Rock Creek Ride

Early afternoon we headed out, with a fairly high cloud cover. It rained about .25 inches last night. We had, or maybe I had the idea to ride to the top of Rock Creek and hit the great singletrack up there. The climb just to get to the trail head was quite a grind. By looking at the terrain map it looks to be about 2500 vertical feet (we haven't upgraded to the altimeter computer yet). Most of the serious climbing isn't done until you are on Rock Creek. The last half mile gets really steep once you pass the gate. It was pretty hard to approximate the trail on the map. I'm pretty sure I left out about 8 switchbacks on my quick scribbling. There is also some vertical feet on that trail as well. There was quite a bit of wind fall on the trail. Large trees and branches. I'm sure those who maintain it do not thing anyone would be crazy enough to use it this time of year. It is a great trail and well worth the ride up there. First section of the trail is very rocky- the remaining part of the trail is great with fantastic switchbacks, little climbs and technical portions with very limited trail size.

A new trail up Panther gulch

The last time I rode up panther gulch i noticed a well developed trail.  This trail was developed on one of the old irrigation ditches I believe that was used in mining- a long time ago.  I'd like to do some more research on it as most of what I have heard has been from people who have grown up and lived in the area.  The trail connects with one of the rides that we have done before.  I'm not sure of the name of the area, it ties in with upper east fork.  Check out the map.  I'd like to try the trail headding in the opposite direction next time.  It was about 30 km- 18 miles

Panther Gulch to Findley Rd

In light of the downpour the past few days, I knew that there was no way i could make it up Findley.  The muck was going to be thick...  I did however wanted to try going down Findley.  It had been raining most of the morning.  I wanted to get on the bike, thankfully there was a break in the downpour and I headed off about noon.  There was a light mist in a few areas and the sun broke out in a few areas and the clouds were high.  Once I got to the ridge that connects Panther Gulch and Ferris Gulch the view was incredible.  As I anticipated the downhill on Findley Rd was messy.  Messy but a blast!  Great ride and great weather.

Clapboard Gulch

Great weather!  After weeks of fog, it was sunny.  Regardless of the sun, it was cold.  3 of us went on the ride.  We started off at lofland lane and headed up to clapboard gulch.  We were all cold about a mile into it.  One thing that really suprised us was how much snow and ice was on the mountain roads.  We made it to the single track, no snow there.  Most of the trail is protected by a thick canopy.  It was about 16 miles round Trip.

I have been considering (wishing) a new bike.  Don at "Don's Bike" let me test his 29er Stumpy.  It is a few years old but I allowed me to get the feel for the 29 inch wheel.  I am impressed.  Those little bumps, and even larger ones- the bike just glides right over. 

Lots of Snow on the ground...

Happy new Year!

We just got back from New Year's on the coast.  After all the good food and relaxing, I had to get out on the bike.  When we were gone, it snowed a few inches.  I got a late start, about 4:00.  It was pretty cold.  By this time, I had my shoe covers which helped tremendously.  However, I think that I still might need some better socks.  Quite a few sections of Findley Rd. had snow.  It helped with the traction actually.  Much of the road has that slippery red clay I mentioned in the last post.  It was cold...  I did feel pretty good although I felt like the cold air was effecting my breathing.  There is a game trail that I would like to check out some time.  I think it connects up with the ridge road.  I stopped short of the top as it was getting pretty dark. I admit, I was pretty tired too.  Maybe next time I will make it to the top...