things that make me happy

There are three speed bumps in our condo parking lot. I spent 30 minutes this morning trying to manual over them. Over and over and over again. I didn't come close. It was so frustrating! That's why I decided to go ride at Arastradero tonight. I wanted to spend some time on the trails with my bike, just gettin' dirty and being happy.

I had a great ride.


I don't know what these purple flowers are called, but aren't they sweet?


This is the bowl loop. Last time I rode, I could only go down one side. This time I went down both. I am continually amazed at how your perspective changes with mountain biking. A month ago, I wouldn't have tried to go down that hill. It was too scary. But I must have done something in between time that put that hill in perspective. Maybe it was riding down the stairs at Alum Rock, or riding at Water Dog, but something happened so when I looked at the hill I thought, "oh, that's easy." And it was.


There's my Nomad, looking all sexy. That bike is so aggressive on the downhills, I swear it rides itself. I just hang on and hope for the best.


Arastradero. Lovely, isn't it? I forget how peaceful it is to ride. I get caught up in trying to improve my skills, or my time, and I forget that mountain biking is fun. It's been awhile since I've had a nice, easy, take my time ride that wasn't rushed, or interupted. I didn't have to worry about anyone keeping up. And I wasn't stressed about proving myself. I just rode my bike. And it was all good.

After tonight, I don't think there is anything left on my "to do" list at Arastradero. I've ridden all the trails. I've hit all the downhills, including the bowl loop. And I managed two out of three of the switchbacks on the acorn trail. Not too bad. Maybe I'll even give myself a sticker!