The Best Way To Say Goodbye To A Friend

Fall is a time of transition. Leaves die, forest fire fighters get laid off and daylight vanishes. My friend, Steve, is leaving Durango, as well. One of my riding buddies is saying goodbye to heaven to move towards another adventure. So what did we do yesterday before his move - RIDE!

If you're a passionate mountain biker - an enthusiast; you care about THE RIDE. A ride with a friend is just about the most important thing in your life. OK, I'm generalizing here, but it is that important to me!

Steve and I took off on a lunch ride (at least for me it was a lunch ride) and rode through some of our favorite trails. We talked, chatted about his move and our lives. We stopped at intersections to finish up a key point and then shredded the downhill after that. When we reached the end of our ride, we high-fived and I watched my friend take a right turn, while I went left. It was goodbye.

When was the last time you took a final ride with a friend? What was it like? For me, this was one of the most important rides in my life. Actually, all "last rides" are important. It made me feel connected. The ride was like a testiment to what's important in our lives.

I'll miss you Steve... Best of luck!