Family Time!

“I miss my family,” was all he said.

The sun was setting on our little group as we sat in camp chairs surrounding the non-existent fire. Soaking in the last few minutes until dusk, the dappled light filtered through the trees and cast golden orange rays on us. There was a magical ambiance to the conversation, a sense of reverence, on this sultry summer’s evening.

“Family?” The question was asked by someone fairly new to the mountain bike scene.

“Yeah. Bikers. The community. My tribe.  I haven’t ridden enough lately and I even have trails close to my backyard. These are my people. I miss it. Too busy doing things that ‘need’ to get done.”

…at least that is my interpretation of how the conversation unfolded. Memories were shared. Vows made to get out more. And, a sense of peace filled my being.

Family. I miss my people. When we are together, it is a cherished time and goes much too quickly. When school is out, we educators anticipate endless vacation, but the reality is much different.   Summers are Saturdays strung together in succession. Home projects, trailer building, car repairs, a mini family vacation here and there, biking where we can fit it in, and it is over. Sometimes, being too busy doing things that ‘need’ to be done gets in the way of what is really important. Family. Our people.

Connectedness.

Getting together for the common good. Finding balance. Words not followed by action are meaningless and we lose touch. Life gets in the way and the seats by the fire pit are empty.

On our last ride, we had 5 decades represented. Teens, 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50! I woke up thinking about that the next morning while I massaged my crash weary muscles. A spectrum of over 30 years represented in one group of riders yet on the trail the years don’t matter and we are all one. We bring vast experiences, joys, and our pains to the trail and then to the communal table after the ride, and we are united. Bonded.

One quirky family.

I read that “We live in a society that has everything separated…a society that’s forgotten the whole…Male and female…Young and old…Life and death. Tears and joy. All part of the same. Parts of the whole…” (Melody Beattie).

Our mission at Huckwagons is to get the gang back together. I like to believe our mountain biking family fills that hole and makes us whole by creating true friendships that will span decades, share stories, and create new ones.

Reconnect the missing pieces that have gotten misplaced in the day to day.

Celebrate your biking family with us on the trail or in a Huckwagon by transporting your own group of mismatched riders on their next adventure.

See you on the trails!

Tribute To Our High School Graduate Class of 2014

Flipping through stacks of memories. Finding the perfect picture to represent that life-changing moment for a senior scrapbook. They say a picture speaks a thousand words. I think maybe more. It reminds us where we have been – where we are – where we are going – through good and bad.

A map. Coming full circle. We see how all of our travels have gotten us here. Is it today? Already?! Hannah, on a bike with training wheels, helmet at a jaunty angle, years ago in front of the Arlington house. Circa June 2001. WOW! 5 years old.

No wonder she didn’t ride a bike on that road until 6 years later. We bribed her with the promise of a “good bike”. And, she trusted. Enough to learn. And now look at her!!

Without training wheels.

Whistler. Turning 11. Finding balance. Riding along Fitzsimmons Creek for the very first time. I let go and she rode and rode. Without me holding on. She was free. FLYING! That same week she met Ryan Leech. An inspirational man, she has described him as one of the most self-actualized people she has ever met. Sincere, real, athletic, spiritual.

Flash forward 4 years. Freshman year of high school. The promise of a mountain bike scholarship if she joined our high school bike team her freshmen year. And now, graduating, a beautiful, brainy, biking, woman of dirt. One of the most self-actualized people I know.

Biking. A love/hate relationship for her. “How come I am the slowest when I have been riding longer?” Used to getting left behind by those faster than her. Frustrated at the light and dark, narrow, steep, and rooty trails. Challenging for her and easy for others. Never using her vision as an excuse, pushing herself harder than many. To conquer the fear of the hidden…..at every pedal stroke. We don’t get it!

“Ride and you won’t be so stressed out about school!” I shout. “I will be even more stressed out” is the frustrated response. And then, finally I DO get it. That “ah ha” moment.

The individual reasons we ride are many. For some it is the race, the heart rate, the being better than everyone else. While to others, it is the beauty, the camaraderie, the personal accomplishments, the way to de-stress. The race or the ride? While it may relieve the day’s stress for some, it adds to others because sometimes “it is SO hard!”

Yet, she keeps doing it.

Smiling sometimes. Terrified at others. “You don’t have to race today,” I whisper as the torrential rain pours and the mud streams down her face at Washougal. “YES! I DO HAVE TO RACE TODAY!” comes the exasperated retort through tears and dirt. (Sometimes wouldn’t it just be easier to lay on the couch eating bon bons?)

I don’t know if I can ever understand completely. I like to think I can. Putting myself in her shoes (mine actually since she is using hand-me-down 510’s). I try to liken it to my riding the Shore. The hardest rides I have ever done. Yet I try to go back once or twice a year. Walking more than riding most times. Shaking in exhaustion mentally and physically when we are back at the shuttle rig celebrating with stories and beverages.

