Last week I got a new tattoo.  I don’t have a bunch of tattoos.  I have three actually including this most recent one.  My rules on tattoos are I need to want them for at least three years, and they need to mean something to me or about me.  This most recent one is something I had thought of doing about 10 years ago, but didn’t.  For those of you who have known me through the years know the last six years have been a little rough.  I don’t expect anyone to understand why as we all live our own lives.  But lets just say I haven’t been the happiest dude around.  About three months ago I was talking to someone and I said “You know, the happiest I ever was is when I would get home from work everyday, and ride my mountain bike.”  A week or so later it hit me, is that was what was missing from my life.  Riding.  Since I can remember I rode a bike.  It was my ticket to freedom.  With a bike, the world was my oyster.  After breaking my back on the dirt bike.  I had stopped riding.  Also, all my friends who rode were gone, married with families, or otherwise pre-occupied so I didn’t get back into riding.

Then, about two months ago Alison wanted to look at new bikes.  She was riding the really old bike of mine and doing well, but we both agreed she’d do even better on a bike that fit her better.  That’s when it happened.  I sat on a Santa Cruz Nomad and was like “Oh! This bike was made for ME!”  Then, I obsessed on it for two weeks, and then I bought it.  And, I couldn’t be happier.  Since then my attitude is better, I’m healthier, and I’m way more fun to hang out with!  So, in comes the new tattoo.  I never want to forget to ride again.  Its such a part of who I am and it helps me recenter and find myself again when I’m lost.  I’m glad I found riding again.  I’m glad I have friends who will do it with me.  Thank you!