Foolish Excursion

PHOTO: Cherry Creek Reservoir...we climbed the dam behind those lovely boats...

Tonight we avoided injury and death. We did not, however, avoid some fear and a little embarrassment. After dinner, I suggested we work out. Chris immediately proposed we ride our bikes around the nearby Cherry Creek Reservoir. I recalled our last walk through the area, filled with hoards of bugs and just as many bites. So, reluctantly, I accepted his proposal.

The first few miles were actually enjoyable…minus a few bugs who had found their death in our eyes and occasionally throats…the evening grew darker as we neared what we thought was the last stretch of our wide, paved trail. Then, the trail ended. We were probably less than a mile from circling the park back to our vehicle. Chris was certain he saw a continued path through a patch of trees. It was dirt, but it was true. We had to decide: (1) turn around and ride the MILES back the way we’d come or (2) walk our road bikes down this rough, hidden path in the dark. We chose the latter. Again, we had more altercations with the insects, seriously inhaling them in their thick swarms.

Here’s where the story gets interesting. After a quarter mile or so of walking our bikes in this lovely situation, the trail ends and the Cherry Creek Dam begins. We had to make another decision: (1) turn around, walk back, and then ride the MILES back the way we’d come or (2) carry our bikes up the rock-covered dam and ride to our car via the Cherry Creek Dam Road. Here, we chose the latter as well. We worked up a nice sweat climbing to the top, but my heart raced a little as we had to place ourselves on this narrow road in the dark as cars passed at 50 mph. One of those situations that you drive by and say out loud, “Who are those idiots riding on THIS road at THIS time of night?!” We luckily had our bike lights flashing as a warning to oncoming traffic. The flashing encouraged some flashing and honks from passers-by. (that was the embarrassing part that actually made me happy my face was hidden in the dark). We eventually crossed the dam. My body ached from the tenseness of the ride. Now, glad to be safely home, eating popcorn and watching a lovely show about a serial killer and his daughter.