I'm keeping the SS! No derailleur needed!

Yes, dirt skiing season is here and I rode my fav MB loop, the Foresthill Divide trail. I did not put my foot down! Always reassuring when you realize, even after a long absence, ya still got it!! (or some of it anyway) The hard parts are still hard, but at least I don't have to go out and buy a derailleur. I don't like to face it, but I turned sixty this year. Yech. So what do I do differently? I warm up longer. Lots longer.
My descending skills (I never had much anyway) are non-existent, but I can still grind out a climb. And I look around more.... The foothills are just as gorgeous as ever, the golden fall leaves among the evergreen Valley Oaks, the luminescent green of the winter grass against the the sky..aaah, the sky-a deep shade of blue never seen in summer. God bless winter in California! I'll pray for some rain- or the moon dust will return. I may not have the $$$$ to be at the Gent 6 day races, but I'm a lucky guy anyway!