I contemplated for some time this AM if I wanted to take a chance (on trail conditions) and hit a spot I've wanted to ride again for a while. The rains have been off and on for the week, but I figured since it's been "dry" (read: no *measured* precip) for the last 24 hours this particular trail should be a safe bet for a good ride. Being late morning and 40 degrees and the minions at the malls up north and with no sun in sight I figured the traffic would be light. Somewhat surprised there were a couple of rigs at the trailhead already.
It's a beauty ride and the trail is in great shape. I can feel the flow coming and the only distraction straight away are views like this:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-01.jpg
Right after snapping that shot I rode up behind a couple with several dogs running around them. I half expected them to be an "issue", but they were very nice folks and the dogs were well behaved. Once they saw/heard me they pulled their dogs aside and waved me through. They asked about a side trail and we had a pleasant talk for a minute or two. The guy rides apparently, but just moved to the area and they were exploring. I gave him my office number and encouraged him to call if he wants to ride...
I came upon four other folks with two other dogs shortly after and just "knew" these folks were going to be the "ones" that would be bad dog owners. Wrong again jackass. They also pulled their dogs aside and offered to yield the trail. Thank you, have great day. Take care...
Up next is the only *really* tech spot on the trail, but even when it's dry it's a challenge, while it's wet, well...It's a side-sloping rock/moss/leichen/mud contraption that proved too much for my modest skills:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-02.jpg
The rest of the way it just some sweet flowing single track through the gorgeous forests of south Lane county:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-04.jpg
Along the way today I met some nice folks, made friends with several dogs, felt the flow and had my faith in hikers renewed. The only thing that made me question whether the stars were in alignment was this:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-03.jpg
Ummm...OK I guess. "Guard rails" on an off-road trail? The weirdest thing is that section isn't even close to being the most dangerous (if one were to fly off the side that is) or the one most likely to cause someone to fly off. Whatever...It was a good ride and good to meet you.
Kraig...
It's a beauty ride and the trail is in great shape. I can feel the flow coming and the only distraction straight away are views like this:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-01.jpg
Right after snapping that shot I rode up behind a couple with several dogs running around them. I half expected them to be an "issue", but they were very nice folks and the dogs were well behaved. Once they saw/heard me they pulled their dogs aside and waved me through. They asked about a side trail and we had a pleasant talk for a minute or two. The guy rides apparently, but just moved to the area and they were exploring. I gave him my office number and encouraged him to call if he wants to ride...
I came upon four other folks with two other dogs shortly after and just "knew" these folks were going to be the "ones" that would be bad dog owners. Wrong again jackass. They also pulled their dogs aside and offered to yield the trail. Thank you, have great day. Take care...
Up next is the only *really* tech spot on the trail, but even when it's dry it's a challenge, while it's wet, well...It's a side-sloping rock/moss/leichen/mud contraption that proved too much for my modest skills:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-02.jpg
The rest of the way it just some sweet flowing single track through the gorgeous forests of south Lane county:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-04.jpg
Along the way today I met some nice folks, made friends with several dogs, felt the flow and had my faith in hikers renewed. The only thing that made me question whether the stars were in alignment was this:
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/249875/Nov_27_04-03.jpg
Ummm...OK I guess. "Guard rails" on an off-road trail? The weirdest thing is that section isn't even close to being the most dangerous (if one were to fly off the side that is) or the one most likely to cause someone to fly off. Whatever...It was a good ride and good to meet you.
Kraig...