Four decades of roaming the planet and I figured I’d bump into her eventually. Who would’ve known I’d be slamming out a one-hour ride on Marshall-Mesa of all places, when I’d meet her? I never would’ve guessed she’d be strapped and carrying pepper spray, too. And riding a bike no less.

Meet Kelly Idema, ranger/naturalist for the city of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks division. She not only gets to ride her mountain bike for “work”, she also gets to play with guns. I thought I’d figured out a good scam with this writing gig, but man…she’s got the system beat.

Your tax dollars at work.

Idema took a few minutes to explain the ongoing trail development east of the Marshall-Mesa trailhead, with singletrack currently under construction past Cowdrey Draw. This trail will eventually connect to the CostCo area in Superior. After a short spin over the “Hump” on the old Morgul course, you can connect to the (probably familiar to most of you) Coalton trail and loop around to the stoplight at Hwy. 128 and 93. It ain’t Sun Valley or Durango…but it’s coming along! Thanks Open Space, BMA, and all of you who are making it happen.

As for Idema? Damn, she was just too nice to resent her…but man, she has it figured out!

Missing in Action

I’ve been a little MIA lately, from blogging, the local strongman competitions, and even the local climbing crags. Indeed, friends, the twins arrived and they’re taking up a bit of my time! My best half, Rebecca, is resting up and everybody’s healthy. Luca and Dominic arrived July 8, and both tipped the scales at over six pounds. They’re chowing like little milkpigs and they even let us sleep a bit.

They’re cute little suckers and look for ‘em in upcoming blogs on firecracker wars, how to meet chicks at postpartum yoga, and the ever-popular topic: keeping social services off your back. Right on!