The nice boy young man across the street and I frequently engage in neighborly chit-chat.  Sometimes about his garden, or me thanking him for helping return the terriers when they escape, but most often about mountain biking.  It usually ends up something like "we should ride someday".  Finally I agreed, saying "stop over when you are heading out and want some company", quickly followed by "I'm not sure I can keep up with you"...."I don't do really crazy things on my bike"....and other disclaimers so he knew I wasn't up for some of the rides around here. 

Well, that day came quickly late yesterday afternoon.  We went to Hall Ranch, a gorgeous area outside the little town of Lyons north of Boulder.  As we were driving up I happened to glance at his work badge, and quickly discovered that I was old enough to be his mother had I been raised in a polygamist compound.  Now, I have no issues about hanging out and visiting with people of any ages, but hello people, we were on a way to Mountain Bike Ride at Hall Ranch.  This is not causal chatting in the front yard!  Oh no...I was trapped in the car! 

The day is just stunning and Hall Ranch is a classic single track ride....certainly not above my technical abilities. However, right now it is above my aerobic abilities...and while the grade doesn't look overwhelming, it is just a long slow grind, up and up and up for miles and miles and miles.  I put my pride aside and stopped to rest when I needed it.  The nice young man always waited for me, and genuinely appeared to be happy to have a riding companion, even though I couldn't breathe. 

However, it is one thing to not be able to keep up with my companion young enough to be my kid, but it is another to be passed by senior citizens.  Which is what happened next.  I heard bikes behind me, so I pulled off (any reason to stop at this point) and attempted to say hello to the 2 distinguished gentleman that pedaled past me with no effort.  I was certainly young enough to be their daughter...and then some.  If you recall from previous posts we have our fair share of uber-athletic seniors in this town.

Needless to say I had a great workout, my ego was put in it's place and had a very fun ride.  I can't wait to go back....my goals is to be able to complete the ride in much better form by the end of summer.  Maybe my nice neighbor will still be up for carpooling...we'll see...more likely he'll get busy if he sees me and my bike!!