The DesPlaines River Trail

Now that I'm living out in the burbs until my imminent departure, I've gotten the chance to ride the old trails I used to BMX up and down from about the age of 13 onwards into my 20's. Here are a few observations:

1) I didn't fall on my bike in five years of dodging just about everything possible in a city, but after about two hours of riding the DRT, my front wheel got stuck in a crater in the earth just large enough to encapsulate my 29" front wheel and, being clipped in, I fell over. I think I even heard applause from the guys playing some form of baseball. Oh well. I guess I'm more equipped for concrete.

2) I still get a rush when I watch a fawn watch me and then dart off like a sprung spring. I can understand why Bambee was a deer. There is something preternaturally innocent about deer—especially baby deer—and they help me feel the wonder of the world. I need that once in a while.

3) Riding, and getting sweaty and muddy is fun!