Our friend Frank has been telling us about the great trails at MLK park about 2 miles from our house, and we've been anxious to check them out. Kid friendly trails in Corvallis can be hard to come by as most require a pretty steep climb. We are hoping to find some flatter trails with smaller climbs and mellower descents so that we can take other kids mountain biking without completely freaking them or their parents out. We were off, about 3:30 Sunday afternoon.
2 solid hours of slipping and sliding, grunting and grinding our way through the trails of the park and we realized we had better get home before we lose our daylight. We were definitely ill prepared in the light department, so made sure to stay close while using the lights we did have in the front and back of our four person train. The 2 mile ride home was really cold, and getting fairly dark. As I noticed my hands going numb, I looked at my kids expecting to hear grumbles and complaints. Both looked as content as could be, and not one mention of being uncomfortable. The pleasure outweighs the pain here I guess. Sweet!!
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| My happy boys! Trevor, Keller and Alleck |
We arrived home to a garage full of chatter as the boys exchanged recounts of their time on the trails. As they removed their clothes for washing they excitedly showed each other their muddy legs and faces. I must admit, I was smiling inside and out as I observed this joyful exchange as they readied for their bath. They felt good. They each had moments on that ride tonight that made them feel strong, challenged them physically and were encouraged to push through a difficult part of the trail. We explored some unknown territory together, each allowing the other to "lead the way". It was awesome, really in every way.
This is why we do this. This is our connection.
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| Alleck rides away |
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| Keller loves practicing his jumps |
