I have never really felt like I was part of a group. I feel like I am a  perpetual outsider most of the time. I dabble in a lot of things and enjoy the people that I share the time with but I am not usually the guy to show up at a BBQ on Saturday afternoon. I have plans.

I have to admit that I am selfish.  I don’t usually have a cause other than my own. Sure, I give when I am inspired and have always understood the need for trails in urban areas, helmets for kids and parts for people who need them. I hand up stuff when I have it and work on trails when they need help. Doesn’t everyone?

I got involved tonight in a new way. I got involved and it felt good. It was better than throwing a fiver in the hat and maybe better than a twenty.

The BF bike program was launched Friday ( I live in Bellows Falls, VT and it’s our local bike co-op) and I usually ignore this type of stuff because there are others more qualified to talk to people or gather in groups and eat really good brownies and cheese. I decided to attend a ride and sample the baked goods and cheese and ride with cool people. I stood up and was counted as they say and it was easy. We took a short ride across the island (though it’s no island) and an even shorter ride across the grass at the end of the parking lot to make a cool loop that everyone seemed to enjoy.

I worry about kids these days and really don’t see enough kids on bikes for things to feel “normal” in the world. I spoke to a some kids who had been to the mill several times (where the ramps are) but they thought the mill had gotten worse. They were sketched out by the place. I don’t blame them.

I was out-sprinted by a kid about 12 on the single short climb of each circuit we did on our group ride. It was a hoot.

It was good to see some culture germinate at the event and see real potential. It would be cool to have some bike culture in town but I probable wouldn’t show up.  Perhaps I am the one that needs to evolve and find my tribe.