"Dad, why are you walking like an old man?"

Those are the words I spoke to dad after his first big ride a few weekends ago.
Those were the words I followed up with a laugh and some eye rolling.
Those are the words that dad responded to with "keep talking linds, just keeeep talking."
Those are the words I had to eat this past weekend.

Friday afternoon:
Me: "I can't wait to ride!!"
Dad: "You're going to learn what is like to use muscles you didnt even know you had!"
Me: "Right dad, right. No worries!! Tell you what...on Sunday I'll even wash your truck and moms hoopty (what we call her expedition) if you'll buy me a pair of riding boots!!"
Dad: "okay linds, deal."


We had the best time Saturday. Dad, Chris, Severyn and myself got up Saturday morning around 7am. We loaded up the trucks with bikes and gear. We stopped for gas, food and to fill the cooler up and then headed for the trails. I was lucky enough to have my dad for a riding partner. My brother rides a dirt bike much like a jack rabbit and Severyn was quick to follow in his tracks. I discovered I ride much like someone thats afraid of breaking bones, lol. It took a few minutes for me to get the hang of riding. I have respect for those that can ride faster than a snails pace. Luckily, my dad is pretty patient and a great teacher and before long I started feeling a little more "froggy" and started taking turns a little bit faster and a little bit harder (this is not to be confused with the way my brother rides, I will NEVER be that froggy!!haha). I was prepared to fall, I was even prepared to get hurt...but I was NOT prepared for the complete and total muscle exhaustion that comes along with riding. After a good while of riding I took a turn and took my first fall. It was more like, I took a turn and my body just gave up. I just laid it right over. My first battle wound was formed on my left elbow...not too bad. I jumped up, brushed it off and we took off. Not even a few hundred yards up the trail...another left turn...another lay down. Second battle wound to the left arm. My body was beyond tired. Lucky for me...my dad knew the signs of exhaustion and suggested we rest. After a few short minutes I was feeling better and ready to go. The rest of the day went well. I improved a little and learned ALOT. I watched some very experienced and talented riders (my brother and dad being two of them) and saw some the CUTEST little kids, on the worlds SMALLEST little dirt bikes. Seriously, cute. One little dirt bike had TRAINING WHEELS on it!!! We even saw the worlds smallest, female, dirt bike rider...okay, so I don't know that for a fact...but she was sooooo tiny and couldn't have been over 5 or 6 years old. She was decked out in all pink riding gear and was just getting it on the trails. I was impressed...and lucky for my pride, I was at a stop, so she didn't pass me while riding ;-)
Later on in the evening we decided to go for one more loop before calling it a day. Chris and Severyn took off. Dad and I took off...but at much slower pace. Suddenly it began to rain. My goggles were covered in rain drops, I was once again at the point of complete muscle exhaustion and we were only about half way through the last loop. I took another left hand turn...and lost it. This time...a bit harder. I fell off the high side of the bike and took a little bounce before landing in the middle of the trail. Ouch. Its funny, but when you fall (or at least when I fall) the first thing I can think about is if the bike is okay. I scrambled to my feet and pushed the bike up. It was all I could do to hold the bike up while my dad came and got it back onto the trail and put the kick stand down. Man was I beat!! I was wet, I was covered in mud and I was BEAT!! We still had half the loop to go (about 5 or 6 miles) before we would be back to the truck. We got back on and started off...at a much slower pace. I was at the point where I couldn't even stand up when we went over bumps. I just couldn't. I had no strength left in me. I was able to twist the throttle and keep it on the trail...but that was it. I don't remember a time that I've ever felt like my body was that useless. We made it back to the truck safe and sound. I was drenched, I was muddy, I was exhausted and I had the best time EVER!!! We rode 44.7 miles.

I was prepared for the dirt.
I was prepared for a fall.
I was NOT prepared for the screaming muscles the day after.

Sunday morning:
Dad: "Lindsey, why are you walking like an old lady?"


PS. I DID manage to wash both moms expedition AND dads truck on Sunday!!