RR: Big Levels, GWNF Virginia

It's been raining for what seems like several months here in Virginia. The local trails are totally
saturated; they're out of the question for riding. So, we decided to try heading out in the western
part of the state to "Big Levels" at Sherando Lake in George Washington National Forest to see if
they're any better.

Here are some images others have taken from bikerag; check the topo maps
http://www.bikerag.com/va_sherando_lake_Pics.htm

We gear up and headed up the road for the trailhead at the bottom of White Rock Gap trail. This
starts out as an excellent benchcut hillside trail for a couple miles - then the climbing begins.
Occasionally the trail levels off and I think we've crested, but no - around the next bend is an
even steeper climb. The climbs are rocky and wet. Gonyo powers on in the lead, I'm in the middle and
Suzanne rides her pace behind us. We finally make it to Torry Ridge trail (after 1600 feet of
climbing) just to discover what REAL climbing is like. Despite being only a mile to the "jeep
trail", this seemed to take as long to climb as the everything we've done so far. There is a section
which looks like a stone fortress blew up - the trail is nothing but huge sharp boulders. We finally
make it to the top (2300 feet now) and finally it's reward time! We haul ass a short ways down the
jeep trail to the top of the switchbacks. Gonyo warns us this trail is steep and rocky with sheer
drops down the mountain. I soon learn he wasn't exaggerating.

We begin the descent and speed gains ever so rapidly. Too rapidly, I'm quick to find as I discover
my ever reliable Hayes disks begin fading out as their temperature starts approaching the point of
destruction. I stop for a bit and spray a bit of water on the rotors from my camelbak just to have
it instantly boil off. I think this might be one time rim brakes or larger disks would be
advantageous as they have more surface area to dissipate the heat...

In what seems like seconds, we're at the bottom. From there the path parallels the creek, sometimes
crossing it. We stop to take photos of some crossings; my camera has a movie mode to take small MPEG
videos. Suzanne approaches a crossing and is a bit apprehensive as it has a high bank, and the creek
is rocky and deep. Reluctantly, she follows our suggestion to "go for it". Things go great until her
front wheel hits a rock in the creek - faceplant right in the water! What's worse is we have it on
video. http://www.johnnyhouse.com/mov00175.mpg

Fortunately it wasn't too far to get back to the truck. We rode the "tunnel of crap" (a muddy, bushy
section which is so overgrown we have to walk and drag our bikes through) to one final jeep trail
with several whoop-de-doos.... Those are great for getting some air!

We get back and wash off a bit and change clothes for the ride home. All in all, a great ride - zero
equipment problems, one tumble by Gonyo resulting in a pinched finger, a soaked Suzanne and me still
wheezing.. great fun! Can't wait to do it again!

Huge jumble of pics of the ride on http://www.johnnyhouse.com/big_levels.htm

 

John Harlow thoughtfully penned:
>> In what seems like seconds, we're at the bottom. From there the path
> parallels the creek, sometimes crossing it. We stop to take photos of some crossings; my camera
> has a movie mode to take small MPEG videos. Suzanne approaches a crossing and is a bit
> apprehensive as it has a high bank, and the creek is rocky and deep. Reluctantly, she follows our
> suggestion to "go for it". Things go great until her front wheel hits a rock in the creek -
> faceplant right in the water! What's worse is we have it on video.
> http://www.johnnyhouse.com/mov00175.mpg

video... that is so mean!!!! And never ever do what a guy says, "go for it"

S'ok, we still have a photo from 20 years ago on an XC week long tour, where I am augured into a
snow bank and all you can see is the pack and my lower extremities. Of course instead of helping me
out he had to dig the camera out and take a photo....

Penny

 

"Penny S." <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> John Harlow thoughtfully penned:
> >> In what seems like seconds, we're at the bottom. From there the path
> > parallels the creek, sometimes crossing it. We stop to take photos of some crossings; my camera
> > has a movie mode to take small MPEG videos. Suzanne approaches a crossing and is a bit
> > apprehensive as it has a high bank, and the creek is rocky and deep. Reluctantly, she follows
> > our suggestion to "go for it". Things go great until her front wheel hits a rock in the creek -
> > faceplant right in the water! What's worse is we have it on video.
> > http://www.johnnyhouse.com/mov00175.mpg
>
> video... that is so mean!!!!

Heh - she's also sending it to her coworkers, so I think she's pretty much OK with it...

> And never ever do what a guy says, "go for it"

So true! Especially with a camera rolling!

> Of course instead of helping me out he had to dig the camera
out and take a photo....

...you *did* notice me rushing in to save... the bike?

 

"Penny S." wrote:

> John Harlow thoughtfully penned:
> >> In what seems like seconds, we're at the bottom. From there the path
> > parallels the creek, sometimes crossing it. We stop to take photos of some crossings; my camera
> > has a movie mode to take small MPEG videos. Suzanne approaches a crossing and is a bit
> > apprehensive as it has a high bank, and the creek is rocky and deep. Reluctantly, she follows
> > our suggestion to "go for it". Things go great until her front wheel hits a rock in the creek -
> > faceplant right in the water! What's worse is we have it on video.
> > http://www.johnnyhouse.com/mov00175.mpg
>
> video... that is so mean!!!! And never ever do what a guy says, "go for it"
>
> S'ok, we still have a photo from 20 years ago on an XC week long tour, where I am augured into a
> snow bank and all you can see is the pack and my lower extremities. Of course instead of helping
> me out he had to dig the camera out and take a photo....
>
> Penny

As long as he didn't call out... SMILE!!!!!

Jimbo(san)