Time Off for (reasonably) Good Behavior

[Laneco]

I really needed a "mental health" day and my boss was kind enough to accomodate me. Haven't taken any of my 5 weeks or so of vacation since I started with the company last August.

I needed to become "one" with my mountain bike and could feel Applegate Lake calling my name... This a reservoir about 30 minutes from my house, straddling the California-Oregon border. I've never measured it, but I'd guess the trail that circumnavigates the lake is about 17 or 18 miles long. Nothing technical, just fun rolling single track, twisty and narrow.

angela

[Zeke]

I get time off for bad behavior.

[Heel n Toe]

Good to see Butters survived Brotherville.

[Laneco]

The drive out to Applegate Lake is pretty fun, too. Quite country roads, great scenery and some fun twisties. I caught up to a Nissan cute-ute just before the lake. The best parking place is by the dam/overlook area. It's a no-fee area and has a restroom. The Nissan guy parked in in the same area. As he began unloading I asked:

"So - you call in sick too?"

he laughed and answered "Yeah, it was the only way I could get the day off!"

Nice young fella, a manager for a video chain store - Andrew. We decided to ride together, well, for as long as I could stay up which I figured wouldn't be very long...

You know, that pride thing, gets you every time, doesn't it? As we roll out, the first mile or two are on pavement, crossing the dam and head to a campground that begins the trail. In the campground, we pitch off the asphalt and the fun begins. I'm in front and determined not to hold up Andrew, so I'm buzzing along pretty good. My skill level is pretty adequate so none of the little rocky creek crossings deter me and Andrew isn't breathing down my neck.

Of course, I'm gasping for air, but hey - I'm still AHEAD of a 20 something guy! We stop to shed jackets and as we're talking, I take off the heavy winter tights that are over my cycling shorts. Way too warm for these today but the backside of this lake can be very chilly. No today though. It was pretty funny when I slid them off, I think Andrew thought I was dropping all of my drawers and he looked awfully relieved when he realized I had shorts on under them!

We switch leads and I chase determinedly, legs burning I stay within about 50 or 60 yards. All of a sudden, Andrew stops dead. He looks at his watch as I roll up and announces that he's all done for today and is going to head home. What? We're only 1/3 of the way around? Then he tells me he's never actually ridden around the whole lake... Dang. No wonder he was going so fast... Well, that and he's just faster than I am (as are most people and nearly all guys).

But I've committed to riding the whole lake! So after the worst of the lung heaving is done, I continue my little adventure. The wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Sorry the pictures aren't any clearer, I've yet to master extreme closeups.

[Laneco]

Normally I use a backpack water system when I mountain bike. I find that I drink more water with that especially when I'm on single track where I need both hands on the bars. Today I had the big backpack on and didn't want any more weight up top (camera, clothes, food, spares, etc) so I just used a water bottle. Wound up not drinking enough and got a little dehydrated. Not bad, just enough to contribute to fatigue.

The trail was dry all the way around. Saw wild turkeys, assorted raptors, duck, geese and bear scat. The bears around here are little guys - all black bears. Just let them know you are there and don't bother the cubs. These pictures are the backside of the lake - probably near the midway point of the ride.

angela

[Laneco]

After parting company with Andrew, I didn't see or even hear another person for the rest of the ride. Like I was a million miles from civilization, not just 30 minutes from home base. Gave me alot of time to think.

For me, mountain biking is a very meditative experience. I've been quite stressed out with stuff going on with the parents, work, etc. By the end of the ride, all that tension had gone away and I even came up with a possible solution to at least some of the problems.

The last few miles are a choice. Fairly flat trail or pretty hilly road. I opted for the road. Figured I may as well burn the legs out the rest of the way, right? LOL!

After the ride, I loaded the bike up and headed home. More fun twisty roads! All in all? Fun riding, a new riding buddy and zesty drive each way.

Porsche drive and mountain biking - what a GREAT day!

angela

[Laneco]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Good to see Butters survived Brotherville.

Oh yeah, forgot to update that one. Butters was returned after two weeks fully washed, a full tank of fuel, and another Porsche enthusiast has been created.

Milt - yes, time off for BAD behavior does occur - LOL! Make the best of it!

angela

[Dan in Pasadena]

I call in with "Anal Glaucoma" otherwise known as "eye trouble".

As in, "I can't see my a$$ going to work today."

[tcar]

So.... Angela...

do you actually get 10 weeks of vacation a year????

(5 weeks since Aug).

+1 on mountain biking

[Laneco]

10 weeks? No... But I did negotiate 3 weeks at hiring plus what I've accumulated since that time, along with unused personal days. Adds up pretty fast.

The killer was when I left my state job I walked away from 600 hours of leave... Due to my hire date, I couldn't cash out or take it with me. Nor could I roll it into my retirement fun. That stunk! But I'm alot better off where I am now then I would have been staying at the State job. That was a solid job, but I need a little more adventure in my life!

So - here's to adventures - wherever you may find them!

angela

[Dantilla]

I bought myself a new Cannondale mountain bike a couple years ago as a treat, and every time I hop on it, I start acting like a 14-year-old.

Great fun, well worth it.

[Tobra]

We used to go riding at Silvercreek Falls State Park often when I went to Willamette. Rode down a long flight of stairs on a dare one time.

We got kicked out of an all you can eat place after rides on more than one occasion, when we had obviously not had, "all we could eat"

That looks pretty sweet.