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Excited to Ride

Years ago, when I still cared about my car, I remember spending an entire Saturday washing, vacuuming, spraying the tires with Armour All, and making it look new again.

Years ago, when I still cared about my car, I remember spending an entire Saturday washing, vacuuming, spraying the tires with Armour All, and making it look new again.

The following week I would drive to work with a big smile, I would corner a little faster and accelerate a bit harder from the lights. I was proud of my car and excited to drive.

These days I get the same feeling after I tune up my bike. It shifts smoothly, brakes perfectly and I find I ride harder for a few days, despite having poor fitness.

But, getting a new bike far outweighs the feeling of a tune up. When I throw my leg over a new bike, I ride so far over my head for the first few weeks it makes me feel like a racer again. I climb faster, I corner faster and the down hills get me so amped up I feel young again.

Last night on the Youth Mountain Bike Ride, one of our little riders arrived on a new bike. He had had a few struggles the previous weeks as he was getting used to the trails and the obstacles, but last night on his new bike he went from the back of the ride to mid pack. He was riding hard, using more skill and he attempted all the obstacles along the way.

When we got to the point where we split the group he happily chose the faster option with added single track, and he did it all with a big smile.

I am sure it wasn’t all the new bike. He is advancing quickly and getting stronger every week, but having a shiny new steed with the latest goodies on it definitely had this kid excited and ready to tackle anything.

Hmm, it’s been a few months since my last new bike … Maybe I’ll go shopping today.

I’m James Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’…