Long Goodbyes and New Possibilities

Everybody gets excited by the prospect of riding new trails. It is especially joyous when moving to a new town full of possibilities. With meeting new friends and buddies to ride the local trails comes an assortment of fresh adventures. This is one of the cornerstones of our sport: the ability to go someplace else and instantly hook up with fellow riders who share the same passion.

Teamwork always makes things go faster

All of this excitement, however, brings a feeling of sadness and loss which can be overwhelming. The realization that we are leaving behind friends that have become a vital part of our lives, people who have dedicated their lives not only to the trails, but to making your life just that much more enjoyable, is a sobering thought. It can make us not want to leave all what we have known behind.

All too often it seems like we do more building than riding. At the end of the day, though, it makes it worth it

For almost five years I have given my free time to my local trail system here in Florida. Most of it has been in the company of good friends. It is with these relationships I feel that I have truly progressed my skill as both a rider and a builder. The ability to discuss, build, and then create a new line or trail that comes to fruition has been one of the greatest pleasure of my life. To see it come to life with the help of my friends is something that will always give me pause, and makes my soul flood with elation.

Catching some shade

With that in mind, however, I am overcome with sadness. All of the blood, sweat, and tears that we put into our way of life are bound to come to an end, as with all good things in life. While we never truly leave that what we made behind, life trudges on to the beat of its own drum. It is an inexplicable part of life that we must come to terms with on our own accord. But with that comes the last goodbye...the last ride.

You know you have something special when you have this many bikes laying around

It is this idea that should be the focused on. The new trails, new life and new possibilities ahead should be embraced. I count myself fortunate that my family is as passionate (even called crazy) about mountain biking as I am. I have embraced the changes in my life that have brought me back to my old stomping ground, and look forward to tackling the new challenges to come. Knowing the trails that I love are in the capable hands of people I have come to deeply regard is also a comforting thought. And it already makes me excited for my trip back down to Santos.

The last course walk, the last ride

So, this is my farewell, but it is never my goodbye.

Rider up.
-Travis

Posted In:
Stories Reader Stories