On this cold evening, as I anticipate the return of spring, I've been contemplating on some of the more memorable rides from last season & this was just such a ride. Yes, the homestead was an awsome find, kind of icing on the cake but I think what made this ride more memorable than some was the way it was ridden. Summed up in one word..... Gravel!
Most of our rides are on perfectly paved roads which gives a person the chance to daydream, enjoy the sites but gravel is a different beast all together & riding it takes ones full attention. This was just such a ride & as we followed these gravel laden roads, I learned valuable lessons in different types of gravel. We started on basic packed dirt which is fairly easy to negotiate but as the ride progressed, we were suddenly introduced to a sort of pea gravel of which I must say... I'm not a fan. This pea gravel gave a false sense of being in control but if a wrong move was made, you knew it right away.
This is why this particular ride sticks out to me as I can remember vividly negotiating every gravel laden mile of this road. How I was actually able to spot the homestead we found while concentrating on my riding was probably by a chance glance. Having said that, I as a rider am always eager to learn new things, experience different styles of riding, as it all adds up to more experience that will come in handy the next time our searchings take us down these old country roads. All in all, it was a wonderful ride with lots to discover & ponder during the long cold prairie winter. Spring is not all that far off & I anticipate the new riding season, the new discoveries, the friendships that will become strengthened through our mutual love of riding & exploring. I definately see Gravel in my future!! James.