Trip 2.
First ride – short one between boy scout camps and then the traditional ‘warmup ride.’
Next day – Did a shortened version of the loop I cut my face open on (avoiding the lower section of trail where I crashed, though it isn’t tough). This time the temps were a bit cooler and energy stores for both Odin and I were high. We hit the campground to campgroup 3000′ singletrack climb and finished it in around an hour. It seemed so much easier and so much sweeter. This time I actually had tires–2.35 and 2.25 sturdys. Traction was plentiful.
Other SDMB folk were camping on the mountain this weekend. We tried to look for them, but saw no sign of mountain bikers. I was dissapointed to see DEEP SKID MARKS before switchbacks out on the trail. Since we rode this trail a week ago (when there were no skids) it is more than likely that it was the SDMB shuttlers that were responsible. All I can say is, if you’re going to shuttle it, at least have the courtesy to not lock up your brakes a dozen times on the decent. This is how great trails like Wasatch Crest (Great Western) become strewn with brake bumps and ruts.
We were climbing this trail (and yes it is all ridable) so it is NOT a hard descent. There’s no excuse for skidding, especially on a back country, rarely traveled trail like this. This is not responsible riding.
On the plus side, someone chainsawed a 4-5 foot diameter tree that was blocking the upper portion of the trail. Last trip we went UNDER this tree, this time someone sawed it. If it was the SDMB crew, I’ll let the skids slide… but somehow I doubt it.
The downhill was a real treat. <1mph switchbacks that are too tight for bikes, but we ride them anyway. Well, we walk some, but they are a nice challenge. We took a few videos and it's hilarious how easy it looks. I promise, it's really hard! We hiked a thousand feet or so above our campground that evening and spotted a few white tail deer in a meadow. I love sunset hikes. Next day - figure 8 ride with a few spurs and explorations. We ran into a few dead ends on old "double track that rides like singletrack." One just ended into a patch of stinging nettle which I wallked through trying to pickup the trail. On the other we rode around a corner and noticed a brown animal run off up the hill. I thought it was some kind of large cat at first, but it was very furry. We went about 20 feet further and ran into the momma bear--who was already running down the trail away from us. We stopped, turned around and headed out so as not to disturb them any further. Overall it was an incredible trip.
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