A different ride

Isn't it funny how the simplest decision can sometimes cause the most angst?

For instance, I'm not working next Friday (come on people - it's a holiday weekend) so I figured I'd fit in a longer ride that day (happily leaving the 4th free and clear for relaxation).

The choices included: traveling up to the Blue Ridge Parkway with my Lake Placid friends for a lot of climbing. I certainly had no intention of riding the 100 miles featured on their schedule. Quite simply - not necessary and really not possible at this point. But, I could ride about 40, maybe 50, miles up there. I admit that I do love the BRP - although I'm still not a huge fan of descents.

Despite the difficulty of that ride, there is something very reassuring about riding that route I know well - and hanging with my main riding buddies for the past 3 years.

Or....

I could choose an easier ride on the northern neck....with a group I've only ridden with once.

While the route is much kinder and gentler than the BRP, I've never actually ridden it. The ride includes a lunch stop...at a pretty little marina.

And yet - the northern neck choice intimidated me a little more. What if I get dropped? What if I take a wrong turn? What if...what if...what if...whoa...stop.

(Sometimes, I have to stop my meandering mind when it gets all ridiculous - like it was today regarding these rides).

Instead, I asked myself, "What if you meet some more cool people? What if you discover more beautiful places to ride? What if you push yourself out of your comfort zone?"

Hello northern neck....