My dabblings on this blog caused me to take a little different approach to this morning's ride. I decided to grab a few shots along the way and write a little bit about it. It's interesting, that little change in mindset made me look at the day entirely differently.

I got up slowly this morning. The internal clock seems to ring around 6:00. Coffee, check email, check Cre8buzz and started gearing up. (Side Note: I think the launch of Cre8buzz has added another 15-20 minutes to my early routine!). I headed outside planning on an easy 90 minutes on a local trail.

A tangent: My buddy and neighbor Dax helped me put my yellow Yeti hardtail back together. It had been canabalized for parts and never reassembled. We had a few Dale's and he shared his race experience at the Leadville 100. Dax is an extremely strong rider and got 15th out of, oh 20 million riders. Hopefully, he will join soon and give us a full race report.

All right, got on Yellow and started pedaling the pavement to Heil Ranch, a local trail. It started raining. It rarely rains that early here. Oh well, I was feeling great. Legs were strong and the bike felt great. I had a new playlist in the Ipod too.

It struck me that these roads are filled with tourists this time of year. They all come to see the sights just out my door. Hmm.

I came across a group of deer near the crest of the Old Stage Road climb. These deer are always out and I've had a near miss once or twice on the decent. We ignore each other, like usual. Again, I smiled knowing that they are always there and I get to see them whenever I haul myself out.

By the time I made the trailhead, the rain had stopped. Not a car in the parking lot. Very nice. I noticed the "Beware Mountain Lions" sign that I usually ignore. I've never seen a mountain lion. I took a shot, though. It makes mountain biking seem Extreme. Like Mountain Dew and Ford Escapes. I rode a lap and another at the top. I missed my rear suspension. Very loose and rocky but a great trail. I cruised home.

My old standby was a little different today. I really enjoyed it and am grateful that it's there. Ok, 8:30. Time to start work. Smile.

Check the shots in the gallery