Don't Mess with the Creek
I got a call from one of the Undergrounds' favorite mountain bike riders on Sunday afternoon saying that he and another rider had just done their good deed of the day. While riding through Lime Creek Sunday, they noticed that the frontage road leading out to the Lime Creek was is in poor shape. The two riders got some trash bags, and went to work. There was plenty of garbage all over the road and ditches to keep them busy for some time. They cleaned the place up, and went on with their ride.
In talking to another mountain bike riding duo, I found out that this stretch of road had become the "high school hang out" of choice for many of Mason City's finest (students that is). The ability of students to hang out unbothered by the other group of Mason City's finest (the Fuzz) - can give the students plenty of time to deposit as much trash as one could possibly carry in a 1984 Gremlin.
Maybe this sign would give any high school student entitlement to give the society something to do.
Now I know. It can't only be kids doing the messin', and there are plenty of drivers throwing junk from their windows as they travel past. But this blog entry has two purposes.
1) Pick up your shit. Laziness is at an all time high when people can't wait until they get home to throw out their Snickers wrappers. It always slays me when I see car tires, dirty baby diapers, and old broken water heaters along a dirt road. What gives? Take the stuff where it should go. Don't dump it on my favorite gravel road.
And of course
2) Those on two wheels are not only concerned with themselves. They are not all out to create road rage situations, they are not all training for their next Ironman, on trying to become Lance Armstrong, or trying to drop that last 5 pounds they put on while watching the Hawkeys go 8-0 the past weekend. There are many out there just enjoying the ride. Soaking it all in. Getting to a point in the road, the trail, or the field - stopping - taking a big breath - and loving the experience. Now, imagine that same "zen-like" situation, with the rider standing in a pile of candy wrappers, empty beer cans, and McNugget boxes. Did the needle just scratch and slide off the LP in your head? Exactly.
Lime Creek is a place that many enjoy for many different reasons. Horse riding, walking, running, hiking, and yes - riding our bikes. This is but one of the million places in this world that we all get to enjoy - and can be ruined with someones thoughtlessness.
Get out and ride, and pack your trash along the way. Be a good little deed do'er - and pick up the junk you see.
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