I didn’t have kids until I was in my forties, but I remember back in my late twenties and early thirties riding with buddies who had families.
We always had to ride early so they could “get on with their day.” I often wondered what that meant, all I had to do that day was ride, so what was with the 7 a.m. start? It was still great riding and we had a blast, but when the ride ended at 9 a.m., I would generally do another shuttle lap or two before heading home to have a nap. I also remember seeing buddies regularly while I was out mountain biking and they were doing a casual ride with their kids. I always felt so bad for them, having to give up their own rides for the sake of the family.
Well, how times change. I still love to get out for rides with my buddies and I enjoy a solo epic ride as much as anyone, but last Monday night I was leading our group ride and we were rolling along at a pretty good pace. We flew around a corner and saw one of our regular group riders, who’s very fast and really likes to push the pace, riding with his two young daughters. After a quick hello and a high five for the youngest one, we went our separate ways to ride more single track.
I didn’t find myself feeling sorry for him at all; if anything I felt a bit jealous.
I can’t wait to get my kids into the technical single track and seeing these two young girls advancing their skills so quickly, made me want to ditch the group and head home to get my kids ASAP.
I dream of the day when we can all ride at the same pace, or even better, they have to wait for me.
Considering my youngest is only eight months old I might be jumping the gun a little, but I can dream…and plan, can’t I?
I’m James Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’…
