The One Off The Beaten Path...

So the story goes a little something like this:

Back in May of '99, Howard and I, fresh out of FSU and into the full-time work force, purchased two bikes from Oshman's - now the business conglomerate, Sports Authority. We had that first big paycheck and wanted to reward ourselves. So I believe we each purchased a set of golf clubs and these two rugged bikes. We rode them for a few months pretty regularly...but unbeknownst to us, we wanted to get fat; so we stopped riding altogether and decided that taking in calories was more important than losing them.

For the next six years, they saw action pretty scarcely. We would go through these short-lived times of being outdoorsy and adventurous, but the demise of those moments fell victim to laziness and even more laziness. At one point, when we moved out to Fixedfront Valley, the bikes lived under the back deck and started to rust in some areas. We eventually rescued these two-wheelers and found them a nicer home in the garage via some heavy-duty hooks, where they remained dormant and collected dust. Fast forward to July of '05...

I can't recall the catalyst that got me riding my trusty Iron Horse again, but whatever it was, I am very thankful. Perhaps it was a little nudge from God saying that I needed to exercise more and not let this people-mover apparatus go to waste. We started riding the Red Bug Trail a few times a week - but it got a bit cumbersome having to load our bikes into Howard's trunk every time we wanted to ride. I wasn't going to let this quagmire of inconvenience bring this round of exercising inspiration to an untimely quietus.

Whenever I make this ten-mile trek, I'm filled with so much peace. The beautiful splendor of the ride takes me away to a place that can only be described as God's warm embrace. It's almost as if I'm transformed into a different world during the time I'm away. There's no urgent urgency to do anything other than just soak in the goodness of what He has created. I can probably bore you to death with how these rides have helped clear up my brain and how close I have felt to God, but I realize everyone has their own methods of releasing their cares of this world and finding within themselves, a tranquil and serene place to be free. I hope this picture story will give you a small glimpse of how much God has blessed me these past seven months. So without further ado, I'd like to invite you on my little retreat...

~KH

This is about a mile or so into the ride. I consider it the true beginning as it's where my mind is free to let go of all things. There are a good amount of short and gradual inclines beyond this point, but most times I'll get lost in the fact that I've just entered into a corridor of God's country. It really does seem like an entirely different world back here yonder:

It's only about 15 MPH at this point. I didn't really want to attempt taking a picture going any faster:

Yellow glasses for a yellow man. These filtered lenses are absolutely amazing on overcast days. The real reason I wear them is to look cool. OK, really...they help tremendously at keeping my contacts from going dry. Ummm...my tongue? I know not what I do...

Now this is exactly 3.2 miles in - time has elapsed about ten minutes or so. It's where I stop to take a swig of water and to wish that I had enough money to turn this abandoned house into an amazing home someday. "No Trespassing?" It's all good dawg...

The journey continues as I pedal furiously to meet the cool and brisk air. It was a gorgeous day to ride; the sun's all peaking through the tall trees and stuff:

It's Bambi and the Posse'. It's a regular occurence to see deer prancing around people's yards in this neck of the woods. It's so easy to forget that I'm still in Tallahassee:

I guess I startled this young lad. I don't recall breaking wind or doing anything that lacked couth:

I'll probably never find out but it looks to me that this house has an amazing view of Lake Monkey Business (what a swell name for a lake). Any guesses on what the sign says to the left of the driveway? These pics are small - sorry, but it's the best I could do to make them fit in this entry:

Spider-Man? What in the world?!? This family has this thing blown up regularly for their kids to play in. I think it's totally groovy. Spider-Man 3 comes out on May 7, 2007 - Holla!!!

Just some more houses I wish I could afford. I'd better get scootin' on those Chinese classes if I want to buy the garages of these houses one day:

These next two pics are places that I'm always eager to get to. Something about canopy roads always makes me happy...

This has got to be the cutest little home (pricewise, not so cute). I can just imagine the creaking wooden floors and how wonderful it must be to live in this cozy house:

This house has a wrap-around porch and a swing. That's all that needs to be said:

There are two houses during this ride that make me dream of having that big family one day. Having the kids and their kids come home during the Holidays to the smell of apple pie baking, fireplace burning, games a playing, and then sweet fellowship after the big meal. God you are so awesome to let a little boy like me dream...

Round 'em up fellers. Fixedfront Valley never looked so good:

This is where I get to cruise down to meet God face-to-face - Lake Monkey Business. It's a rugged little section where pick-up trucks frequent along with me. People like to go down here to fish. But I go down to gaze out into the open water and the beautiful tree lines:

This is not Lake Monkey Business. It's just a little retention pond that happens to be nestled behind the Monkeys. It's so tranquil and serene...

As you can see, the tree lines are gorgeous. To the right is Golden Eagle Golf Course:

I'm sure these houses along the Lake are way cheap - sarcasm anyone?

And here is the second house that I absolutely adore the mess out of. I don't know how many times I've envisioned myself living here - I want to ring their doorbell and ask for a tour...

Frontal view:

One of the coolest driveways to a house I've seen back here. It wasn't until recently that I noticed it. Dude, how green is that grass?!?

This is the last road that I take to get back onto Deerlake. About a mile or so remains and I'm home. I'm so refreshed and rejuvenated. Praise God...

Here's the trusty Iron Horse - and no, it's not a bike for toddlers!!!

My two-toned stubby legs and adidas cycling shoes. They have served me well. Until my next meeting with you Lord Jesus...