Our RawHyde Adventure Weekend video is ready to view. It took some effort to upload. We are staying in the mountains near Lake Isabella and the internet service is weak. I am in a wedding tent placed to close enough to the main lodge to steal a bit of service. We kept running out to check on upload statis. I felt like a wedding guest running away from the crazy Aunt nobody wants to sit next to. I think we are the only ones staying at this resort which over looks a dry lake bed. We did have a great time today enjoying the Red Rock National Monument area and getting extremely tired testing our new skills on craggy, rutty, sandy valley roads.
After much hubbub and planning, we are done. Our adventure riding course wound up with dinner Sunday night which was a special event in its self. One of out fellow students, a wine maker from Mantra Wines in Alexander Valley of Sonoma County, brought in some of his best and a wild boar to compliment a marvelous Syrah. Up at his vineyard they call the event Wine and Swine. It cooked over oak for 5 hours as we spent our last day up on the pegs.
Our weekend group had traveled from Toronto, Vermont, Wisconsin and various parts of California to learn about the adventure riding lifestyle. I think I will like it. The gravel road jutting off a paved state highway will be an invitation (minus a no trespassing sign) and formal OHV (off highway vehicle) trails will lure me confidently onto them. It is not about speed, but finesse. I have learned to ride without relying on my ABS to slow me down to a safe stop. Up hill (very fun) down hill, through trees cutting a course, over small rocks, picking a route through ruts, counter-balancing, falling safely, riding with friends, picking up a 500 lb. motorcycle, hill stops and very tight cornering were only a wee bit of our weekends teachings. Making the jump from street riding to off-road and back again will be personal constant challenge. I love my front brake, that integrates with my back, bringing me to abrupt stops at our bothersome Kewaunee County stop signs. Also, in front of rude deer and farm machinery at the bottom of crested hills. Mentally turning off this braking style to skillfully maneuver the Trans-Wisconsin ATV trail will be my first task this spring. Along with playing in the sand at the south end of The Flying Pig. Don't be surprised if you see cones pop up after hours in the parking lot!
I know I speak for Susan in thanking all of you who have sent good juju for our safe return. Team TFP is on to our next adventure exploring the Sequoia National Park and Death Valley. Quick visits to weather sites tell us not to hurry home to quickly, but we know Pat and Tracy will only last so long before locking the doors of the gallery and house, saying "the hell with this noise", and staying home.
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