Choice Cuts–Justin Julian
For the month of December and into January, we’d like to share some of the Salsa Crew's and our sponsored riders' favorite moments from 2015. By all accounts, it's been a great year!
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In 2015, my wife and I had the privilege of watching our 3-year-old start pedaling a bicycle! It wasn’t long before he propelled himself down our cul-de-sac, ready to hit the trails like we had done so many times before on his Strider. He’s since turned 4, and there is no stopping the contagious excitement he has for riding bikes.
First trail trials ...
One of my favorite moments happened this fall. During this temperate and dry Minnesota autumn, the trees were turning beautiful hues of red and purple. The trail seemed to shine like a ribbon of dirt that could lead us to something even more beautiful. We have a short 3- to 4-mile ride that wanders through neighborhoods, a city park (with a few small dirt jumps that we have to ride over every time we pass by), and an elementary school yard that delivers us to the trailhead. The trail is only a 5-mile long system made of two connected loops. However, to him, that 5 miles seems like a journey to the far end of the world and back.
Feet-off-the-pedals enthusiasm ...
This ride struck me, because it was a reminder of why we all ride bikes. Freedom is a word often tossed around with many different definitions dependent on who you’re talking to. But the freedom we all understand rings true for me here. The feet-off-the-pedals kind, as the bike pushes you through many different emotions, all in a short 5-mile trail. The excitement of conquering the root that sticks out across the trail that looks as if it will grab your wheel and toss you to the ground. Apprehension about making it up the hill that looks like it will never end. Joy from being with the ones you love. Appreciation for the work put in and the reward you receive. Truly, a ride for the books!
Beargrease: Here is to 2016 and many more rides to come ...