February 14th… usually a remarkably shitty day. I can get over the stupid commercial holiday bull shit no problem, it just also happens to be the anniversary of my mother’s passing. That is a smidge harder to ignore. You would think I have some ritual to honor her memory, but no. So why not go for a ride this year? Hell, I like sunsets… she probably did too, so why not make it a sunset bike ride? 

That is exactly what I did. I Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun… set… but it was Obscured by Clouds this evening. 

Who cares, I still had a blast. The route was mostly dirt and had plenty of haul-ass descending into Greeley.

The plains were aglow before the sun retreated behind the cloak lingering to the west, and the temperature was perfect- even after night fell. 

I didn’t connect with anyone for the ride, and that ended up being nice. I spent a good portion of the ride in a pedal-induced trance remembering my mom, and that was one of my goals. 

I wish she could have joined me.