Martin Luther King Day. I creep toward the edges of the natural area as I look for a place to park for the night. The day moves from hot to cold to hot again. Tourists fill the lots as they begin the long slog to the dam overlook. I unpack the bike, hit the same trails and begin the climb from the lake up toward the superstructure of engineering marvel.
It’s been ages since I’ve pushed the pedals. The New Mexican winter clamping down on my desires, but within a half-mile I remember why I love the bike so much. The trail is perfect, groomed and dives deep into a tunnel complex. I am almost alone on my pedaling adventure.
The lake lies below to the east and is a constant reminder of the fragility of our world. High water mark dangerously above the current level. Feeder pipe after feeder pipe exposed and left behind as the massive suck of Vegas demands. When will the tipping point arrive? Or are we already there?
Layering up. Camera out. A frame here, a frame there. Nothing good but enough to keep my appetite active. Time, always in short supply. “It’s okay,” I tell myself. “Keep the expectations within reason.”
Comments 4
Anticipation behind those words, nice. As for the tipping point on water, unfortunately, I’m not sure we will know until we are definitely past that point. Lastly, out of curiosity, do you ever run into trails where those tires are not sufficient? That bike looks extremely efficient in that it can handle road and some dirt but where is the tipping point for dirt? Have you ever found out after it was too late?
Author
Matt,
Oh ya. These are bad on anything loose. Sand mostly. I’ve ridden singletrack with them. Aired down they are okay but really not meant for that. They are perfect on tarmac, hardpack, fire road and groomed trail which mostly covers my bases.
I think I see where your project is headed. Or at least an unintentional side project, and I think it’s very cool. Of course I’m biased. I’m in the camp that believes the scientists about climate change. And if the science is right, I despair of our ability to right the ship.
I forget if I’ve asked you – have you read Edward Abby’s Monkey Wrench Gang or Desert Solitaire? I think you’d love both.
Author
Scott,
BOTH. Great books. Legendary books that have inspired millions. And yes, I too believe in math, science, truth and fact. And I fear we are already too late.