i rode my bike 20 miles up Angel Lake road, with about 10 miles uphill total. I even went over 'the monster' which is a hill that increases dramatically in elevation after you have gone 3 or 4 miles of steady uphill. I do not like that hill. I was going to take 'the monster' my first day back, but it had snow covering it, so I was saved.
I made it up to the top and did it ok, my body was working with me today. As I got to the top, the cold wind started kicking up like it did not want me to make it over the hill. I made it and I looked at the mountains and I swear i saw my mom's shit eating grin smiling at me. (She passed away a few years ago.)
Her last few months on this earth: I drove 100 miles every 3 weeks or so to see her in a nursing home. I would take time to bike ride, kayak or scuba dive before I saw her. (I would scuba dive with my nephew Mike, now deceased.)
She would have this shit eating grin on when I came in and she only wanted to know about what adventure I had done. She wanted to hear about the kids too, but she was very intent on listening to what dumb thing I had tried. She liked me to do things even though she could never undsrstand why I would enjoy such things.
Making it over the top of this pass on a bike was a birthday present to myself. My mom liked to share in my stupid little stunts and I kind of felt she was there today.
FUTURE: I was thinking about cross country skiing around Crater Lake in Oregon. I have done about 5 miles before but it would be great to do the whole 20 miles. Kicking out this bike ride tells me I have the stamina.
So, If I do not get a teaching job in Nevada. I might hang out in Southern OR for a few days.
That wind can be cold around here. brrrrrrrrrrrrrr
I guess I am and always was a momma's boy. Thanks mom.