bmccasland - Thanks for the rather disgusting yet very informative article on these devil bugs.

I had applied bug spray before the original ride. I get very large welts when bitten by mosquitoes so I make every effort to try and eliminate them. I've been lazy lately and just used the Avon bug spray (swiped it from my mom in VA). This has worked fine for mosquitoes.

I will definitely apply my deet this Thursday before riding there again. Yes I am returning since this trail is one of the most challenging and closest in our area.