I never thought I’d like riding a bike. Bikers or cyclists just looked like children with too many toys–brightly colored jerseys, arched sunglasses, and camelback water systems. They also traveled in obnoxiously large pods, teaming past my home yelling at one another to be heard. But I’m starting to come around. The first weekend in August some co-workers and friends set out to Waddell Creek, several miles north of Santa Cruz, near Davenport. The journey was an awesome, mud-soaked 6 mile ride, followed by a 3 mile hike rewarded with views of four waterfalls. Although I was initially put off by the dirt, the more splattered I got with each puddle, the wider my smile grew. If you had asked me a year ago if I liked mountain biking, or even just a simple bike ride, I would have said no. But with this whole new wheeled world open to me, I now see previously hidden adventures awaiting. My office mate Nikkie and I (pictured along side me) have posted a local cycling map in our office where we’re plotting our future destinations. Those toys (especially the padded spandex shorts) don’t sound so silly anymore.
Wow! I just got caught up on Westi!
Why I have not been checking is a
mystery but my loss. I will check
most days in the future. You sound
great. You are so right also! We
do have so many blessings that we
can’t even count them. I can get
depressed thinking about not seeing
all of you but then knowing you are
all happy and leading good lives does make me count my blessings!
Glad you are enjoying biking - Steve and Loren always have. Steve
bettered all his times in his triathelon on Sun so he is happy.
Think about Shaun and Pike’s Peak
this next Sun. Caleb is trying to
type this comment so he wants a say
also. Remember you like mud! Love to you all
Comment by Anonymous — August 14, 2006 @ 6:42 pm
Sounds like you have been bit by the exercise bug Wes. Shaun and Steve have too and are doing crazy things as well. I hope this bug bites me soon and that I catch what you all have!
Comment by Michele — August 17, 2006 @ 6:27 pm
im continually amazed that you bike into work from your house nearly every day… that is so cool and something that i should strive to do… i just don’t think i could wake up that early!
Comment by mike — August 19, 2006 @ 12:40 am
I’m not sure if I could do it either if I had to be at work at 8am (like you, Mike) meaning you would need to leave on your bike about 7:15 am. But maybe you should give it a shot! I dragged Nikkie along on my ride home the other day and she loved it. The beauty of my 18 mile round trip is I burn so many calories I can eat a lot more than I used to (without it showing–I hope). More room for Emily’s pie!
Comment by Triskel — August 19, 2006 @ 10:22 am
You need to email me and tell me how I choose an identity or what! Also tell Mike congratulations - that is a big accomplishment and we
are very proud of him. I know it has been lots of work and hope he
can now slow down a little. You
guys have had an eventful year and
most all of it good! Tell Deborah
and David congratulations also for
us. I am enjoying your web a lot
Wes. This last one brought great
memories of your day in the mud
at Fern Flat. love ya
Comment by Anonymous — August 20, 2006 @ 12:33 pm