It's Thursday, November 3rd - 2 p.m. The marquee on the local bank reads 58 degrees. I'm about two miles into a 30 mile ride, feeling invigorated by the warmth of the sun. I start to push the pace. As my heart rate increases, my thoughts begin dancing around things like 'what a great day to be outside exercising - this is just what I needed - I wish my wife had been able to join me - man I'm glad I'm out today'. By the time I hit the mouth of Provo Canyon, the sweat is dripping from my face. I check my ride time on my bike computer to see if I'm on pace or not. I ride this route two-three times each week; I know it well and have a few checkpoints along the way. I'm about 90 seconds ahead. As I head up the bike/jogging path that runs along the Provo River I find I'm not the only one taking advantage of this warm November afternoon. I pass about 50 or 60 people; some walking, jogging, long-boarding, biking and even a few guys standing in the middle of the river fly fishing. The one thing they all have in common is big smiles. They all are enjoying their afternoon escape as much as I am.
 |
| South Fork Canyon ending at Trefoil Ranch |
Vivian Park is my next checkpoint. I'm just over 2 minutes ahead of my average pace. As I start the climb to Trefoil, my head is turning from side to side; watching for wildlife; really hoping to see the moose that live in Southfork Canyon. I see about a dozen wild turkeys and a doe. I stop twice to take pictures but they disappear into the foliage before I can get my gloves off and get my camera out.
When I reach the gate under the Trefoil sign, I stop to get a drink and notice a light dusting of snow on the top of the hills. This is a sad reminder that this may be the last opportunity I have to complete this ride for several months. Time to start planning those rides in
St. George and
Zion National Park!
