Wheeler to Breck

#followcamfriday ticking off another high-country classic with James Weingarten and Botsy Phillips. 

How had I never ridden this one before? I have gone up and over Miners Creek, but had never had the pleasure of descending the Wheeler Trail into Breck. Yes, Spruce Creek and Burro are riddled with hikers, but on the right day, at the right time, this 3000ft rip is absolutely world-class. Unless you don't like roots and rocks, in which case you might be reading the wrong blog. 

As we all navigate the "new normal", I can honestly say that I am enjoying spending time with my close friends, close to home. After traveling full-time for the last 5 years, I guess a break was exactly what I needed. While I have been extremely fortunate to travel the world with my bicycle, sometimes you just need to take a step back and appreciate what you have in this life. If there is a silver lining to the pandemic, this is it. A time to reflect, reevaluate and appreciate what I have in this life. 

This is season 5 of Follow cam friday. The very first person I filmed riding was Botsy Phillips. It seems like yesterday to me. That is how fast my life has been moving for the last 5 years. A blink of the eye. It moves that fast. When I look back, it all seems like a blur. Time to slow down and appreciate these experiences to the fullest. It is comforting to know however that the original idea I had has not changed very much. My videos are still about riding with my friends and exploring new trails. Nothing more. It's never been about me, it has always been about my friends. I am unbelievably thankful for my friends. 

Botsy is living his best life, growing old gracefully, in the air. Recently married and with one more child since we have ridden last, it is comforting to see that he is still pinned and more motivated than ever. 

James also seems more motivated than ever, after becoming a father. I wonder how many years will pass before the children learn to go faster than the fathers. That is a tall order as both James and Botsy are pro-level riders, but I can only imagine how rad their children will be on the bike, growing up with this sort of influence. Neither of my parents really rode bikes when I was growing up, I guess I picked it up on my own. I bet James' son won't even use a front wheel when he starts riding. 

I guess what I am trying to say in all of this is that bikes are the glue that holds us together. No matter what happens in life, pandemics, children, injury, marriage, whatever, we will always share this passion and stay motivated. Keeping the levels right is the key to life. Yay bikes.