Distractions

Elevated bridges are not the place to be distracted.













Distractions are everywhere. Laundry, leaves, cleaning the pool, changing the oil, beer (o.k., mostly beer), the Victoria's Secret catalog arriving in the mail...you name it. There are a great many things that provide excuses not to ride, not to try that technical section you never try, or to clean that switchback you never make. They are all just distractions that keep you from doing what you love. "I can't ride today, I have things to do!" you say. Three hours later you are still sitting in your pajamas watching old re-runs of "Goober and The Ghost Chasers" on T.V., when you could have already ridden 60 miles.










One of the few places in Columbus' Phase 2 trail where distraction can cause separtion of rider from bike.






Riding a bike IS the distraction to some. It's a way for them to escape the daily grind of work and the honey-do list at home. Striking out on a trail that you have never ridden is like getting therapy, only you don't have to sit on a couch and answer rhetorical questions for two hours. You can work out all your problems by just distracting yourself long enough on a gut-wrenching climb to make everything allright. The ceaseless droning of the road bike's wheels hurriedly making their way down a lonely road gives them the chance to make their problems disappear with every passing mile marker.





The Chalk Creek Stampede in Colorado is no place to be distracted by the vast amount of micro-breweries in this state...or is it?







Winter in Columbus is all the distraction most of us need. Despite the fact that the city plows the
bike paths usually before they plow the roads, and studded tires and winter clothing are readily available....many still opt to stay at home when it gets below 40 degrees. It's always surprising to me to see how many people actually commute along the city's bike paths regardless of the weather. These people have their gear down to a "T," and the bikes are set up to pefectly adapt to the conditions at hand.







Taylor trying to be distraction-free at Fontucky.







My favorite distraction is a six pack of Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale and wrestling with my five year old. The only problem is, my custom Ti hardtail sits right near the fireplace and mocks me. Medals from past mountain bike races adorn the fireplace, but thankfully I don't feel the need to "prove" myself anymore. My bike still goofs on me though. As I laugh and twist my son's body into funnel cake (mmmmmm...funnel cake), I hear my bike mocking me, calling me names. It's very distracting when I have a child in one hand and a cold beer in the other.









Being chased by a guy in red bib-tights and a triton up Mulholland Drive's famous "Rock Store" climb is so distracting, you may wish to stay home and ride the magnetic trainer instead.







I thought I'd post some photos of sunny days from all over the country, where the distraction of winter had nothing to do with anyone riding. I hope to see everyone out on their bikes over the winter, even if you only get out once. Is that the cel phone ringing? I have to go now....frikkin' distractions...










Kentucky's own Jeff Williams at the 24hrs. of Burn, where distractions ranged from "I can't feel my butt" to whether his lights would last him through the rainy and cold night.









The views from Thunder Mtn. Trail in Utah are distracting enough to turn you into Puma bait if you stare too long.