The troops.
How does one do that you ask? By calling in the troops for a secret ride. A trip to my favorite place...the one where I learned how to ride on two wheels when I was 4, on my Schwinn Stingray (green fade to yellow thank you). The place where I learned how to jump logs, climb rocks and slog through mud. The place where I chased the boys around on their bikes until my skin was shredded and my ego tattered and bruised. The place that always feels like home, because it is. The Wissahickon.
After debating about the weather,(thunderstorms were moving in) I met up with Anne and Frankie at the Inn. Luckily we opted to ride, as the weather held off. It was steamy with a pleasant temperature. I suited up in my new kit only to realize I packed knickers instead of shorts. Ugh. McDoufus rides again. It's June! Since riding in my panties wasn't an option, I threw on the knickers and sucked it up.
Sometimes there is no riding the the big logs.We headed up the road to head onto Fantasy trail. The name suits itself. Twisty, narrow single track with fun whooptie-do's. You can carve, glide and jump to your hearts delight. Of course, what would the ride be without a few mechanical stops in the beginning of the day? This is why Frankie is better known as Frankie 9 Bikes. First, she has 9 bikes. Second, she's always breaking stuff.
Frankie highly recommends this pump.
Now that we got the mechanical stuff out of the way, we continued on our way. After Fantasy, we headed over to the Pipeline trail. Yes, it has cement pipelines that connect parts of trail. I should have taken a pic, but when you are riding the pipelines, concentration is of dire necessity. Don't ask.
Frankie and Anne show how to ride a big log. Tip #1: Once you pull your front wheel up onto the log, pedal through! Tip #2: Don't use your breaks.
These women are rad. I mean, how many moms do you know that can ride over logs, roots, and big rocks?
Frankie gets it done. 
Anne Rock...riding the rocks.Eventually, we headed over to the Lincoln Drive trail which has some awesome new trail. Thanks Tom! This trail offers short steep ups, lots of twist and wind and plenty of logs. There are also some hand made wood jumps. Big ones! Of course, this time of year, things get a little overgrown. The nettles and poison tend to sit ominously close, brushing your ankles as you pass. Mother nature always presides.
We ended the ride coming down a short, very steep descent. Of course, a camera never does justice. As we ended our ride and said our goodbyes, it occurred to me (as it always does)how amazing it is to know so many women who ride. Not only do they ride, but they ride well. Hearing Frankie say, "come on Anne, you can ride that. Go back and do it" is empowering and encouraging. The group of female riders that I know are tough on the bike. Not afraid to try anything. Best of all, we don't have to chase the boys anymore (even though it can be fun). Sometimes, it's better to make your own fun...and it was just what the doctor ordered.
See? Look how happy...who needs work?
