We all love it, regardless of sport… when we get a little Stoked.

I really first learned about “being Stoked” when I took up surfing.  After sessions where I would get pummeled by waves, held up just a little too long and wipe out more than necessary… it would come.  No rhyme or reason.  A clear day, perfect waves that were easy to catch and I would ride each one like I owned the ocean.  I was Stoked.

I’ve started to occasionally feel it on the mountain bike now, too.  The bike and I are like one, it’s easy to clear past previously difficult sections or I float to the top of a hill with minimal effort.

A few weeks ago, I felt it again.  I was confident going down a long descent… later that day, Strava told me that I had chopped 15 minutes off my previous 45 minute decent.  Sweeeeet!

But since then, I haven’t felt it.  I guess that’s why I’m always running after it.  And yesterday’s ride was a severe departure from anything fun.  After 2 hours of cranky, painful, uncomfortable riding – I called it quits and headed home.

Today, I’ll gear up and head out to ride with the ladies – hopeful for the best.  Because you can’t let the bad days get you down… and you have to chase after that next excellent day in the saddle!