Ode to the Bike Trail Groomers

I’ve thought about writing this ode one hundred times over. When times are good, we don’t say so. When times are bad, we are quick to complain.  Carrying my bike for 4 miles through knee deep crud while rushing to get to a meeting at work has reminded me of the importance of saying thanks when thanks are due.

In the backcountry, I prefer no signs of human interference. Pristine is how I like it.

On the bike trail, it is different. The presense of tracks from the plows brings joy to my heart. I smile watching the fountain of snow being thrown from the spout of the beast as it rumbles down the path. I don’t even mind the disel exhaust–at least not too much. I like the way my light bounces off the ripples of the tracks. I like the the tunnel created after the plow pushes through. And I love being able to ride fast without my back end fishtailing about.

I always nod to the plow guys when I see them. Hard to know if they see me. But to all the drivers who head out in the wee hours of the morn’ to clear the trails for us bikers, runners, and bus users, THANKS! We really appreciate the work you do. May funding for your department be plentiful and may your cab always be warm.