Mirage and I did our first long trail ride to test ...what else...a new saddle.
Doing Hills seems to be a good indication of whether the saddle with hurt or
not. So I whipped out my map to find the toughest hills i could find. A trail
with a steep, switchback like climb from sea level to 1800 feet seemed like the
ticket.
So we set out in that direction. We came across several mtn bikers. Blasted by
them at a gallop up the first steep hill. Mirage was doing great. Low numbers
on the heart monitor and of course a willingness to continue is always a good
sign.
We ended up racing the bikers to the top of the same mountain. They went the
back way (less switchbacks..easier). We charged up the front and met them at
the top. Boy were they surprised. We all had lunch together at the top and
made phone calls on our respective cell phones to people on the valley floor.
Ain't technology grand!
The bikers wanted to know who would go down faster. I conseded that one to
them. Mirage drags his feet going down hill. But they were staying 15 min
longer so we left first.
I don't know if it was a new saddle or what, But Mirage RAN down that goat
trail like a wild thing. Definitely an "E" ticket ride. ( Disneyland reference)
Some hikers at the bottom witnessed the entire wild rush. Four miles of flying
black horse around curves that would make a sane person's head swim. What a
way to completely relieve "tax season" stress in one exciting ride. The hikers
were interested in the breed of horse. I told them Big Horn sheep. Couldn't
they tell? And, Yes, I was wearing my helmet. I haven't completely lost my
brain. Although you may be wondering about it now. <g>
We made it to the bottom and then 5 miles down a sandy wash to the stable.
22 miles round trip. 86 degrees when we got back.
I have to admit that the heat got to me a little. I forgot to wear my cool back
neck kerchief soaked in water. Washed it and forgot it in the laundry. Moral
here is to never wash anything so you don't forget it. Who cares what it smells
like. <g>
Mirage on the other hand, was just fine. Back doesn't seem to be sore and he
had WAY too much energy at the end. I'll have to do more exercises in my chair
at work next tax season. the saddle seems to be working. Our first ride May 18
will be the test. Have to get my butt in shape. His seems to be just fine.
I have enjoyed all your stories throughout tax season. They have kept me sane.
Thank you all.
See you on the trails
Alexandra and Mirage (my buddy)