I decided to try the mountain biking trail around Westwood lake. It was late afternoon. I have heard that it's a fairly difficult ride, but these trails are usually only as hard as you make them. I generally won't risk my neck, and get off and walk if it seems dangerous. I start winding my way around the lake. Very beautiful views and nice riding around the little ravines. Wow, there are many cutbacks, and little ravines. My legs start to burn after going up many small winding hills. Bumping over roots and smashing into rocks. My bike is a cross type, which is good for road riding and decent for off road, but not awesome for either. I do a slow crash two or three times into trees. I bust off one of my plastic pedals. I'm starting to wish this ride was over. I begin to notice the bridges are numbered. I'm on bridge 17 when the sun starts to turn the shadows long. I jump two deer, who turn and look back at this panting, bedraggled human on his machine. They glide away, leaping effortlessly through the forest. Around bridge twenty, I'm starting to really tire. I begin walking the bike up most of the steep areas. I don't stop and rest, because I want to get back before dark, and I'm sure Jody is worried. I jump three more large deer. They turn, unseen, and stop. I hear the buck snorting loudly. Two, three times he snorts his indignation at being roused. Bridge 23, sweet Jesus when does this trail end? There are stretches where you can glide along through the forest without too much fear of dying. I keep telling myself it is worth the pain. Finally, while walking the bike along an easy part, I see the road ahead, jump on my bike and pedal out. Victorious, albeit whipped.