St. Joe state park mountain bike trails?

[singletrackmind]

Indeedy!!

[fastdogs]

ha. you have not seen me crawling on hands and knees up the side of a berm after grinding to a halt and falling over sideways. In fact, it is a good thing that I have done most of my mountain bike riding by myself.
I sent an email to the contact info asking about the trail. If they ever stop laughing maybe they will reply and give me some info. I think I know the answer, but doesn't hurt to ask. Maybe I'll check on the conditions at castlewood and go on grotpeter again to humble myself.
vickie

[uforgot]

ha. you have not seen me crawling on hands and knees up the side of a berm after grinding to a halt and falling over sideways.
vickie

Now that I know you, I think I would enjoy seeing this! And Andy could shoot you with his watergun while you climb.

[singletrackmind]

Now don't be goin' and flatterin' yerself like that, I don't know anyone who hasn't done their own personal sort of berm crawl as a beginner mountain biker.


Just remember, the ones who try will get better. You may perceive yourself as looking silly but you are seen by others as cool, brave, persistant......
and maybe just a little bit dirty.

Your question won't be unique, I'm willing to bet.

[fastdogs]

this is the response I got:
"The mountain bike scramble is an intermediate ride. I have not ridden any of the trails you mention so I don't have a reference point. I believe trails are what you make of them. I take my time, sometimes push my bike up hills or over rocks. It's not a race so take your time, rest when you need to, replenish fluids often, and you'll do fine. Please bring a new tube for your size tire. There will be people to help with repairs if you need it, but tubes vary in size and SAG vehicles will only be available for the road cyclists. See you there!"
So, I think I might try it. I've still got two more days to chicken out. One person's "intermediate" might be my "advanced".
Mapquest said it was an hour and half drive!!!
There are ATV trails too, and DH was kinda keen on that; he's got a seat on his ATV for Andy.
I'm pretty sure I won't get in a ride today (unless I ride on the road), the river doesn't crest till tonight, and I'll bet it's muddy with trees down.

[bike4ever]

Vickie - the river trail at Castlewood is still under water for much of it. The higher trails (main park) have many trees down, but the trails have dried out.

[fastdogs]

I rode part of grotpeter tonight. I went in by the office, and took "office connector" or something like that. It came out on ries road, but I doubled back on grotpeter (goes off to the right). I took that around. I didn't have to put a foot down on any of the hilly parts, but did get off a couple of times- letting a couple of joggers go by, at a muddy stretch, and two down trees. One was huge- I had to crawl under and there was just enough room for my bike's handlebars. The other was leaning down and I had to climb over. The first one was definitely chainsaw material. I also walked down that really rocky staircase with railroad ties. I had a blast, and was really proud of myself. Parts of the lower trails of grotpeter (on the other side of the road) were kind of muddy in places. The gate was still closed at the railroad bridge. I didn't even try stinging nettle because I know it's muddy, and there's a chance that al foster could even be affected.
vickie