Rocky Trail

Rich asked where I was heading as we enjoyed Cataplooza’s live band.

“I’m off to Upper Cottonwood Trail,” I replied.

He warned it was rocky, a comment I brushed off silently, determined to conquer the trail despite the warnings.

Indeed, the trail was tougher than any I’d faced in Montana, matching the challenging tracks back East. I struggled, nearly walking my bike halfway up, blaming a phone date for turning back. But honestly, the trail had defeated me; I couldn’t bear the walk of shame any longer.

“I’ll conquer you yet,” I muttered, retreating.

Descending was another tale. I rode down entirely, greeted by a stunning sunset at the trailhead. A reminder that even in failure, there’s a chance for beauty. Another trail, another adventure.