It was definitely one of those days. One of those days at work when everything just got in the way. One step forward. Two steps back. Jaw clenched tight. I just had to go on a ride. I hadn't even biked to work so I couldn't spin it out on the way home either.
Went to check if J-vish was available to ride. He hemmed and hawed a bit, but he was 90%. Checked in with the Kgirl to see if a ride could be in the future. No soccer for the kids, so it was a go. 5:30pm came around and I'm headed home. Called Vish to coordinate the rendezvous time at the trail. Ring. Ring. No Vish. What's up with that? Guess I'll be riding alone. Friction.
Got to the house...no one home...how rare. Got to find some fresh riding gear, clean the Camelback, check out the bike. Wait...what's that? An opened bill on the table that's late (I forgot to pay). Kgirl's going to kill me. I know where my bread is buttered so I get on the PC and shoot the bill out real fast. Friction.
Kgirl arrived home and by now it's 6:30pm.
Kgirl: Aren't you going riding?
Me (all flustered and still in work clothes): Nah, I've got to pay this bill...still have to find my gear...no...I think it's too late...it's not worth it.
Kgirl: Don't be ridiculous. You should go. It's gorgeous out.
She doesn't know it, but that encouragement made all the difference.
Still flustered...I'm now running around all decapitated chicken style. No time to clean the Camelback. Grabbed the bike. Shhhyyt...front tire is very low...clearly one of those sneaky pinch flats. No time to change the tire...I'll pump it up and hope for the best. Only riding 10 miles at Colts Neck. Friction.
Threw the bike in the car. Shoes? Check. Helmet? Check. Pump? Check. Looked around for Miss Kittin for some jamming in the car on the way. Can't find it. Friction. Luckily Kgirl had Angels and Airwaves already loaded in the cd player. Mood is starting to change...but still harried.
The light at the corner of West Ox and West Ox (don't ask)...3 minutes.
Caught at every light on Reston Parkway.
Another 2 minutes at Whiele and Sunrise Valley.
Even stuck momentarily at Michael Faraday...that never happens.
Friction. Friction. Friction.
Finally made it to the parking lot. Most had finished their rides. One was late like me. He took off while I was giving my tire one last pump. Cool I'll have a challenge out there trying to see if I can catch up. With so much frustration...I dropped into the trail too hot. Nearly fell from the get go. Not good. Need to calm down. Get the flow. That's what this trail is good for...super fast.
Caught up to the rider at the bottom of the hill as his bike was upside down. "Need some help?" I held is bike while he tightened up a loose seat bolt. We introduced ourselves and decided to ride the loop together. Matt was good...in shape...and fast. He knew this trail as well as I. He led through to the cricket fields and I stayed on his ass to make sure he knew I could hang.
I led for the second half. Kept it in the big ring the entire time to keep the pace high. This was perfect. We took no breaks.
On the drive home I finally felt relaxed. Got a good ride in. Tire held up. Made a new friend. And all of the lights were green. Pop! My jaw came unclenched. Now I could relax. Now I felt good.
That's it. Can't think of anything really interesting to end this story. Kind of anti-climatic I guess. Sorry. Just had to get it out there. There's a lesson or two in there somewhere.
