HAPPY and DISAPPOINTED

Sometimes a ride is so beautiful, the conditions so perfect, the cumulus overhead is so non-step happening....the trail is so nice and tacky, the air is cool and clear and well....sometimes a ride just takes my breath away and pictures just aren't adequate at capturing how it looked and how much I enjoyed it. In fact trying to capture it becomes a hapless attempt at capturing happiness or holding joy in the palms of your hands...it can't be done. You hold it in your heart, memorize it in your head and simply ride......and so it was this past Sunday on the fire trail called Belle View between Coto de Caza and Dove Canyon. So one picture of me happy is all I could share. The other pix just didn't pass the test. Except the disappointed picture. As you see someone has enough money and power to take a hill and cut half of it off so they could put a ridiculously huge home and more all over that one hill. What a shame. It looked so ugly; shocking really. I realize it's nothing new in these parts, but I would not call it progress. Little by little lovely spots are hacked up, and bulldozed so someone can house 20 cars and say they are king of the hill.

I treasure these nature trails that are preserved for us to enjoy. I try not to look on the other side where trees disappear for the sake of a bigger garage. I always try to see the beauty on the trail just ahead....but sometimes my eyes can't get past the shock of it.

These big property owners have huge dogs they allow to run free on the trail as well. (My second complaint~~)Three very large dogs approached us three riders in an aggresive manner. I yelled to them to put there dogs on their leash. The biker up ahead had to place his bike between himself and the approaching fangs. Very nonchalantly the owner got to the dogs and held them as we passed....my co-rider had his hand on his blade and was ready if necessary...glad it wasn't necessary but the fight or flight panic took the longest time to wear off!!!! I hate that!!!

Trails should remain safe access for all......