Or the fear at the start of Whistler’s Top of the World trail. “I had this dream,” says Gary, “about you guys and an ice field. And I go riding past you…” and the exhilaration of finishing it. NOT abandoned on the glacier.Smiling, enjoying breathtaking vistas, and awesome riding companions.

I said she could even get a scholarship for riding. Huckwagons is offering one. Not for employee’s families, but it is being offered nonetheless. AND she will be getting her own financial assistance from us anyways – to attend Quest University in Squamish at the base of Half Nelson. Already on a website for incoming freshmen, already hooking up with kids who want to ride bikes and be chill. Low stress.

It’s just a ride, isn’t it? Life, that is. We check it out. Not from the sidelines, but huck into it. Not always able to see the curve in the path, the chain that might bar the way, Bruce’s leg, the hedge, the unexpected drops, the heartbreaking climbs, but we do it and come out stronger than ever. Sometimes with scratches, others with bruises, and often with smiles and stories of adventures.

The race or the ride?

Is it the finish line that keeps you going or all of the berms and jumps and drops and climbs along the way? And, along the way to where? As Robert Frost said in his poem The Road Not Taken, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”. What hidden treasure lies down that less explored path? That trail less traveled? Whichever you choose, it is all a part of the journey.

…What is written:
Be weak to ride strong.
Ride up to go down.
The smooth path looks rugged,
As the most pleasurable rides are wicked.

The ultimate ride cannot be discovered,
And still, it winds its way down every trail.
-Mark Tracey, Mountain Biking in the Tao

The race or the ride? It is personal and often inexplicable. As our high school senior steps out of the door into adulthood, all I can say that I am so very proud of her many accomplishments, but most of all I feel at peace as she continues this journey of self-discovery on her bike and in her life because I know she has the mad skills to huck it!

Congrats to Hannah and the Class of 2014!

See you on the trails

The Holy Trail

Amazing discovery of sandy stone on the re-route at the Tree Farm. Baby trails need lots of TLC.

Have you seen the picture of Matt Hunter railing the berm? His body parallel to the trail seemingly mere inches from the earth? A smile on his face and perfectly balanced with the headline “Think This Image Is Fake?” as his arm skims the ground beneath him.

The myth buster video is impressive and I watch in awe. The perfection, flawless riding, the berm, the dirt.

“It’s just dirt” said a woman when arguing trail conditions with a local mountain biker. Speechless for a moment, stunned at the ignorance, dumbfounded at the lack of respect given to the trail, the mountain biker didn’t know what to say, and then, of course had an over-abundance of knowledge to impart. Fortunately, or not, they were related and the ensuing argument did not further drive a wedge between the two, but enlightened the biker to the sad reality as they just shook their heads at one another and went their separate ways, one on horseback and the other on his own trusty steed, his bike.

Amazing discovery of sandy stone on the re-route at the Tree Farm. Baby trails need lots of TLC.

We call it hero dirt, Jesus soil, the holy trail.

There is reverence to the path we take. Finding flow, sculpting a jump, creating, raking, pruning, replanting, draining, and we visualize. And the vision becomes tangible, hike-able, ride-able, and we watch as baby ferns grow and pine needles drop, and deer tracks decorate a newly designed section or re-route.

There is pride and love and appreciation for the land, the terrain, the big rock to be used as a feature, the newly dug drainage channel, the rainbow tree that is almost too low to ride beneath. We see potential and possibility.
 

And we whisper.

Speak in hushed tones so as to keep it safe while we nurture and prepare it for use. How do we protect it from interlopers, yet open it to those who will appreciate its beauty and maintain and perfect the new trail’s imperfections? We merely hope to make others aware of the connection, give them opportunity to embrace it, and share in the adventure that is found in the woods, riding, and working the trail.

Different users have differing visions and many who ride and hike trails see with eyes wide open. Closer to the earth one often sees more clearly the litter, erosion, and problems that can occur if the land is not cared for properly.

One also recognizes the work that needs to be done – the grading, the spring cleaning before opening day, the importance of not just snapping off branches to clear a path, but the significance of removing them from the trail itself. Care is taken and the hallowed forest ground becomes blessed by the sweat of trail builders and other stewards of the land.

Before and After work on the “Trail with no Name” at the Tree Farm.

There is gratitude to those who have gone before us and prepared the way and a shout out to the others who now join in as we play our part on local trails. The camaraderie, lasting friendships, stories, and the satisfaction of being part of the difference make the experience what it is.
 

It is not just the ride it is the interconnectedness of the journey that makes us bikers who we are!

As Chief Seattle said, “…the Earth does not belong to man – man belongs to the Earth…All things are connected…Man did not weave the web of life – he is merely a strand in it…”

See you on the trails!

