Clean-up on Aisle Two

I spent this past weekend on the slopes patrolling. We haven’t had much new snow lately but it’s been cold so we haven’t lost much either. I figured this would be a standard weekend with the usual run-of-the-mill injuries – a wrist here, a knee there, a few bumps and bruises. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

There are certain types of injuries that maybe occur once a season, maybe. This weekend however, saw several very burly incidents, one right after another. When I say burly, I mean broken bones, deep lacerations, and bloodshed. I found myself asking, “What will happen next?” but I was afraid what the answer might be.

Normally, I like to include pictures with my posts to help enhance the text. I decided to forgo images from this weekend because the gnarly injuries wouldn’t have looked very good next to the pictures of my nieces and nephews.

When It’s 25 Degrees and Snowing, Go Out and Ride

This weekend I did something I wasn’t planning to do for at least another month or two. I got on my road bike and went for a ride. Now, this wasn’t entirely my idea. This grand plan came from the mind of my housemate Brian. See, Brian likes to do things that bring about lots of pain and suffering and this ride was no exception. First, it was cold. The temperature was running about thirty degrees. Second, it was snowing. It wasn’t a nice fluffy snow but more of a wet mix of snow, rain, and sleet. This made the roads nice and wet which also made my feet and hands nice and wet. Finally, it was the middle of February. I think that should have been reason enough for me to think twice about getting on my bike.

I have to admit, I was cold. I knew I would warm up a bit as the blood got flowing so I was optimistic. There wasn’t any wind to speak of so that was in our favor. We didn’t really have much of a plan other than to ride for at least an hour (but I had a feeling it would be longer).

After about twenty minutes I was comfortable except for my feet. Snow was building up on my ankles and melting into my shoes. Also, water from the road was spraying off my tires and onto my feet. We managed to get to the town of Centre Hall and stopped to clean our glasses and warm up a bit. My shoes and feet were completely soggy. I tried to get as much water out of my shoes for the return trip but that turned out to be a waste of time.

The ride back proved to be slightly less fun. We were about six miles from home when the feeling in my feet started to go away. My hands were getting numb and the snow was starting to build up on my glasses making it very difficult to see. When we finally made it back to the house both my feet were frozen and I couldn’t feel several of my fingers. Needless to say, I was happy to get off my bike, out of my wet gear, and start to warm up. We managed to spend about two hours on the bike and covered almost 30 miles. I’m not sure if it was worth it, but at least I have a February ride story.

An Early Spring

This past weekend I was out on the mountain patrolling. It was unseasonable warm and sunny which usually means two things:

1. The snow softens up and makes for great skiing conditions

2. Everyone (regardless of ability level) comes out to ski.

While I think it’s fantastic to see lots of people out enjoying the snow, there are some individuals that just shouldn’t be allowed to go outside, let alone be on a pair of skis. As I watched the multitudes of skiers and snowboarders slide down the mountain (not always standing upright) it became blatantly obvious that the majority of these people only come out on these rare spring-like days.

Typically the snow conditions are best in the morning but curiously most of the crowds didn’t arrive until mid afternoon. I’m not sure why it takes the masses so long to get to out but I’m willing to bet it’s because they’re digging through old boxes marked “Rad Ski Gear.” This is where they keep the Scotch-Guarded jeans, itchy wool socks (nothing synthetic here), gloves that change colors when it gets cold, and full burglar-style ski mask. Of course no trip to the ski slope would be complete without a stylish jacket representing some kind of large patterned neon color scheme.

Even though the slopes get extra crowded on these days, it’s nice to take a trip down memory lane and check out all the great fashions that should never have been allowed to see the light of day.

A Response

Hey SL,

Sorry I haven’t talked to you in a while. I realize I’ve been a bit distant, but that’s had nothing to do with you. I’ve been busy with work and other obligations that have been out of my control. I should’ve at least called to tell you what was going on. That’s my fault.

I never meant to hurt you, but I realize now that I may have. Sometimes I just get so wrapped up in my own world that I forget I’m not the only one in this relationship. I guess I wasn’t aware just how much you cared for me, but I know now.

You’re more important to me than you may know, but I guess I haven’t done a very good job at expressing that to you. I’ll do everything I can to keep this relationship going. I don’t want to lose you.

For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, just don't give up on me.

Eric