Ridge Runners

Out for a nice mixed-surface ride with Andrew and Kelly. Up and over Keswick Ridge, Mactaquac Dam and the St. John River. Some nice views and excellent weather. Oh, and I brought leftover pizza as a snack. Had to soak my knees afterwards in the pool to quiet them down. From my CABC Instagram post:

Got out for a CABC social ride with club members @spoke_n_words and @kelly.lynn.murray today. We attended mass at the Church of the Saint John River by riding up one side of it, crossing, then back the other side. The ol’ St. John has an interesting congregation, a few of which we ran into at an early morning gas station coffee stop where one of the local parishioners kindly offered to ‘roll us a bone’, At 8:44am. Although obviously a truly compassionate and charitable soul, we opted not partake – you know, UCI rules and all. I informed him that I was indeed, high on life, and asked if he’d accepted @gary_fisher as his lord and personal savior. He had not, so I gifted him with my tattered copy of The Rider and we parted in peace – I on my trusty Surly Cross Check – he in his jacked to the sky pick-em-up truck which, I believe, was sporting a pair of truck nuts. We’re all members of the same tribe, us humans, even if we fly different flags. The weather, views, and conversation were sublime and Kelly even managed to avoid any untoward confrontations with mutant canines. Perhaps the ‘off-piste-de-resistance’ was a delicious repast of some left-over pizza I’d brought with, which, if I’m not mistaken, is the official ride food of the gods. I arrived home feeling saintly, purified, transformed and indeed, saved. I immediately baptized my knees in the icy waters as they were completely full of hellfire and damnation. Some of this is true, some myth – use your divine inspiration to determine which is which. Hallelujah brothers and sisters, can I get an amen?

Lines for Days

Came across this Chrysler 300 in the parking lot of the local hardware store. What struck me first was the amount of chrome, then the deep reflection of the paint, then the size. The thing took up a full parking space and stuck out a bit. The very definition of a ‘boat’. Also, check the size of those side windows. They’re giant. They don’t make ’em like they used to.

Where the Trees Used to Be

Went for a ride in my ‘backyard’ the other day. Still conflicted about seeing trees bulldozed to build houses. I realize my hypocrisy of course – they bulldozed trees to build my house, but I wasn’t here for it.

It’s less expensive and easier to go in and mow everything down and build, it will grow back to some extent. Still, I wish people were willing to pay the difference and make the effort to cut selectively, build and haul materials on-site in a less-invasive, more sustainable manner.

I sat for quite a while on one cleared spot on the ridge, just listening.

I posted this quip on the Corrective Action Bicycle Club Instagram account:

One day, this will be the backyard to someone’s very expensive house. For now, I will enjoy the view while I’m able. Later, when their house is finished and they’re moved in, I will ride by on the street in front and giggle knowing I was here. Then I’ll ride down to the road on the flats there where I’ve been riding for years and wave up at them. They’ll be all, “Hey, what’s that guy waving at? I dunno, but have the butler bring me another white wine spritzer, chop chop!” My back yard (and apparently my head) is a magical place, and the bike gets me there. Note to self: come back here soon for #coffeeoutside and perhaps to catch a sunrise/sunset. What’s in your backyard? Perhaps go and see. Take your bike for sure.

Cartoon Creatures

Took a ride with Titus out the Lincoln Trail and Post Road to our Fredericton Junction coffee spot. We voiced cartoon voices along the way for all the animals we encountered (because Saturday Morning Cartoons, right?) which consisted of bald eagles, a heron, squirrels, ducks, turkey vultures, sheep, a goat, and various dogs. You know when you’re in the Clubhouse before the ride in the morning and it’s still dark out it’s going to be a good day. Post-ride snacks were excellent.