[dexterq20]

Last night I was reading Kyle's (ssaddict's) thread, and I realized that I hadn't ridden in a while, and that made me feel kinda guilty. So today I took my bike out by myself, with thoughts of Kyle in my head, realizing that I was currently doing what he is no longer able to do: ride my bike. I didn't have any goals in mind while riding; I just kept riding until I was lost, then explored long enough until I was able to find my way back. No shuttle runs today, no body armor, no posse of friends. It was just me, my bike, some sweet singletrack, and the sound of breaking waves. Today was a good day.

I didn't know Kyle personally, but I had spoken to him once coincidentally (details HERE). My ride today is dedicated to him.

 

[chicodude]

After i had herd the news about kyle, the first thing I did after I got home after school the next day, was to go out for a ride. It really made me realize how lucky I am, and about how much I take for granted..............

 

[dexter]

i did the same thing today, woke up hung over and just realized i got some new parts for my 575 so went exploring in the mtns of montana and found some awesome trails- no friends, no pads, no nothing it was awesome

 

[binary visions]

realizing that I was currently doing what he is no longer able to do: ride my bike.

...but I sure hope you're wrong about him not being able to ride...

 

[punkassean]

Werd^

I will absolutely tip one for our fallen homie. I haven't been able to get this out of my mind...

Ben, Did you go to the outer reaches of ellwood? I like it out there, especially at night...very peaceful.

It sounds corny but ever since I lost my brother 4 years ago I dedicate almost every ride to those who are no longer with us, be it those like Kyle and Jeremy or those who have been injured permanently...just to remind myself how damn lucky I am and how much I miss the good times...

 

[OGRipper]

Yeah, it's really sad but true that it sometimes takes something like this to remind us how lucky we are just to be alive and able to ride and have good times. I didn't know Kyle but it doesn't really matter, the effect is the same. It's easy for me to get wrapped up in the day-to-day and complain a lot, get stressed, and obsess over the latest trivial thing (bikes, girls, work, money, whatever), but every know and then reality smacks me in the head and says "snap out of it dude, you've got it pretty good."

Since it all sounds cliche, I'll go a step further and say that we should all give a little extra thanks this holiday season...take the long way home...and try not to forget how fortunate most of us are compared to a lot of people.

 

[Heath Sherratt]

Living in the tension of being present to the moment and learning from your past while hopeing for your future is the balance of human life. Never forgetting who you are and where you're from is an art lost to this culture. It takes more practice and meditation than riding a bike. The things we spend our time on define our existence, I try to make sure I don't spend much time on "things" and lots of time on people and my relationship with our Creator. I pray less of us will wake up one day wondering what we have been doing with our lives. Ben, I hope you are well and look forward to riding again.

 

[dexterq20]

Ben, Did you go to the outer reaches of ellwood? I like it out there, especially at night...very peaceful.

But of course. Definitely one of my favorite places to ride by myself.

Ben, I hope you are well and look forward to riding again.

Things are awesome man. I'll hit you up when I'm home for Thanksgiving.

 

[Jeremy R]

"aaaahh drifting.........There is just something about it that gets the blood pumping." ssaddict October of 2004

I rode this weekend and thought about him the whole ride.
Leaves covered all the trails, and I was sliding on two wheels in every corner.
I started pushing harder and harder in the corners hoping he was watching.
Maybe he can't ride anymore, but he can ride through us.
Ride on.

 

[T:I:M]

I think this is like a reminder, to me at least that I should go out and just ride. Not riding to be cool, to go the fastest, or drop the biggest. Just go out and ride, for the fact of being on a bike. For being out enjoying the outside.

Ride for the Ride