The windy days return

I've been having a bit too much fun lately on my Horsethief. I should have gotten a 5" bike years ago for the kind of terrain I like to ride. After two frightening crashes in my backyard playground a few weeks ago, I've only been back a couple times.

On Saturday, Rob, Dan, and I braved 50-70 mph wind gusts to have some fun. My confidence was back, partly due to some even knobbier tires, and I spent the entire time either grinning (on the descents) or grimacing (on the nasty climbs). 

We each blew completely off the trail at least a few times, eliciting more than a bit of laughter by everyone involved. It also highlighted the sheer craziness of the roadies we saw trying to ride (or walk) their bikes along the base of the foothills. The cracking of nearby branches and the freshly downed trees weren't quite as comical.

It was great to get back out there, and with some strong riders to boot. Now I should get some sleep before heading to my dissertation defense in the morning. My seemingly eternal days (years!) of being a student are nearly over...