Page 57 of What it Takes
“I’ve only ridden out on the trails a couple of times. I’m not very good at it yet.”
“This is how yougetgood at it. You just do it.”
Laney still wasn’t convinced. “I’m sure you all ride a lot faster. I’ll just slow everybody down.”
“Nope. We ride at all different speeds. And those of us who ride a little faster will stop and wait at intersections for those who prefer to take their time. Or if there’s a rough bit of trail, we’ll wait to make sure everybody gets through. You’ll be with Lauren and Beth, mostly. And Mary’s only been riding alone for a couple of years. She always rode behind Leo, but we finally talked her into trying it herself and she loves it.”
“Really?”
Emma grinned. “Don’t make me bust out theif Mary can do it, so can youline.”
“Mary keeps this family in line. I’m pretty sure there’s nothing she can’t do,” Laney said. “But I would like to go, if you’re sure I won’t be holding anybody back.”
“You won’t. And if it helps, I’ve already been told you’re a natural.”
Fifteen minutes later, she was actually driving an ATV, following her friends out of the campground and into the woods. She was tense at first, but Beth was in front of her and Lauren behind her, so she just kept pace with them and tried to follow where Beth went.
When she splashed through a big, muddy puddle and soaked herself, she actually laughed out loud. And then she saw Liz standing in the trees, taking pictures of them as they went by. Imagining her mother’s reaction if she sent her that picture amused her almost as much as the splash had, and she realized that even though it was still a little scary to her, being out here with these women and getting dirty, just might be part of finding her joy.
