The day the river valley trails were packed and I actually liked it
Everyone complains about the crowds on a sunny Saturday, but seeing all those people out there (kids, older folks, everyone) made the whole place feel alive in a way it doesn't in the dead of winter. We ended up chatting with a couple from Oliver who were trying out their new bikes, which never happens when you're just riding alone. Anyone else find the busy days up there kind of nice sometimes?
Oh man, I used to be the biggest grump about crowded trails, like why can't everyone just stay home so I can have this place to myself. But after a few Saturdays where I actually stopped and let myself just hang out instead of racing through, I totally get it. The energy is different, people are friendlier, and it honestly made me remember why these spaces matter in the first place.
It's a public good in the most literal sense. Seeing it used that way, even if it's a bit slow, feels like the whole point. The quiet days are for training, but the busy ones are what keep the trails from getting cut.