Centerfold

Words and photos by Al "Muggster" Santos

Even though I've have been biking and being for more than a decade, I still get an overwhelming sense of freedom and joy when I'm out riding.

When I'm on my bike the worries of my everyday existence are no longer the foremost in my mind. They seemed to float away leaving me in a state of exhilaration and peace.

The much anticipated fall weather has finally arrived in our neck of the woods, the cool breeze ushering in the changing season. Time has come for me to get my cold weather gear out of the attic.

The clouds hung low as we singlespeeded our way inside the woods. To one who is enamored at this type of bicycle riding, leg-burning sensation is welcomed like a beacon of light beckoning a ship during stormy seas.

Crossing one of the many cool streams sent a shiver up my spine. The streams were choked full of decaying leaves and the rocks slippery. I'm off the saddle most of the time, trying to get more leverage to get that extra push needed to crest a hill. My hands are calloused from gripping the star studded Big Cheese too tightly.

For better part of the ride, I was very content in my unhurried cadence. The gradual hills that loomed ahead seemed formidable on my 32x16 drive train. But with a quick burst of energy I cleared most hills with relative leg burn. One gear is only a state of mind.

The hills can sometimes be too demanding and often I'm forced to walk my bike in defeat. There is no shame in walking steep hills. I gave it a go and for me that is all that matters. Take it easy..Muggster.