all together. I was very surprised NOT to see many other trail users taking advantage of this weather. Perhaps people ambushed the malls to scoop up the deals. I on the other hand chose to forgo the chaos of holiday shopping and take in the fresh air. I only saw a handful of trail users throughout my 37 km ride. This including my son and his friend who had taken to the trail a bit earlier then I. Once I caught up with them I took a quick picture of the camo clad boys and then carried on with my ride.
I reflected on what my off season training will look like. Each year I try to add something new. I have been out for short jogs (I don't particularly love!), doing weights and core exercises. During the ride I had so many thoughts and ideas I wanted to post about however, I now feel like some things are irrelevant (checking out the different types of berries along the way, you don't want to hear about that, but you just did!!) and many other thoughts I have forgotten by the time I got to this keyboard. Regardless, I remember the feeling of peace, being in the moment, the ride (how lucky I am to be on the bike), the crisp air, the freedom............

Part 2

I bring the bike in, make a late lunch, quick tidy up, and to the computer I go. I download my pictures, then browse the local forum to find this post. (If you read the linked post then the following will make some sense!)

I have my own thoughts and I think life does not have to be so complicated!! These trails are beautifully maintained and boasts the most single track in the area. They are lots of fun to ride. To my disappointment I see that the "log rolls" have been removed. Let me explain, there is one "log roll" which the approach is on an angle, however the rest of them are fun and relatively easy to get over. Regardless of your ability, they can be hopped, rolled up and over, or walked over without question. They take up such a small portion of the trail and even pedestrians should be able to easily walk over. If it is a mountain biking issue then ride within your ability with one day perhaps making it a goal to get over the log(s) without dismounting. How does a novice rider get better if they don't have something to eventually test them?
My husband took our 7 year old son to Morton a couple of weeks ago. He cleared each "log roll" with a huge smile on his face. He was so pumped of his accomplishment that when they got home I got to hear all about it!! :)
Let's keep mountain biking fun, safe and a bit challenging. We cannot hold everyone's hand as they go over their first log. These are not super technical trails. Makes me wonder how riders and hikers survive through hilly, rocky, rooty trails without cutting the obstacles out of the way? Why is it in Essex County (Windsor in particular) they are banning trails from mountain bike riding and now want to take out the fun challenges on some of the remaining trail systems? ARGH.............. I guess it's just another bump in the 'trail'!

"Log" off....................

Cheers,

Sue