Needs/Wants - Wills/Desires
Yesterday was ideal for almost any kind of ride, so why not do yard work instead? After spending yesterday doing yard work, and the completely overwhelming week at the office, I needed a good ride. It just wasn't going to happen while the weather was agreeable. This afternoon had to be it; cold wet and raining/snowing. I really didn't want to go out, but I needed to just get away for a while - something that took a lot of convincing on my part.
With North Fork closed to all motor vehicles for the season, it was a great time to head up to the north canyon and Bicentennial Trail. Dressed for wet and cold conditions, I wasn't too concerned about the elements, but more concerned about leaving everything else behind for a spell. Before jumping onto the single-track, I rode up to a couple summer home gates, just to get a look around. I ran across a pretty good "fire-scar" from a quick brush fire last August. Lots of variation in terrain and conditions made it hard to get comfortable. One minute on a tight hard surface, the next, grease. Even on the service roads, it was sketchy at times not knowing if the tread would hook-up, or leave me sliding.
The start of the single-track was pretty tight. Most of that is climbing, with good traction and manageable grades. Just around those fur trees above, the trail immediately got greasy. This was the case most of the way up to the junction. At times the tires would load-up, but quickly clear, often not fast enough to take sharp turns very fast. Several places you could see where a couple of horses had a tough time keeping a solid footing along the way as well. There are some steep grades that are hard enough dry. Add the grease and it's pretty much hike-a-bike.
The trail was a tad better from the summit down, but still, a few areas that the tires wouldn't hook-up. I hadn't been up this trail for a couple years, so I wasn't sure how far anything was. I knew this sign was just a shade over a mile from the crossing at Cutler Creek. A couple switchbacks and a simple little water crossing. With temps in the mid 30's, it wasn't a good idea to get wet feet. Sure enough, cold feet for the rest of the ride home. With some daylight left, I headed up Cutler Creek Trail, as I hadn't been up there in quite a while either.
This is an old trail I used to run some thirty years ago, with my yellow lab. Back then, there weren't many single track trails - besides the original Bicentennial Trail. I used to ride my old hard-tail mountain bike over the service roads, but would seldom ride up this trail, as the terrain was not enjoyable on that technology. Still, this was a pretty quiet place that I could trail run with my dog after a long day at the office. There was never anyone else up there. It was up at the top of this trail that I caught the picture of the "frozen mushroom" on the stump (at the top of this post). That place sees direct sunlight about 20 minutes each year. A stretch of marsh right down the middle of the trail always slows things down, trying to pick through it. With the park now closed, there won't be anyone up there for a long time - not that it goes anywhere in particular, just a quiet place.
You may notice the little blue bell zip-tied to the bottom of the bike saddle. There have been a ton of "cat" sightings (lions), including a lioness and her two cubs in this particular area. The bell serves to let other riders know I coming on "blind" corners, but in this case, keep the lions from considering me as prey. You'll also notice the RaceFace flat pedals. Still no confidence in the SPD's. I think I need to try some EggBeaters.
This afternoon was all need and will. Literally, no want, nor desire involved. It was cold, wet and everything else you' expect, A darn fine ride and am glad I forced myself out there. I really couldn't come up with a good reason not to go. I mean, cold and wet is nothing. Rather, I'm fortunate to be able to ride right out of my driveway and onto top grade trails. It won't be long and I'll have to drag my bike to trails that aren't covered with a few feet of snow. I'll lament not being able to ride with such ease, but until then I'll have to make the most of the conditions - but will I?
