[Inline on my website]
Out the door of the hotel and on the way to Mountain Bike Oregon. A
weekend of camping, riding, and drinking (for some, not me). I must be
getting good at this because I set up my tent in record time, which is
good because there is a bus waiting. Really.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4428.jpg
The bus drops off us at the top. Well, almost. This is the starting
point of the Alpine Trail (22 miles) and for those more adventurous, an
extra mileage option on Tired Mountain. I stuck with Alpine. There
were a few who did the fire road climb to the trailhead. Good for them!
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4429.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4430.jpg
We head up on what looks like a newly cut in trail of beautiful
singletrack for another mile.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4431.jpg
At some point we intersect with Alpine Trail, but I couldn't tell you
were. I was having way too much fun. Just pure narrow singletrack
alternating between thick wooded cover and meadowy views.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4433.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4434.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4435.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4440.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4441.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4442.jpg
The group splits apart shortly into the trail. There are three groups
with the hammerheads leading the way, the gawkers (me) in the middle,
and the sweepers bringing up the rear. It was a good pace for me.
Definately not a technical trail, it did carry a lot of speed!
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4445.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4446.jpg
The end drops you by a beautiful covered bridge, the last nice thing
you'll see as you ride the scorching blacktop five miles back to camp.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4447.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4449.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/images/OR/IMG_4450.jpg
Dinner was uneventful. I ate it, but I don't remember what it was. If
there was one thing I would improve, it would be the food. The beer
flowed all night (Coca-Cola for me) along with entertainment on the stage.
--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws