Exuberance for Life

I’ve been told by friends, one in particular, that I always say “that was the best ride ever!” when a bike ride has completed. I think this one earned that saying.

Following in that line of thought, Fall is one of my favorites times of the year. It has that feeling that time is urgent and finite, coming to an end too soon. With fall coming to Phx (what, you didn’t think sub-100 highs meant fall?) we knew the comfortable trips to the north land were waning. My sister laughs at me now when we get together anyplace that requires a jacket. Hey, come visit me in August I tell her, then we’ll see who’s laughing. So, back on track, Flagstaff and Fall.

Some of the usual suspects met up for a ride, Acronym Man, The Frenchie, and me Mike D, no wait, cookiedough it is. First time in many years for Mr. AM, so we decided to do the standard loop, involving a climb up Elden road. Yeah, it kinda stinks, but the fun is earned this way. Mr. AM even did a little extra credit climb, he missed the turnoff and went for the towers. Fortunately for the others in this party, cell phones were involved. With cell phones involved, it meant no extra credit for me, which was pleasant. Anyways, after the little grind up the hill, we get to the top, which sometimes includes a little nap [link] but always involves a little re-fueling.

The top has the feel of fall setting in, everything isn’t quite so green. Seeds, getting ready as the plant dies and sets up the cycle of annual propagation.

Aspens, just starting up their fall splendor.

Even with the changing colors, some flowers are still radiating. Coulter Lupines are still fixing nitrogen from the air allowing next year’s crop to blossom. Again, life from life, with a winter in between.

This ride happened in the afternoon, and as such, hero light was coming. A little backlit, and a lot of good trail. Fall is coming as reflected in the ferns as well. 

Another good ride, and we pause. For me, it’s to enjoy the sights, and just pause and reflect. Maybe even laugh a little, enjoying stories and caricatures of each other. Since really, the ride is a conduit for conversation and stories.

We spend some time laughing, and decide that it’s time for some sustenance. You see, as my blood sugar lowers, I get a little giddy, and let my friends know, it you let my blood sugar get too low, you may find us riding for six or eight [hours]. So, some good stuff here, a peppermint pattie. Yeah, no, it’s not an energy bar, it’s really good candy. Don’t care. It’s good. Like super good. And everybody else gets a little jealous and dons this aporetic look - really?

Onward, traveling like speeders on the sinuous trail through the trees. I keep thinking “light” thoughts, just flying over the rocks in the trail. Mr. AM however, is distracted momentarily, and has a quick vision of leaden balloons. At which point I hear a faint shout “Flat! Flat!” and we come to a quick stop. Hmmm...not one pinch flat, but two. It takes a very special person to have two pinch flats at the same time. Or, very heavy thoughts. Always remember, eternity is down the hall, and you sit there bending spoons. Just an ode to Johnny. Pardon me.

Flats (heh, heh, plural) fixed, and back toward the vehicle we go. Ride devolves into “post-ride” and we plan for dinner. Which happened to be planned for Lumberyard Brewery and Taphouse. Most excellent. 

It’s times like this that remind me life is like one big Calvin and Hobbs strip. Exuberance, always hiding behind a tree, just waiting to tackle me.