So it’s getting towards the end of the
EXTREMELY hot riding days of summer. You might even feel a bit tired of the usual pre/post work mountain bike rides. Maybe…you are even starting to look forward to your first powder turns. Well, I have the cure to keep you going through the fall…think 80’s.

I am still trying to rally for the training rides considering I am racing a 24 hour mtb race in September. I was needing a bit of a jolt to keep the motivation up. SO…I took my ipod and created the perfect 80’s playlist. I think I had a spiritual experience.

I am not a HUGE fan of riding with music on. You cannot always hear people riding up on you, hikers in front of you, and that mommy and baby bear around the corner. So, I do not usually ride with music. BUT…I was riding super early in the morning where I am amazed when I see even one person and my singing at the top of my lungs (between gasping for air on the climbs) was probably bad enough to send any bear running in the opposite direction.

That ONE person I mentioned unfortunately had to ride behind me for a minute until I recognized he was there….I realized that somewhere while belting out the following lines… “Only boys who save their pennies make my rainy day….we are livin in a material….” ooops, after you sir!

Each climb, each turn, and each little root drop was so much more richer when sing out all of these very familiar words. Phrases such as, “It’s got what it takes”, “Ohhh what a feeling”, “You don’t have to watch Dynasty to have an attitude” and “Ooohhh here she comes, watch out now she’ll chew you up” really hones in all of the biking skills. I think my lips were sticking to my gums because I was smiling so hard.

So, if you are feeling the end of summer fatigue and looking for that extra something to get you through until winter then go to itunes and download some of your favorite 80’s tunes. Below is a list of tunes that I suggest for a quick 1-1 1/2 ride. Enjoy.

I Feel For You, Chaka Khan
Maneater, Hall & Oates
Photograph, Def Leppard
Rio, Duran Duran
Faith, George Michael
Centerfold, J Geils Band
Dancing On The Ceiling, Lionel Richie
Material Girl, Madonna
Wanna Be Startin’ Something, Michael Jackson
99 Luftballoons, Nena
Kiss, Prince
Why Can’t This Be Love, Van Halen
Freedom, Wham
Promise, Violent Femmes
Alive and Kicking, Simple Minds
C’m On Feel The Noize, Quiet Riot
What A Feeling, Flashdance
We’ve Got The Beat, The Go Go’s
Come On Eileen, Kevin Rowland & The Dexys Midnight Runners