February Riding

It's been a warm winter and that means a lot of riding outside and the trainer is getting no use and many cobwebs, yeah! But regardless of how grateful I am for Nobo trails, Hall Ranch and Picture Rock, it's getting a little stale and I'm looking for different rides and adventures. Kinda cabin fever for trail riding. So on Saturday I decided to head out solo on the north facing trails behind my house. These trails are never open in February, I usually have to wait till May to ride them. But not this year...

Part of the trail system on the back of our mountain. It's 60% clear right now.

Some lovely winter socks for riding.

And there is still some winter snowy conditions where the sun doesn't quite reach yet.

Sunday was a even warmer day, though with some clouds hiding the sun. We headed out with Kim and Dan and met Scott up at Walker Ranch. I had a feeling this ride would be good to go and it was delightful. We hadn't ridden with Kim and Dan in while so it was nice to catch up with those two and I got to see Kim's Salsa 29er that climbs wicked fast. It was nice to get Scott out too.

However we were plaugued with mechanicals starting with Craig's pinch flat 5 minutes into the ride. 10 minutes later we stopped again for awhile to help out some other folks with a flat and no tube, patch kit or tools, oops. We climbed up the portage and zipped away on dry trails.

Dan attempting a difficult tech section, that tree is really in the way..

Agh, so close!

Kim's turn..

Kim got very close as well and had some onlookers for added pressure. We all attempted this nasty little climb, it was tough but I think it's only a matter of time before it's ticked off.

Kim and Dan apri ride, good ride!

Scott and Craig apri ride as well enjoying some Sessions and getting the rigs ready to roll back home. I didn't take a ton of pics, focused on riding, it was a splendid day, good folks, good riding, some good DH. There wasn't much snow at all, only exception was on the switchback section down but totally ridable, fun and with a little sketch factor thrown in for good measure. Now I'm wondering how many of my other little local stashes are ready to ride. It's nice when everything seems to come together effortlessly.

Root, a better dog there never was..

Root at Sunrise at Fish & Owl Canyon, UT
(Image taken by Bob Stovern)

Root - Our Beloved Boy

Our boy Root passed on from this life this weekend. It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to him, he's been with us for 15 years. He was so much a part of our lives, our history.

Josy and Root

Josy and Root were like brother and sister, though from separate litters, they were 5 weeks apart in age, Root older. They were so close, I feel bad for Josy being without her pal.
Root we love you brave boy, your memory lives on in our hearts and minds!

Out There

Storm organizing itself over the desert near Cedar Mesa, UT.

Winter has been dry and warm here in Boulder this year, it's wearing on me, the same dish served up everyday. I'm actually missing dark storm filled skies and the threat of snow, I'd say rain too because I love rain in dry places but we don't get rain in the winter here. This time of year my desire to be in the desert, the canyons, becomes palpable and I do a lot of day dreaming of getting somewhat lost wondering around out in the middle of nowhere. Enjoying the solitude and isolation that comes with the desert. My inner dirt-bag moaning for attention.

Salt Flats, Death Valley.

My thoughts turn to a simple life of traveling around, adventures and exploration with just the essentials to life. Unburdening oneself from all the things that weigh and pull at you, stress and wear at you. I could live for awhile in my truck with my man, my bike and some gear, the dogs too, just following our hearts content, going where we want, when we want. Living by the sun and moon. That way of being has always been a part of my soul just because you get older doesn't mean that part of you should or does go away.

Road Canyon, Cedar Mesa, UT

Right now a variety of things are extremely challenging for myself and Craig. When I carry too many burdens my thoughts always stream to a simpler way of existence, to a way of living that has balance and purpose, that doesn't turn you inside and out, an existence that matters in a way not associated with things but experience. I am there in my heart.

Suprises are Nice

I got a call Saturday morning from my friend Anne. She was in Boulder from Santa Fe with her son Cypress and her friend Tarn. Luckily I had no plans so I got to spend the whole day with her and Cy. Anne is one of those dear friends that I don't see very often but when I do we just pick up from where we left off, I've known here for more than 15 years I think. Cypress I've known since he was born, he's grown a lot, 9 years now. She has a beautiful daughter, Cree, but she wasn't a long for this trip.

Anne and Cypress.

Anne and myself!

Anne has always inspired me with her spirit and energy for life, she's a very unique person and she's an amazing photographer as well. I'm so glad you called!

A Reminder

When I feel out of sorts, riding puts me back on top of my world, it diminishes those things that are transient and focuses for me the things that are eternal. Plus I love to jump off shit!

Another Blog!

What, am I crazy or something! In the best interest of my business, I've created another blog for myself, except this one is for Alina Arts and my Etsy retail shop. I thought it would be a fine idea to separate this blog which is for my riding and non-art activities, though I'm sure some of that will show up here as it is a part of who I am after all. The new blog which is called Alina Arts will be dedicated to my art, my process, shows, sales, events and the day to day artist life and all the goo that runs through my mind and out my hands, the art experience as it were.
When you have a chance, come by and check out the new blog!

Winter Weather

This weekend marked the return of winter to our neck of the woods, snow and colder temperatures descended upon us which is fine by me, we need some winter around here. I've been feeling tired lately and there's a part of me that wants to just rest and read. I just finished an excellent book entitled, Learning to Breathe: One Woman's Journey of Spirit and Survival by Allsion Wright, I think I finished it in 4 days, so inspiring to me and the idea of never giving up, keep going forward.
At any rate, I'm feeling like I'd like to go snowshoeing instead of riding my bike so much, I know it's hard to believe even for me. So on Saturday and Sunday we went for hikes, good off the beaten track kinda hikes in the snow. Saturday we hiked up by Craig's brother Randy's place near Rollinsville and then on Sunday we did a hike on the backside of our mountain. Lotsa post holing but a great workout, adventure and route finding. Besides that I've been working more in the studio and getting projects around the house taken care of. So the return of winter is welcome by me for now, it'll change again soon enough.