I have been unfaithful to you pavement, during my off-season. While I apologize understand that I do so without regret, for my off road love affair happens every fall. A secret between me and my mountain bike, that not even those closest to me know about. Today I was caught red handed by a mountain biker, an official one, on his mountain bike. I was discovered right in the middle of a local mountain biking park.

"Mary Eggers" he gasped, perhaps knowing my deceit, "I didn't know you were a mountain biker". I didn't know you even had a mountain bike!"

My secret discovered, my cover blown. I did not know what to say. I could not deny my secret, for I was alone on the single track, descent. Not a place for beginners or those just tooling around. On the park's waiver I had scribbled my name so as not to be recognized, this was my little secret.

The trails are a place I hide away in every fall. Those who know me don't know of this, I keep it quiet. It's a chance for me to reconnect with myself, with nature, with the earth (and sometimes literally). I don't compete on my mountain bike; I just don't have time to do it all. I ride very early when there is no one around. I love the cracking of the leaves and the sound of the dirt beneath my knobby tires. Here I can ride over roots, descend like a maniac, try to jump logs, and I can stay fit while cheating on my beloved smooth pavement. My pedal stroke skills hone, my balance is challenged.

Will I swear off pavement, will I cross over to the dirt? I have lived long enough to never say never to both sides. I have lived long enough to learn to follow where the wind blows my heart. I will live without restrictions, without placing those rules upon myself again. I know where I can come when I need nature. I know where I can go to listen to my Zipp 404 wheels slice through the wind. I know where I can go if I need to run in the woods... and nobody needs to know.

"I dabble every fall" I say to my friend as we continue to ride along together, I explain my love of nature and my love of fitness. "I just enjoy the fresh air" I tell him. At first I pray he tells no one else, and then I let it go, so what if he does? To whom does it even matter? To the woman in the mirror.

Too much of my life has been spent living my self imposed rules of what I would and would not do. Since then I have broken the rules, and have followed my dreams. Where they have led me... is a wonderful place.

Mary Eggers.