Since the last post on March 1st, the way we work, live and ride has taken on a whole new approach. Everyone has been encouraged to stay and work at home, avoid groups and wear masks when in public. The meaning of a pace-line is now 4 across, rather than 4 in-a-row. Some of the riders have decided to ride solo and avoid group riding all together. However, with the war against the virus and few of the riders healing from broken bones and road rash, the PCRs continue to ride and enjoy the outdoors.
On a recent ride to South Fork canyon, pictured below, Big Man shared "The Cowboy Code" that Robert Garff lived by. Robert was a local successful businessman, leader, philanthropist, politician, father and grandfather, and passed away from complications of the COVID-19. He was an advocate for cowboy culture and the lessons that are taught out on the range.
1. Live each day with courage
2. Take pride in your work
3. Always finish what you start
4. Do what has to be done
5. Be tough, but fair
6. When you make a promise, keep it
7. Ride for the brand
8. Talk less and say more
9. Remember that some things aren’t for sale
10. Know where to draw the line
As the future continues to present new challenges and opportunities, may "The Cowboy Code" be a reference for all to live and ride by.
Have you ever wanted to just take off and ride your bike in a place you've never been before? A place where you have heard is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Well, MBA's dream came true as he and Big Man took off for St. George last month. Big Man, a frequent rider of this area, told MBA, not to worry, not to plan, but just show-up, shut-up and follow and come prepared for three days of the most unbelievable riding, scenery and good food, he has had in a long time.
Day 1 - The two bandits left SLC first thing and arrived at Zion National Park to a sunny day, with little traffic. Big Man told MBA to follow and he would show him some of the most amazing sites he had every seen, which could only truly be appreciated while on a bike. They rode up to the end of the park and then MBA was so excited to ride up to the tunnel, he left Big Man, as he was visiting with some local riders, the Olsons from Ivins, (see video below) to review routes, rides, and restaurants. Once arriving at the tunnel, the two of them enjoyed one of the most fun things to do and that is descend the windy road back to the parking lot. There was still daylight, and so they decided to see how far they could get to Kolob Reservoir. They were told it was a beautiful ride, but had a lot of climbing.... and that was NO JOKE! After two herds of elk, several deer and wild turkeys, the two finally ran into snow and headed back to the car for some unbelievable downhill.
Day 2 - With a storm due to hit St. George around noon, the two decided to get a 7:00AM start to ride one of Big Man's favorites, Leeds' Loop. However, MBA, being a little tired from Day 1, showed up 45 minutes late, which gave Big Man a little extra time to warm-up and wonder, REALLY??? The Loop started off with a little squirrel, as they headed up to the Red Cliff campground before riding past Quail Creek and onto Sand Hollow, golf and reservoir. They made the climb out of the reservoir and headed to another secret spot of Big Man's, Sky Ranch, a little community where you can fly your plane and taxi it right to your home/hanger.... WAY COOL!! Big Man couldn't talk MBA into joining him as he rode his bide down the runway. They still were enjoying good weather and headed to La Verkin to get a little morning snack at their newfound nugget, River Rock Roasting Company. After getting a little fuel, they headed to finish the Loop through Toquerville, where Big Man found the house of his dreams, and back to Leeds. The rain hadn't arrived yet, but it was coming. They still had time for one more squirrel and Big Man took MBA up through Silver Reef. They beat the rain, showered and enjoyed a late afternoon matinee, one that MBA loved, NOT! (Don't ever let Big Man pick the movie)
What would a ride be without cows and snakes?
It's even a "smart" home with a hole in the wall
to stick out your rifle
They saw Big Man coming
Day 3 - The rides continued to get better and Big Man saved one of the best for last, the Veyo Loop. They awoke to snow capped mountains, a chill in the air, no traffic and legs that were starting to show that they are both over 60. Arriving at Veyo pies around 10 AM, two hours before they opened, the decision was made to head towards Pine Valley..... WOW, what spectacular vistas they had with the snow covered trees and blue skies. A quick stop at Veyo Pies on the way back, where MBA had two slices of pie, the PCR geezers headed to Snow Canyon, again for another beautiful descent among the red rocks. MBA wanted to ride part of the bike path, even after Big Man warned him that many pick up goat heads and you know what they do and DID! (Listen To Your Leader)
Have you ever had someone say to you, "Get your head out of the clouds"? Well, maybe the next time they say that, your response should be:
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."
-Henry David Thoreau-
Gavin Pretor, gives a great TEDTalk about how we should spend more time looking at clouds. Take a few minutes and watch. (Click to Watch) As we ride this season, let's make sure to "LOOK UP" and enjoy the beauty around us. Why just the other morning a group of riders were headed south to ride a 40+ mile loop and a couple of the riders were so focused on the road and some were even complaining, that they almost missed a spectacular sunrise over our beautiful snow capped mountains to the east.
Here are just a few of the clouds that the PCRs have seen in 2020
