Milestone Ride

For years, I have longingly eyed a mountain bike path, one that stretches across Vail Pass.  This weekend, Will and I claimed the 30-mile span from Frisco to Vail.  It was a milestone ride to celebrate his 10 years.

The ride held all the elements of a good story:

• mystery - the path to us was new
• challenge - the climb, the cold rain
• struggle - there were 3 falls and slight altitude delirium
• determination - we paced ourselves with snack-point destinations
• joy - reaching the top of the pass
• beauty - breath-taking scenery
• euphoria - shouting to the wind at break-neck speed
• pride - we cruised into town, tired and content, just as the sun disappeared behind the mountains

As we rode, we spoke in code:  "2-5?"  "No, 3-2."  "1-4."  "2-6?"  "Yeah, 2-6."  It was his first time on a bike with more than 7 speeds.

On a grander scale, like the mountains around us, he pondered big questions:  "What is the funniest thing you've ever experienced?"  "What's the best thing you've ever done?"  "Do you talk to yourself?"  "If you could go anywhere, alone or with family, where would it be?"

At one point, Will said, "Wow - we are alone."  We were.  On that day, there were few others on the path.  But for me, the loneliness of the mountains, the rain, and the empty path felt warm because we were there together.  A mother of a fast growing 10-year old cannot wish for more.