A fun day on the mountain

[Irulan]

I confess, I shuttled. Being somewhat of an singletrack purist, I generally like to "earn my turns" but some days it's just more appropriate to load the bikes up and ride down. In this case, we drove to the summit of the state part, (6500', view across three states and into Canada). The trail goes from the summit down about 7 (?) miles... never real steep, mainly it windy forest single track. OK, well the top first mile and a half is pretty technical with a lot of root, rock and log water bar drop offs. But after that it's clear sailing.

I was on a borrowed HT, my friends Ti-bike, and everyone else was on large, big travel bikes. They all got a good laugh lifting my 22# bike out of the truck. I did wear pads, mainly becuase we get going fast and there are a lot of trees that the trail snakes though, and the penalty for a bad line could hurt.

We did it twice, having a nice lunch break inbetween. I ran the whole thing clean with the exception of several "V" shape switch backs that always cause me trouble... I did a nice slow motion superman ( boobs first) into the dust on one of them. I made ALL the stream crossings -this is a big deal for me because I usually hesistate, being sure there's a big deep hole under the water to grab my tire. I even rode the big wide one that was about 3-4" deep all the way across.

Anyway, here's some fun pics of me and my freind. It was the two of us, and 2 guys, and one of their sons. It was a fun day, with no pressure.


http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/msbike/desontrail.jpg

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/msbike/destrail.jpg

http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/msbike/stream.jpg http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/misc/msbike/msstairs.jpg

Irulan

[JanT]

Great pictures! I really enjoyed your photos and vicariously riding with you in that lush greenery. It looks so cool and refreshing, especially to a desert rat here in Phoenix, where everything is brown and dry, and very hot, these days. Thanks for sharing.
Jan

[snowtulip]

I must also live vicariously through your photos. It looks like a beautiful ride. Our forests are still closed, but I plan on taking a trip to Colorado this coming weekend to get my mountain bike fix. One of the trails we'll be doing is also a shuttle run (I'm with you, I like to earn my downhill, but this trail is supposed to be pretty long). Keep those pictures coming!
Enjoy!

[pedalfaster]

Niiiice!

[MightyMitre]

Superb pics! As a roadie I can only dream about being able to get a bike over tracks like that. Looks like great fun. Get me a pair of hiking boots and I might just be able to keep up!

:D

[MightyMitre]

Superb pics! As a roadie I can only dream of having the strength and skills to get a bike over such gorgeous tracks. Looks lovely! Get me a pair of hiking boots and I might just be able to keep up.:D

[MightyMitre]

Sorry - seems I've done a double reply. I think my pc must be feeling the strain...:)

[Kpicha]

Great pics! I like the stairs one.

I know what you mean about the stream crossings; those and mud holes. The mud holes really bother me with that, "I have no idea how deep this is going to be" feeling and with the streams, I'm always worried about the loose, wet rocks underneath. Never a dull moment ;)