Two paths diverged in a rocky desert…

"and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference"
_______________________________

Not so long ago, just about 12 months and some weeks I went to Bootleg Canyon for a weekend full of DH debauchery. I enjoyed the entirety of it, and felt like my descending skills were in full progression. Only a few weeks later I went on to do pretty well at a local Expert DH race; far better than I expected.

This year I felt fear looking at the rocky descent, and walked far more than I should have. Confidence in descending is a tricky thing.



This year we'd be in opposite gear.



We even shared a few of these



Some friends change, but some remain the same



Not sure I'd hit that.

This post somewhat segway's into what will eventually become the 2008 Introspective; my veritable Year In Review.

2008 was not my typical year. I went from thinking I was eating healthy to eating a lot healthier, from dealing with hills and intervals to craving more speed on them and knowing there will always be people faster to chase up them, from being far over my comfort weight to falling far below it and still being able to ride fast and for long hours, and rather than worrying about a meaningless series jersey as an "underclassmen" I'm going to try to take the plunge to varsity ball.

I guessed I'd hit a bit over 3,000 miles, and at this point I'll likely reach 4,500 or more.

I thought I rode a lot in May, but the past month has showed me that consistency is key, but it does physically wear you down.

Things will always change, but somewhere along my 2008 journey, way back in the early weeks and months of the year I chose to travel down one path, and looking back I can say I might go back and try that one another day, but realistically, as Mr. Frost so well layed out many years ago, way leads on to way, and I probably won't be back.

Others will trod down that path enthusiastically, I have no doubt, but it isn't for me anymore. Don't be sad; when one door closes another one opens.







I told you some things never change...



Saturday I went on a 3 hour solo ride, watching the DHers on the shuttle perpetually riding up the mountain, and imagining them riding back down. I know some of those trails. They are challenging, and fun, and adrenaline enducing. Surprisingly enough, so are the trails made for lycra-clad riders on soft tails.







I spent 3 days outside of Vegas, and until the final hour this was as close as I got



I looked forward to that view for 2 days.





As always, for James



Mas Tequila!



I'd been waiting for a photographer for 3 days to get this shot...



Justin joined me on Sunday morning for a fun ride through the hills.









We took a detour to the airport and then spent far too many hours in holiday traffic. I guess we could've left at 7:30 and made it home in half the time, but I'm glad we rode Bootleg one last time. I should've used the helmet cam to capture the fun rollers, fast singletrack, and tricky sections for those endless hours on the trainer.

Until next year...