It was another early morning ride this week. It was Monday morning and I wanted to be sure to get another long ride in to work. Not a big deal, no rain or wind, just a little cold, okay so it was 40 degrees out, but it was just fine otherwise. Taking the long way to work in the mornings means I head over to Folsom to ride the American River Bike trail down to Sunrise Blvd and then to work. It is goregeous in the morning, okay it's gorgeous once the sun comes up. But still it's awesome to be on the trail that early. You do have to watch out for the animals though. They tend to get frightened a little when a bike comes through the area at 25 miles an hour. I almost took out a little bunny rabbit, thank goodness it decided to turn around instead of continuing across the trail in front of me. There are two points on the trail that are my favorite. The first are the bluffs. At the bottom of Negro Bar you come flying down a hill. To the right are the cliffs of the American River Bluffs, to the left is the River. The River is wide at this point and very calm. Just a little ways up the trail from this point you come around the corner and get your first view of the Sacramento Temple, it's awesome to be able to see it from here. The next view I enjoy isn't always there, it keeps moving, it's the rowers. Just above Nimbus Damn is Lake Natoma. This is where Sac State University holds their competitions, meets, and practices for those that participate in the sport of rowing. It's absolutely awesome to watch them. They almost seem to hover just above the water when they are in full sprints.
Anyways I was on the trail moving along, the sun was just about to come up, I had been out riding since 5 am. It was now about 6:15 am. I had just seen the temple and as I came up and over the hill to the view of Lake Natoma I saw them, all lined up, 12 of them, there in the water. It was so quiet, you couldn't hear any noise, no yelling, nothing. I stopped and watch in awe as they all lay there still in the water. And then 3 at a time, they quietly began, each set taking off towards the other end of the lane. I snapped a picture, watched a little bit more and then continued on my way.
As I rode along enjoying the morning the thought came to me, "What makes an athlete..." I thought about the rowers and their dedication to the sport. I thought about me and what I do to keep my legs in shape to ride. Long hours, dedication, getting up early on a nice day, despite the fact that it is December and 40 degrees out. Competition, a love for the sport, enjoying what you do so much it hurts when you can't. Not caring if you win or loose, just being a player in the game.
In all my years I have never considered myself an athlete. When I think of an athlete I think of my brothers; Darby, Jon, and Jeff. They competed in real sports, swimming, wrestling, and even football. But this morning I finally looked at myself as someone who just may be an athlete, someone that enjoys the sport, loves the game, and has dedicated a lot of time to better himself. And with that thought I powered on through the last 6 miles to work.
Journal Entry: December 14th, 2007.