Spring Ahead

Ever have one of those weeks?

Over scheduled. Too busy to just sit and ‘be’? No time to just get out and ride? So you schedule a ride day for yourself. You feel just a twinge of guilt as you dodge some commitments.
 

You need this, though.

To stay sane. To be able to keep on keepin’ on. The anticipation of the day keeps you motivated to get through the week. Will the rain let up? Does it matter? Nothing will keep you from the trails. It has been too long. This ride really isn’t for anyone, but you. No responsibility. Just ride. Be free.

The Huckwagon is loaded and has several stops to make as it heads north. It is like a bus tour…pick up riders, buy icy beverages for the top of the climb, a quick swing by Skagit Cycle for a new pump…gas…and finally we are at the Galby lot. It is mostly empty, but the sun is coming out!

We head up to the towers. Amazed at the logging activity. It really has been too long! We climb, we break. We catch up on the latest with our friends. Did I say it had been too long?!
 

At the top comes the surprise

Homemade barbeque pork sandwiches and icy Sierra Nevada. We are all hungry and feast on this treat (thanks Gary!) And then, we fly!

It is spring! No one wants the day to end. The extra hour of daylight is a gift and we are kids again! Our ride becomes epic.

And, as daylight finally wanes, we roll into the parking lot. Muddy. Tired. Satisfied. We are the last two cars.We are renewed.

Look Mom, No Feet!

Alive and well and feeling like a kid again!

The snow is refreshing after a week of being sick and low energy.Ride? Hellz yeah! Even if just a short one before the inevitable rain or coughing attack! (weather update: it is still snowing 3 hours later).

Our local trails are closed for the season, but we find some gorgeous gravel roads through the woods. We are the only ones out on this snowy Saturday. Dump run? Breakfast out? We forego chores andEllie’s Restaurant’s deliciousness for perhaps too many cups of strong home brewed espresso and a skillet of cheesy potato egg hash, and a ride.

“Let’s go!” And, so we do.

Woodland creatures in street clothes and base layers. Riding from our back yard in tree farm paradise. Accused of thinking people should be able to be happy doing what they are doing, we are guilty as charged! Certainly there are worse things to be accused of.

It was succinctly described at a planning meeting last week by Recreation Northwest. “We promote fun!” I love that! “Dirty little fun havers”?! (Failure to Launch) So be it! In fact, we don’t just think people should be happy, we at Huckwagons KNOW it!

Asked if we are living our passion? Certainly that is our plan. Hanging out with like-minded people, sharing beverages at local establishments, exchanging information about trails and rides, creating possibilities for new riders and outdoors men and women – that is where the excitement begins and resonates within us.
 

The fun doesn’t have to wait until the trailhead.

It starts at the communal meal or over a cold pitcher and continues throughout the rides – in the shuttle rig AND on the trail.

The snow continues to fall in Stanwood and we warm ourselves by the fire, planning future adventures. Join us! Your Huckwagon mountain bike transport-trailer will get you where you want to go!

Snow DAY!

Remember your excitement as a kid when you saw the first few snowflakes of winter sprinkling from the heavens like powdered sugar?

The anticipation of a snow day, hot cocoa with marshmallows, sledding and playing in the snow was almost too much. You would run and look outside the window, squinting into the streetlights, wondering if there would be enough to cancel school or at least get a late start.

And then, you wake up to a wonderland of brightness.
 

The earth blanketed in pristine white.

Silence except for the fluffs still dancing as they pirouette to earth.

Maybe I haven’t grown up yet. I still feel this childlike sense of wonderment and glee at the possibility of snow. I love the beauty of the untouched yard, watching the cats try to step around the edges unsuccessfully, and the illusion of endless time in the quiet of the morning.

Extra cups of coffee, snuggling by the fire, curled up with a book or two, and just being.

I love it! What more could I possibly ask for?

A BIKE ride! Oh, how I love to ride my bike in the snow. I feel giddy, light-hearted, and I laugh and laugh. Balance, pedaling, braking. Braking?! All bets are off as to what to expect on the trail.

It is pure joy!

Artistically painted tire tracks, the sound as our wheels crunch down the trail…really, what more could one ask for? And stories…

…so many stories.

One year it seemed like we rode in snow or ice each time we went to Galbraith, and there were a lot of times! Another winter our shuttle rig was full as we headed up to brave the cold and weather at the top of Double D. We got part way up and the gate was closed.

SNOW! “Why wouldn’t we?!”

was the consensus as we layered up and started hiking up the hill with our downhill rigs. The snow just got deeper, but the laughter and exhilaration of the moment was contagious. Slipping and sliding our way down the steep rooty sections was made even more interesting with the trail covered in cold white stuff.

Then, just like that, it was gone. And, while the lower trails were clear, the memories lingered and the experience lives on in our souls.

