Not Such a Hard Decision

This one may ramble a bit, so if interested - stick with me, otherwise, have a nice day!

This is a favorite sign of mine on the Murray Lake trail at Brighton Recreation Area. It provides the opportunity to either work hard for a very brief period, or skip and head on down the trail. In my particular case, I have never opted for the easy route, so I don't really know what it looks like. When I first started riding, the Hard way was just that, I struggled with it. Now, it is a non-event that I actually enjoy.

Why this discussion about a sign you ask - because (cue the Beatles please) Today is My Birthday. I am now the ripe old age of 46. To put it in perspective, twice as old as my training partner (for those of you that read the MI scene - my money is on Brazilian and she is VERY weak at descending on a mountain bike) and older than I would have figured I would make it to when I was a wee lad. Most that knew me as a wee lad would not have put money on me making it this far. Along the journey to this day, the easy/hard decision making process has been crossed many times. I would love to provide some pearl of wisdom as to which way I go, but alas, I have none. Let me just say, "it all depends". I have managed to get myself to a spot personally and professionally where I am comfortable. I try to avoid the big ups and the big downs.



This is a picture of me this morning on the Potowatomi trail at Pinckney Recreation Area. A little bit about my birthday philosophy - it's all about me. It doesn't really matter to me whether anyone enjoys MY day with me or not. I honestly don't care - family and friends all fall into this. It is the one day out of the year that I focus entirely on me and do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Every other day of the year, other people have a chance of getting my focus, but not on April 6th, unless it's an emergency. So for today, I drove up to Pinckney and rode the Poto, then rode over to Brighton Rec and rode Torn Shirt and Murray Lake and then rode back to Pinckney. It was cold, windy and snowy at times. I would have liked to have company, but not really. I needed to get prepared for the upcoming hundies that start in two weeks. I hope it is warmer in TN!!

Along the way I passed this intersection:



I thought it was hilarious. I am coached by Steve McGregor and the irony of having 'Darwin' on the same sign is too much. Is it evolution or coaching?

The one thing I like about my birthday from a group perspective is the creativity of gifts. This is a mug that my wife got me:



If I had only known this earlier in life!!