Don't Take It For Granted

Church Rd - Big Indian

If you've been in touch with the Catskill Region as of late, you are probably familiar with the devastation Hurricane Irene has dropped on this area as she fizzled herself out over our peaks here in the park.  It's hard to believe the furry of water that came from this event.  Houses were moved and destroyed.  Stream beds were forever changed.  Neighborhoods became rivers.  In some cases, hundreds of years of history were washed away in just a few short hours.  A real mess was created in a remarkably short amount of time.
 

Slide Mt Road Washout From Streambed
My buddy Jack is up on the road to the right

But what struck me the most during this week of readjustment was how vital these mountain roads are too us.  In fact, when the sh*t really hit the fan, the first place people went to is to the road.  And even if a person's house made it through unscathed, it's the road that some found not to be there that really frightened them.


Rt 42 Landslide

Because these mountains are so steep, the road at the bottom is many times the only viable option for travel.  In fact, even on the nicest days, many of these mountain roads (both main routes and remote ones) seem to be hanging on by a thread - always seeming vulnerable to the overwhelming power of nature that crowds them, taunts them, and reminds them who is really in charge around here. 

For many cyclists here in the park, there is a very personal relationship with that force that has the last say.  While driving a car, the steep hills may make the car groan some as you press the accelerator, but it is the burn in the legs and the lungs gasping with each pedal stroke that allows the cyclist to be in touch with that force - to never forget who is really in charge.  The descents may be fun and allow the cyclist to flow like water, but unlike the water, our brakes remind us of who is really in charge around here.

Pavilion Rd - Arkville

Car Pool

Rt 42 Washout

And it's a pleasure to write how I have heard some who have said (during a more peaceful time), how annoyed they were with bicycles and cyclists in general, only to shamefully lower their heads while telling me that a bicycle was the most efficient means of transportation right after the flood and impending chaos.  In fact, immediately after the event, the National Guard and Fire Co. were only allowing bicycles up Oliverea Road. 

"You can get there from here . . . on a bike . . "

So don't take them for granted; not your roads, bridges, neighbors, streams, mountains, or bicycles.  And it's best to always remember who is really in charge around here . . .

Stay safe out there.  Thanks for all of those who have helped, and are helping this region recover from this setback.  With your help, we'll get there, and be even better than before.  At the very least, it'll be some good stories for the grand kids ; )

Thank you!