Snow! There are fat tired bikes, snow tires and chains for bikes, and then there are just our regular old daily rides. What’s tomorrow’s forecast? I look expectantly at the sky and sigh.

I just can’t wait to get back on my bike in the SNOW, but I guess I will have to, for now!

Makin’ Our Dreams Come True!

Go, Fight, Win!

Still Homecoming and the air is alive with excitement. Royalty, dress up days, class competitions, the parade, game, and of course, who to take to the dance! It is hard enough to focus in class, let alone on the nightly homework assigned.

Remember when life revolved around high school? The glory days? The anticipation and hype? And then the “let down” when it was finally over – until next year? In some ways it was almost a relief – especially for teachers and administrators – and of course the few dedicated individuals who worked so hard behind the scenes to make each day a memorable success.

So much thought, planning, time…to dress up or not to dress up? What if no one else does? What if I dress up for the wrong day? That would be almost as bad as going to class naked…

Today it is Favorite Team Jersey Day. I rack my brain…my son needs his tennis jersey for a match and the Sonics don’t play here anymore…so, deviating from the norm of Seahawks paraphernalia and high school football jerseys, I select from my Crankworx SWAG – Sodestrom, Martin.
 

An exceptional athlete.

We watched with mounting cheers and excitement as he rode what seemed like the perfect final run at Slopestyle. Would he place 1st or 2nd? He and Semenuk were both riding flawlessly. Each trick dialed to perfection.

And then, just like that, silence!

Tens of thousands were stunned speechless. His body lay crumpled, lifeless, at the bottom of his final trick.

Passion. Life’s blood. When someone is passionate about something – a job, a sport, an activity, a lover – it shows. It emanates from one’s being and is not only captivating, but contagious to those lucky enough to witness it.

When Sodestrom was down, our hearts went out to him, some were shaken to the very core, but when he was flying – and he will again, we could feel his joy and skill and passion. It was electrifying! Can you imagine being able to live your passion?!

How many times have you been told to be practical? Or to “be careful” so you don’t get hurt? How many times have you NOT done something so you can stay “safe”? People get hurt falling off a curb and people who religiously pay their bills still may lose their house to foreclosure. Is it worth the personal cost of not following your dreams just in case something bad MIGHT happen?

Henry Ford once said, “if you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.”

Certainly if you don’t try something, you can’t fail, but you can’t succeed either. Sure, if Martin (Soderstrom) had “heard the word impossible” and decided to play it safe, he could be home playing video games instead of healing from a broken leg.

But what is more satisfying?

If we were being “responsible” we would only talk about cool trailer and bike rack designs. But instead, we are going to “(do) it our way, yes our way…(and) make our dreams come true” (thanks Laverne and Shirley!) by pursuing our dream and creating Huckwagons.

Our love of biking, the relationships we have made over the years, the joy we find on the trail, are all reasons we started this venture with Huckwagons. Whether it be creating a new mountain bike rack or trailer design, customizing an order, or simply loading up bikes for a road trip and unloading them at the trail, we are following our passion and hope to share even just a little bit with you.

Start living your passion and check out Huckwagons today! We can help you get you and your bike there – scratch free and ready to RIDE!

“(cuz) we are doin’ our way, yes our way,
Make(in) all our dreams come true
For me and you.”

To Huck With Those Stilettos!

Yup, it’s Homecoming week and the stereotype of the male CEO and sexy secretary are alive and well at our local high school. Micro-minis and spike heels click down the school hallway while boys gawk.

I ponder this and shake my head in disbelief as I watch a microcosm of society playing out before me.

Haven’t we progressed forward? at all?

Is this why women are still hitting their heads on the glass ceiling? Or is this still the “look” even in today’s work place? Albeit not all the students are dressed this way, but there are definitely enough to scare me into a reality check.

The assumption that CEOs are men and wear a suit and tie is old school.

As CEO of Huckwagons AND as a woman, I decided to dispel the myth that one must be stuffed shirt male.Hot pink Huckwagons T, power skirt, and boots are my attire on this dress up day. And, speaking of “attire”, the tire belt completing the ensemble was quite a hit!

Will it make a difference with these kids? Probably not, but it helps me quell my own anxiety. Being put back in the box, trapped under a ceiling – only able to look at the sky and not reach for it – is no way to live life. Being outside, on the trails, inhaling the fresh cedar canopy swaying in the wind IS the way – for me – to be me.

So, to huck with those stilettos! (510s are way more comfortable anyway.)

Loosen that tie! (You might choke while bombing down your favorite trail.)

Get muddy, take risks, and wear neon if you must, but get out of the confines of your safe and secure world.

It is all about the journey, isn’t it? So keep exploring. Keep looking for those new lines and finessing the old ones. Load those bikes on your Huckwagon and head for the hills.

We DARE you!

Just get outside and RIDE!