Return to the Alien Lair

I just can’t stay away from this place. It’s remote (long travel time) – that’s the absolute only downside.

Otherwise, I live for this shit. First time out was 2006. In the last month I’ve been out three times, doubling my total.

(these photos you can click on, if’n ya want to)

Fritz was in town, which provided the oh-so-convenient excuse to head out to the orange rocks.

He’s such a smooth rider that it’s hard not to start believing you can do it too. Louis, supreme overlord of the Alien Lair, helped big time by leading me out on a number of lines, too.

All told, I rode so many new (to me) lines and drops that I lost count. Including, partial credit on the keyhole. Fritz was there on spot duty.

On a good day I’ll remember the half dozen or so moves (down to minute, subtle details) that scared me, but for which fear was suspended or overcome. But there were so many that I can’t wrap my mind around it. Limits = pushed.

We explored a new, central ridgeline, and the result was pretty good. More quality terrain to add to the repertoire.

Then we made our way to the waterfall, and I went into spectator mode while Fritz and Louis attempted the waterfall drop in. Louis had the home turf advantage and owned it, all the way down.

I should add that it’s frightening / hard just to walk down that wall, without a bike.

That’s Fritz on the waterfall drop-in.

Still daydreaming about this place. Visions of tires floating across sherbet rock will rock me to sleep tonight.