I opted to not run today to let my legs recover a little more from the 20 miler on Saturday. In the afternoon, the weather was beautiful and I had some free time so I got the notion to ride my motorcycle up to Wahlsburg to the start of the Utah Valley marathon and ride the course back down Provo Canyon. My friend Steve Reiser was available and joined me.
Steve has a large road bike that coasted up the canyon in 2nd gear I think. My little Yamaha XT 225 tops out at about 60mph downhill. I managed the speed limit, but most drivers go well over the speed limit up the canyon. Still, I don't think I hindered traffic too much. There were two lanes most of the way.
The high canyon speeds were a little tense, but the whole ride was beautiful, and the slower miles through Wahlsburg were especially enjoyable. We stopped where the marathon starts and talked for a while. On the way back through Wahlsburg I slowed then stopped because something was in the road. It was a wild tom turkey strutting with its tail feathers up. It was beautiful. Steve stopped next to me and took a picture. As we watched, his plain brown feathered mate (I assume) joined him and crossed the road. It was pretty cool, not something you see everyday.
The sky and clouds were beautiful, as were the mountains and fields, especially the snowy backside of Mt. Timpanogos. It was a great afternoon. It was followed by a wonderful dinner on the deck prepared by my family and attended by my whole family including my two grandchildren. Good day.
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