Thursday, March 22, 2012

Carpe Diem

Death is rarely something I find unsettling.  I'm not convinced there is an afterlife, and I find a real comfort in the  finality of that outlook.  It pushes me to do the right things in life.  It inspires me to give as much of myself and to make as much of myself as possible, for the good of everyone.  It helps me to prioritize things that really matter in life.  If this is all we have, we owe it to each other to make it the best we can.  We may never have anything better, no paradisaical glory to later attain. There is a sense of urgency to life, but also a reminder to stop frequently and indulge in the beauty and paradise that is around us everyday.


Maybe that's why Matt's death hit me so hard.  He exemplified these ideals like no one else and he fought for them with passion, everyday.  All with a smile, never losing his incredible sense of mischief and humor.  Every race was a better race with Matt there.  It was impossible not to smile when you saw him.

You were an incredible example to me and I will miss you very much. Your impact was lost on no one.  We'll all live better by our strong memories of you.  "So long!!  It's been a good ride!"

Monday, March 19, 2012

BSxSS w/ A-Lo


Had great ride on the old single speed on Saturday.  She's a 1/2 size smaller than any other bike I've ever owned, but I don't mind for this setup.  There's not exactly a whole lot of sitting to be done.  She's currently setup with a 34x17t.  I can't tell you how much fun I have whipping a little 26" hardtail around.  She really shines when it gets tight, and tests your nerves when it's open and rocky.  The only time I wasn't smiling was at the top of the so called "Tomahawk Climb", at that moment I was swallowing my own vomit.


Who named that thing anyways?  If I have one criticism for Strava, it's got to be the inability to change a poorly named segment.  In the decade I've been riding this trail, I have never once heard of anyone calling it the Tomahawk.

Big thanks to A-Lo for the lovely company and the fresh stroopwafel.