Blind Naked Mole Rats

By Holly Fasching '22

May 2020

This photo was taken on one of the most important bike rides of my life so far. Perhaps, the most important ride of my life. Just 5 minutes before, I completed a climb that took months, even years, of work. The trail is called Bobolink Trail, which branches off of the D&L and connects to the LNE at a grade of about 10-14%. I’ve watched my dad destroy the climb for years now, always wondering when I’d be strong enough to do it too. For several weeks, I would start the climb following close behind my dad, but always falling short of the top. There was something in the air this day, however, that kept me going to the top. No stopping. No hesitation. Something kept my legs going. Something in the back of my head told me, the only way you’re stopping now is if you pass out cold. Cresting the hill, I collapsed to the ground to catch my breath. I looked to my right and was greeted with the sign reading “Blind Naked Mole Rats.” I thought it was hilarious, and made the pain I felt all through my body seem worth it. If I hadn’t pushed myself, I might not have seen that gem that gave my dad and I a laugh. With that ride, however, I became a mini legend to the locals we always saw on the trails; we believe I might be the youngest to have biked that hill. So while it may just be a picture of a sign reading “Blind Naked Mole Rats” that has little to no meaning at all, the story behind it encapsulates every aspect of riding that is so special to me… adventure, discovery, and hard work.