Biking has been a big part of my life over the last few months and spring bike fever is just starting to hit. I've been trying to get my butt in the seat as much as possible.

This last Saturday, Leah and I wriggled our way out of Evan's attempts to get us on rock and instead broke out the road bikes and headed down south to Draper. It was a bit of a slog-- not the least because Leah's lowest two gears were locked up. It made me really appreciate having friends who are willing to stick out the "suck" for a good adventure. I think the most scenic part of the trip was biking past an Alta Ski Resort sign with snowy mountains in the backdrop with the sun shining and perfect temps. It gave me that "I can't believe we live here" feeling and maybe a bit of "I can't believe the climate is this fucked," an emotion that's been close to the chest since moving here. After enjoying zipping down windy backcountry roads, we came across a little farm with billy goats and decided to phone it in. Evan was headed back from finishing his proj at American Fork and it was the perfect time to suggest finding a refreshing beverage together. We got towed back to Salt Lake City and finished the night off with a soup party to celebrate the Superbowl. 

I also started trying out some local bike clubs to find some fellow bikers to bond and, most importantly, commiserate with. The feeling of safety and power on the road as we travel together in a pack of 20-30 people is incredible. Cars drive carefully around us, people stand in their doorways to watch, and some random motorcyclists have joined in. It's been rewarding to find a rad group who is so welcoming and passionate about public spaces and safe roads. I'm sure I'll come around to reason in a few months, but for now I've been enjoying my act of rebellion of living without a car. It's made me more connected with the streets of the city and I hope it brings me closer to the people here too. 

This year, I hope to ride my bike in Zion and St. George. I want to be fit enough to bike up Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon and do one epic day of biking over Guardsman Pass to Park City. I want to learn how to change my own bar tape (she's gnarly right now) and get a hand pump so I can fix flat tires out on the road. I'd like to bike with Camille, Margot & Kiet, Annalise, and I want to do the scary steep route on campus with Maya.