Now, I never really post on my blog unless it has something to do with racing, training, etc, but there is so much more involved with being an athlete, and especially in mountain biking. Almost every ride I go on is absolutely incredible, with the exhilaration and joy for life that it brings me, but there is always that one special ride that brings you to a new level of stoke. It reminds you of why you ride. "there is so much more that goes into our passion" Yesterday morning, I woke up bright and early with my dad to hop on the frozen trails. It had snowed the day before (which was pretty random, since it's been spring like for a few weeks now), so we love to get on the trails before the snow starts to melt and turn the dust into thick mud. I bundled up with layer after layer for the 14 degree morning, reminding me of the incredible fat biking earlier in the year. The second I entered the chilly air of the beautiful morning, I was refreshed and filled with an unexplainable energy. There's something about a cold early morning, with the sun rising in front of you, that's really special. I guess it's almost impossible for me to explain the joy that these simple moments from riding a bike can give you, but I'm hoping you know exactly what I mean. I have experienced hundreds of these moments, but there is one that moment, a few years ago, that I was able to finally get close to putting it into words. I wrote this little story in a travel blog as a school assignment in 9th grade, but I ended up using it in a speech I shared at the 2013 NICA awards ceremony for the Trek All Star Award. Anyways... :) I hope you enjoy and can remember your own special experience. So here goes.... Park City, Utah is one of the most beautiful places, with seasons that change in amazing colors and joy. On a ride last fall, the leaves had changed from simple greens into the most outstanding flames of yellow, red, and orange. The calm breeze became a chill to the bone and the clouds were beginning to bring a little snow. When you looked outside, and into the sky, you could feel it in the air, the need for an adventure awaited me. The moment the sun brought a little shine and looked as if there was a chance of warmth, I threw on some warm clothes and hopped on my bike. The freezing breeze brought me a chilly surprised, but I carried on, a journey awaited me. My dad and I hit the trail, although the air froze our fingers and our feet. We flew through the flames and the sparks fell behind us, with our thoughts far behind and freedom ahead. As we traveled onward snowflakes began to fall, it was absolutely beautiful. The white against the glowing trees was outstanding and the snow slowly became larger and faster. Soon a small blizzard was all around us and the wind gusted, blowing the snow through the trees and into the sky. My smile shined through my eyes, for this was an amazing experience, I could hardly believe it. Turn after turn we flew, with fog filling the air and the trees standing out like stars in the sky. Down the hill we rode, between the trees and through the snow. We headed home, back towards warmth but away from the beauty, where fall had turned to winter. Now get out there for some epic riding!!
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