Lumpy rolls over rocks

Yesterday Kadizzle set out on a mountain biking adventure with The Commander.  We walked out of the bike rental place $200 poorer, even though The Commander had her own zippity do da bike.  She needed some protective clothing, and Kadizzle had to rent a bike.  Times have changed.  Today a good bike cost what two years of college tuition was when Kadizzle became an educated idiot.  Kadizzle was hopping the trail would not be too intimidating, and initially that seemed to be the case.  The riding was good and the scenery was terrific.  About the halfway point our crew took a wrong turn which led to some very difficult riding.  The need to get off and carry the bike occurred more often and the prospect of broken bones and damage bikes went up exponentially.  The trail was very steep, downhill with switchbacks, and narrow ledges that would be a disaster if you went off.  Imagine riding down a rocky waterfall without the water.  Kadizzle managed a few short segments of it and finally got to the bottom.  It was at the bottom of this mess that we realized our mistake in navigation, so we had to turn around and head back up carrying the bikes.  On the way down Kadizzle got to see some expert riders actually sit on their bikes and go down the mess. It was an amazing mix of skill and daring.  Just imagine riding your bike down the steepest steps you have walked up, perhaps a fire escape.  That would be actually easier than a bunch of uneven rocks, of various sizes at the same angle.  Well we got the bikes and ourselves back unharmed, but servery worn out.  Some alcohol, and an excellent dinner cured us. Today's adventure will be a kayak trip down the Verde River with Kadizzle's little sister.