By Allen Hamrick
With the weather seemingly trying to connect early to spring, the fever to get out and do spring “stuff” is overwhelming. The huge winter storm that was just here a couple of weeks ago seems a distant memory, almost as if it never happened. The weather was fiercely cold and snow in some places measured 12 inches deep. The roads were a mess most of the time, and other than the people who worked on the roads or had to be out and about, most stayed indoors and let winter take its shots. However, there are those that used the storm to get out and experience adventure and fight back against the idea that winter drives us into our caves to safety. With the snow covering the Elk River Trail and ice forming in the river, the only footprints on the trail were animal tracks. There was one other track, though, and it was made by one of the legendary adventurer who makes and takes his own path in life and lets nothing stand in the way of doing what he wants and that includes winter. Doug Wayne, local legend in the running and biking world, as well as CCMS band director extraordinaire, took on the trail in the apex of the winter storm on his bike at night. His exploits are not for the faint at heart, and his drive is nothing short of intense. The bigger the challenge, the better he likes it. If you get the chance, don’t let anything stop you from enjoying the beauty of winter. I know it’s warm now, but it’s not over yet. Get the bikes out or put the running shoes on and hit the trail.