The changing season(s)

 Good riding

The backside of Powder Mountain at dusk

From the top of Mules Ear Overlook, the evening shadows are moving up earlier by the day.  Some days have been warmer than others, but generally pretty cold once in the shadows of the evening.  Still, it has been good riding this fall.  There are a few die-hards I see, along with obvious tire tracks from earlier in the day, but most people are well gone before my ride. To say it is peaceful is a mild understatement. Most evenings I just like to get to the overlook and hang around for a while.  It's kind of what drives the decision to ride on most evenings. Getting down the single track in low light is a little sketchy, but manageable.  Another week of this schedule and we'll be off of Daylight Savings - and most local evening rides will be out of the question.

Up North

Heading out early does provide sufficient time for a jog up past Bicentennial trail. This is the old horse race trail from way back in the day when such a thing, was...... a thing.  Parts of this trail are very technical, as in full of roots and cuts. Not a lot of traffic over there, making it a very nice ride for the solace. This particular day I ran across a ton of Ruffed Grouse.  Not just one or two here and there, but huge coveys in several places.  I suppose that is an indication that is nobody out this way.  If you don't know where you're going, it can be a little spooky.  It's really no place to be by yourself anyway.  No cell service and a long walk out. You don't want to wreck out here.

I did manage to find a new trail just cut this past month, or so.  This rough-cut timber across the creek is kind of sketchy.  That drop into the drink is about seven feet. I'd guess the distance across to be just short of fifteen feet. No transition, and maybe a foot wide, you can only walk across with your front wheel on the timber. The connector on the east side is very steep and narrow.  Again, no place to venture without another person.  It does provide a nice view over Cutler from the top, but is not an easy climb for the average rider.  Too narrow and too much exposure to bomb it safely.

Snow again, but very cold....

Today was supposed to be a good afternoon ride opportunity.  A dusting of snow last night really didn't do much, but the daytime high temperature was only 29°F. I had considered going out, as the cold doesn't bother me - if I'm prepared.  Knowing that some of the areas would likely be glazed over with ice was the deciding factor.  This type of riding makes for very slow and overly cautious descents.  At that, it kind of takes the fun out of a ride.  The forecast is calling for warmer temps this week, but we'll have to see what is in store.  They will be closing the gates in about a week, then we'll have the park all to ourselves - until the real snow hits.  Any rides after about 4 o'clock will be too late to get back before dark.  Kind of funny how fast the light is lost this time of year.  Still my favorite time of year and I love being in the out of doors during this season.

2021 Season

I've received an official notice from Leadville.  They are still honoring the voluntary deferment.  As a matter of fact, they are offering def's into 2022 and 2023. I think next year will be the one for me, but this will take a ton of planning and commitment. I've always wanted to do it, but it will be a huge effort on my part to be ready.  I have a lot to sort through before committing either way, but if not 2021, it simply will never happen. This could get serious very quickly.  Who's up for a challenge?  More about this later....

Ah yes... The Budokan! "We're all alright!"

Ride HARD!