An introduction to a tale of inactivity, sneaking out of the office, and just maybe a few shenanigans from our Promotions Manager.
It wasn’t supposed to be like this, we used to be so close. When did we grow apart? It’s all my fault, she’s been there the entire time and I’ve just ignored her. I can’t even summon the courage to look her way. The guilt is killing me….
Oh, wait a minute, I’m not talking about my wife or my overly needy Aussie. I’m thinking about my bike as I grab a nut from the workbench in my garage. Not too long ago I used to be a fairly serious rider, never a mountain biker but a fairly decent road cyclist. For whatever reasons, and not a single good one on the list, I hung my bikes on the garage wall years ago and haven’t ridden for a very, very long time. It’s kind of sad, but mostly pathetic.
The biggest project by far that I’m currently involved with is Ride Centercriteria. What it all boils down to is Richmond will be one of the hippest places you can find to bring your bike for a few days to ride, hangout, and goof off.
Our partners in the project include a broad spectrum of non-profit organizations and other entities. We have the International Mountain Bike Association and their local chapter Dominion Power. As I pointed out earlier, not a bad group to hang out with.
The problem is, I haven’t been getting out of the office much these days. Nobody’s fault but my own, but that’s about to change. In fact, like a child, I’ve been told to go outside and play by my superiors. I bought a mountain bike last year thinking I would get outside and learn how to ride it but it has only become a constant reminder of my inactivity. I’m the only person I know who dusts his bikes instead of using a hose.
Here’s my plan. I’m going to take advantage of my situation and pull the bike off the wall, start riding again, and let everyone know what’s going on with the Ride Center Project. It should be slightly humorous (see old, fat guy picture), a little embarrassing, hopefully not too painful, and a tad informative if it works out right. If this works out I’ll probably try to get the higher ups to buy into my scheme for an “Outdoor Adventure” series and be sneaking away to New River Trail for some kayaking.
Central Office trail map, what’s wrong with this picture?
Hmmmm…..this is sounding better all the time.
Now I’m going to go home, treat the bikes to a nice evening of fresh chain lube and a tune, apologize, and hope they forgive me. My wife, who runs at the sight of a lady bug and insists that I never go outside again because the dog and I got into a yellow jackets nest last week, has even volunteered to join me in some of my adventures and to not be jealous if I fall in love with the bike again. Now I just have to learn how to explain to Scout the Wonder Dog why I went to the park without her and I’m good to go.
Time to get on the horn and make some plans, stay tuned…..
Steve B