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It has been a hectic couple of weeks. Each day seems longer than the one before it and I look desperately to sneak a ride or two in amidst the chaos. Yesterday afternoon was one of those sneaky times. The boys were plotting to get me to take them for a ride after church, so shortly after we got home I pulled out my Dillinger to give it a tune up. After I got done fixing some things, the boys were nowhere to be found. I took this as they didn't want to go anymore, and was more than willing to use the time to take a nap. They popped up at some point and I started to push the issue. I found they didn't want to go. I decided that I would play Skate on the XBO, but they couldn't play. Five minutes later the gear was packed in the van. We got to Pontiac Lake a little before 6:00. I told the boys I wanted to be out of the trail by 7:10. I was thinking in the back of my mind that this would be a challenge for all three of us. I knew I could do it in about an hour and twenty minutes, but not much faster. Since they have ridden this trail for so long, I let them take off while I went to the bathroom. I figured I would catch up with them soon enough as they didn't seem too excited about pushing it. I hopped on the bike and began my search. Mile 1 had come and gone and there was no sign of them. The big climb on Mile 2 found me Jordan. After passing him on the climb, we rode together. I commented to Jordan that Nathan must have snuck an energy drink as we still didn't see him. In the clearing at about Mile 3 we found Nathan waiting. He was definitely having the best ride of his life. He was all grins from ear to ear. I stopped to get water and he asked if he could go ahead. I just told him to wait at the road crossing. He took off with Jordan right behind. I took a quick look at my rear dérailleur, which I think I might have bent a hanger to, and took off myself. I am glad Soul cycles designed their frames with replaceable hangers. I quickly caught Jordan and thought I saw Nathan. We started pressing hard and passed..... somebody else! This doesn't happen often for me so I have to comment on it. We got close to the road and I saw Nathan standing there talking to a woman with a dog. He didn't seem out of breath. How fast was this kid riding today?! I let them cross the road and take off. I followed behind and realized I wanted that nap bad. I wasn't winded, just tired. We all hammered together and I only saw Nathan once or twice when he was waiting to make sure he was going the right way. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until about Mile 7 that I finally held them in my sights and stayed with them both. I let them go ahead a little in the last half mile so they didn't get int he way of my last climb. I knew we would be close together still as most of that last section is downhill and I can do them faster. This proved to be true as I passed Jordan at the bottom of the climb, and Nathan at the first switchback of the climb. I hammered my big body to the top and who do you think was right there asking to pass? You guessed it, it was Nathan. I had to tell him no as it was another downhill and I would be faster. I got to the bottom of the downhill and I pulled over to let Nathan pass. How could I not let this kid get tot he car first? He was hammering the entire ride. A couple seconds later he came plowing by, smiling from ear to ear. I waited a few more minutes to let Jordan by as well. They were both riding fast for as young as they are. When I pulled up to the van Nathan was beaming. He showed me the time on his computer. 1:10:00. Jordan didn't have a computer so I am guessing him at about 1:16:00 as I came in at 1:18:00. Yep, both the boys smoked me. They were riding good and I am happy for them. The only problem I have now is that they are both totally bitten by the xc bug and want to get bikes of their own instead of borrowing from mom and sister. Does anyone want a P.1, and a P.2???
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John Saul
Market
Park
