This weekend was a four day weekend, not a three day as most are going to say. Why? Four rides. Four.
All on my favorite trails and each with something unique about them.
Friday night. Fast with the intent of getting a strong workout in before dark. That ride concluded with an impromptu party in the parking lot at the end with the trail regulars. I am now in. They called me over to offer a beer to me, the price being the telling of the story of the wrong shoes.
Saturday morning. Heart pounding warmup, followed by guiding a father and son through the trail system, then meeting little blue eyed Katherine and her family. I have been smiling about the sweet innocent offering of fruit treats from confident Katherine ever since then.
Sunday afternoon. My friend Jon texted me around noon to call me out to the trails before the predicted rain came in. Jon is one of the best bicycle riders I know, whether on the road or trail, and we put two solid hours of trail riding in. At the end, we had to deal with light rain, managed to load up our bikes moments before the deluge hit.
Monday morning. This morning. My friend Jim asked if I would meet him for a trail ride. I had contacted him last week after the fateful Monday evening blow up with Miriam. This morning’s ride was on our calendars since last Tuesday. Even though it was a rainy morning, Jim insisted that we ride, so we braved the sometimes slick trails and kept to the double track once the rain started coming down steadily.
My ride this morning was less about the ride and showing off my new bike as it was a time for Jim to lend his ear to me. Jim and I share similar faith in God, have supported each other a lot over the years. I lent him my ear during his divorce and through each girlfriend since then (got to laugh at that.. Jim is very selective, a good looking successful guy.. he has had a lot of girlfriends the last six years). I have learned a lot about the ups and downs and struggles and victories a divorced man faces by knowing Jim like I do.
I have a consultation with a divorce lawyer and mediator tomorrow. Yes. I have taken the next step, want to find about more of what might be to come. This does not mean I am taking that step, but it does mean that I am serious.
Something tells me that four days weekends are going to be very important and necessary for me.