Heavy

it's been a tough few days;

a friend has made some poor choices

that affect the spouse and children

and the whole thing is weighing on me;

and Stella, she tried getting me out on Sunday

but we've had so much rain the trails were too muddy

so the ride had to wait;

and Stella was really the one who

would have taken my mind off things

because ya can't be thinking about your stupid friends

when she hauls you over a gnarly downhill

with a banked corner

that sends you straight into the hairpin

and through the meadow

toward the log pile

-ob :-(

When Preparation Meets Opportunity

it's like the night before a race
checking the bags to make sure everything is there
and looking through the closet to be sure about what stays
it's preparation
knowing strengths
being aware of weaknesses but knowing how to shield them
it's familiarity with tactics
it's the coach who recognizes
the soigneurs who know
but it's a brand new course
it's jumping the field
and teammates who sacrifice
and fans who believe

- tOB making a move

But Not the Wheels

spinning
but not on the bicycle
riding miles
but not down the road
eyeing the opening
but not from within the pack
struggling to finish
but not the race

- Osometimes it's hardB

Intersection

straddling the edge pondering the unexplored steep narrow singletrack winding over rock beds across logs down into a bank of trees the climb begins someplace beneath the overgrowth I know the route that brought me here but unfamiliar intricate trails are demanding and even more amazing

- OB go that way!

Frustration

riding the thin line

of decisions made for my future

docile when they were made

now they hit back

pinch and slap with undue authority

when the wheel bobbles



- tob tired of riding the straight and narrow