And guess what? Every weekend, we've been surprised because it hasn't snowed. On the contrary, the temperatures have reached the 50s (which, at 7700ft. is actually quite warm) and the sun has shown in a brilliantly blue sky.
Gone are the winds of spring and gone are the monsoons of summer. Winter is yet to come. What's left is a fall of mountain biking dreams: Cool to warm temps, an endless sky and miles of perfect singletrack just down the road.
If I were still in Portland, I would be watching the rain come down in sheets and I would be filled with a sense of dread so heavy, it would be increasingly difficult to wiggle out from under my down comforter every morning. This season in the Northwest is rough. It's not cold enough to snow on the mountain and the drenched and gloomy city offers no respite.
But here in the mountains of Colorado? I cannot tell a lie: it is infinitely better. At this point in the cycling year, I am normally ready to say FINIS. I am sick of my bike. I am sick of Spandex and Gu and early morning workouts and stinky bike jerseys.
This year, so much is different. I ditched the early morning workouts for a different kind of training- one that involved me, sunshine and just enjoying being outside for every.single.workout. I traded my Spandex for some much hipper mountain bike shorts (ok, fine. I still wear Spandex underneath. But mountain biking shorts are pretty much super awesome.). I switched the Gu for more natural Honey Stinger products. And I found myself a tribe of dirt lovers who revel in being outside on an unbelievable Saturday morning filled with endless views, cool air and challenging trails.
It is November. I am eagerly anticipating ski season. But I still cannot wait to get on my bike each and every day.
And every single time I pedal, whether it be in slow motion up a hill or in deep concentration down a particularly difficult trail, I think THIS.
One hundred million times THIS.
While moving here has not been easy for our family, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. The sacrifices have been worth it.
Some kids and their friends on a hike 5 minutes from my house.
Ending my day on a solo ride. Not a lot of people but a whole lot of zen.
Some of the super rad chicks I ride with. "Hey Sarita and Marie, can you show me how to ride this?" Right before they zip over it without even pausing.
