October 22, 2020
I asked for practice time on gravel and it was delivered in abundant portions. The Cedar Brake Outer Loop in Dinosaur Valley State Park is described as a 7.5 mile moderate hiking/biking trail which takes you on a looping trail atop limestone ridges crowned by cedar brakes. By the time we completed our ride, I was sure the accepted definition in the cycling world and my interpretation of the word “moderate” differed greatly.
We had not been to this state park since our kids were young. We rode around on the surface streets reminiscing. We found the trailhead for Cedar Break and began our adventure. First order of business was crossing the Paluxy River. I was a bit reluctant at first but after seeing Vidal ride through it with ease, I went for it. There was a slight hill just about five feet from the shore and we managed that one with some effort. I was feeling a bit redeemed from my prior gravel excursion but it was short lived. The second hill came quickly and I managed to go off trail and into tall grass. Having lost my momentum I was left with walking my bike up to the crest. It would be the first of at least five inclines that proved to steep for us. It was going to be one of those days.
I was also battling with faulty communication from my brain to my body. Yes, it is possible to fall over from one’s bike while at a complete stop. I’m still learning the nuances of being clipped in to my pedals. I haven’t quite convinced my mind that there is absolutely no reason to panic when my right foot won’t unclip easily, especially when my left foot is on terra firma. I stopped counting after the third time it happened. 🤦♀️ It was still proving to be one of those days.
At one point we reached a flat, rather smooth area and we picked up speed. I was determined to try and keep up with Vidal and I was enjoying the chase. I started to feel a bit confident, cocky even….then it happened. I don’t have any idea what obstacle met my front wheel but before I could process what was happening I had catapulted off my seat, over the handlebars and onto the ground. I looked myself over, saw no blood, and started laughing. I couldn’t believe I had just experienced my first endo(end over end crash). Vidal rode up to me and his first reaction was, “Well, your laughing so I guess that’s a good thing.” You will have to have him tell you the story from his point of view. The sound effects he adds are hysterical! It definitely was continuing to be one of those days.
We forged ahead anticipating another river crossing and the end of the trail. We were led to the water’s edge and quickly determined this was not where we had crossed previously. This section had stepping stones of varied sizes and the water was a bit swifter. Navigating my bike alongside me while ensuring my footing was secure proved to be quite challenging. I must have provided quite the entertainment as a young man came alongside me, took my bike from me, carried it over to the opposite bank where Vidal had just reached, then just smiled and said, “Have a great day.” It was one of those days.
We took a much needed break then continued on. The trail narrowed significantly and we began to question whether we were following the map correctly. We walked a few more feet and it was clear we had missed the connecting trail. At this point our only option was to climb up a steep embankment…and so we did. Maneuvering one bike at a time, I would grab a tree root above me with one hand, the front tire with the other and scooch myself up on my bottom a little at a time. Vidal would grab a tree root with one hand, the back tire with the other, and push and crawl on his knees at the same time. I pulled, he pushed, we laughed. It was one of those days.
We reached the top and eventually found our way back to our campsite. That had to be the most arduous 8-mile trail we’ve ever ridden. We encountered obstacles and challenges that not only tested our abilities but our emotions. It could have been so easy for either of us to get annoyed with the other. It was hot, dusty, and we were getting hungry; we had consumed all our snacks. But there was just something about being out there together. The misread map, falls, fatigue, teamwork, it made for a fun adventure. There is so much left to explore and as long as the Lord allows us the ability; I will go “anywhere with you”, Vidal.
Lessons Learned When... 