So many songs have described the feeling. I certainly have it now. I have been in a "world-wind" travel spin for the past 6 weeks plus. Before that it was Sea Otter and the Fruita Fat Tire Festival. I landed in Denver wednesday and thought I was back from a weary stint and ready for a break before my next big adventure. But before I could leave the airport; my "next adventure" hit me staright on and my 21 hour trip served as merely a warm up for the big challenge ahead. I knew it was up next but I didnt expect it so soon.
It’s been a wild ride most of the run through the history of Fruita and Over the Edge. I have run along the jagged edge most of that time and enjoyed the thrill of seeing wonderful things happen with wonderful people and that can fuel my soul for quite a long stretch. But there are those times; and this is one of those times, when you find yourself saying "I’ve never been here before and I’m not sure exactly what to do". So here I am, back home, feeling a little "maxed" with the tasks before me and felling a little "waxed" from within. I could break into a MTB metaphor now but I’m not going to. Im just going to write from my heart, its how I roll, anyone who knows me already knows. I’d rather be vulnerable than tough and I’d rather die by the truth than live with a lie.
So; I’m home, but it doesnt feel like home to me. It feels a bit empty. Over the Edge (as most small shops and big business alike) are feeling the crunch of tough times and our position at the cutting edge of high dollar toys has us in a pretty vulnerable place. Lucky we have a solid plan and a solid foundation and we will press on. But it’s tough and it always seems to come in the "when it rains it pours" type of way. I had a couple of my friends leave this life a bit too early and a bit of me went with them. I have seen some personal things take their toll of being left alone too long and I have seen myself try to create a solution by adding to the things I undertake. Some idea that more would create more energy and fuel itself or each other in the process. Sometimes it just makes you tired and spread a bit thin and off course that’s when you’re going to get nailed with something more than you were braced for.
So if you stop in and don’t see me; Im probably off being somber or dealing with some "stuff" or I would hope "out on a ride" but that hasnt happened just yet. When it does; I will most likely be riding alone, I dont mind that, sometimes prefer it but it feels a little empty at times as well. Especially when your in a low spot. But as I was saying; Id rather be in a low spot alone than sharing BS hype or hearing someones artificial jazzed up "rah rah" speach to try to lift my spirirts. Nope; I’ll ride alone and I’ll enjoy it. Hard times lead to great times and challenges are what makes a good story great. Over the Edge is a great story, this cycling family I have is a great gift to my life and if I have no where else: I know that wherever I wander and whatever befalls me; I always have a home
Thanks for all your support and kindess and being a part of the family