life on the ridge

It is all too easy to get frustrated with small town life. Sometimes, the people, the small town cliques, limited nightlife, et al become monotonous, incestuous, tiresome.

However, there is one thing that makes this small town stand out. the forest. its trails and fire roads are endless. and as you roll over the packed gravel pavement, you leave the reality of work, education, obligations, regulations and drama, and enter a peaceful, beautiful calm.


Three days in a row of amazing rides - topped off by a long, challenging, fire road exploration on the cross bike. Turns out rocky upper gettis it a bitch when your legs are giving out on a cross bike. burn all the way!

Today we took the dogs up to the ridge. We started up kettle - which was MUCH MORE PLEASANT to climb than the other side of kettle.

The top of the ridge is an AMAZING PLACE. i'd only heard about this side of the forest but had never explored.

Fueled by the forest, fire takes the old and rejuvenates with new. Lifeless vertical remnants creating visually stunning vertical walls along the high bush blue berry and mtn laurel lined trail.

There were two hawks out today searching for food & drifting in the wind.

The gas line, supporting an open meadow of ferns, queen anne's lace and other wildflowers.

Someone built a small rocky obstacle along-side the trail - would love to see someone ride that someday.

It's easy to get caught up in life's struggles. School, health, family, relationships, friends... can become overwhelming at times. But the woods are always there, right in the backyard - and so calming - and so incredibly beautiful. And such a reminder of why this town is really unique place to be.