Yankee springs......because.....

It down poured for less than 30 minutes on Wednesday. I was planning on heading to Rockford to ride Luton or Merrell, but I was skeptical over the rainfall amounts. I instead opted for the grandpa trail named Yankee Springs.

Grandpa? Yeah....because it is the oldest trail in the southwest side of the state. But Grandpa...because there is more than you think there. Is it the grumpy old bastard that is rough round the edges and spills food out of his mouth as he screams at the tv while watching Wheel of Fortune? Or is it the grandpa you love to hang out with because he is consistent? Sure, he is old and frail in some spots. But those other areas, sharp minded and quit witted that makes his time worth every second spent.

That is why I called Yankee Springs a Grandpa. You are gonna hang out with him regardless....because you love him. When you don't see him for a long time....you miss him. And then...when you hang out with him....you are reminded of why you spent so much time away.

I unloaded to a handful of people in the lot. I headed down the regular trail and nearly ate shit in the first sandy section. Maybe a precautionary warning? Maybe rust! I was very rusty at the start. Wandering off the trail to the left and then to the right before finally settling in a bit and finding the right line. At least I thought.

I was just riding my pace. My friends, I am a heavy cyclist at this moment....so Yankee was a grumpy bastard for me. I actually sank in the freshly wet sand. I was so shocked that I had to put a foot down for the first time in years on any sand. Rust....mass....sand....kryptonite. I labored ahead, knowing I was going to finish a lap if it killed me. I rode my pace and had to walk some of the hills. I just haven't been riding enough to generate the needed power to climb the Yankee hills.

I worked my way thru the pines and slowly ascended that climb. Not steep, just long. Then I bombed the descent, and proceeded to have to walk the last section of the next climb. No hurt pride. I haven't been riding and I know Yankee is a jerk most of the time. Yankee plus a heavy rider....fast downhills and painful uphills. 

I finally got back to the car, thankful to be done...and very thankful to be alive. With my health issues this year just riding is an accomplishment. Riding this trail in my current shape is a stark reminder of what I need to do....but also a feeling of accomplishment. I wasn't afraid to go ride a more difficult trail with lots of climbing. I just went and did what I could. I have to start where I am. Endurance is getting better, but the strength needed to mountain bike is very lacking. Now the bar is set.....and I can work on raising that bar every week until I reach where I am wanting to be.

This time its different.....