Tour De Salem??

Salem Lake is a lovely little 365-acre lake with a 7 mile running/biking trail that is perfect for a weekend morning adventure. Last year, Twin City Track Club (TCTC) posted marker signs at each mile - very helpful for those of us who use our prayers and iPods to venture through this cumbersome route mile by mile. Having run this trail many times, I am no stranger to being passed by cyclists, runners and the occasional cowboy on horseback. I was, however, enlightened by what may be W-S's best kept secret of avid bikers. Apparently, there is an underground Tour De Salem that ventures out to Salem Lake on Sunday mornings somewhere between 9-11am. "On your left!" was shouted loud enough to drown out Kayne, Jackson Browne and Big Head Todd by cyclists dressed in their full-fledged racing gear, complete with gloves, helmet, backpack, raingear, and shirts representing their affiliation or sponsor. USC's cycle team (graduation circa 1996) is still holding on to the memory by suiting up for their ride. Breezing by me "on your left!" were several of them 8 or 10 at a time from various "colleges" with sponsors ranging from Gatorade to LiveStrong. How lucky I was to be running on the same trail with these professional athletes from the Triad! Lance Armstrong himself would be gleeful at the enthusiasm of these weekend warriors. As I ran (and I use this word loosely) up the final hill to approach mile marker 6, another biker approached me from the opposite direction. He was smiling, no helmet and wearing just a simple Life Is Good tee and some khakis. "Good morning" he said with a wave. Funny, although it was apparent he didn't make the cut for Tour De Salem, he was seemingly enjoying his leisurely ride through the beautiful trails.

~Jackie