I hadn't done this one in a couple of years, so it was time. Our group
of four was whittled down to two before we even started. I like a two
person group for a big ride, so that worked out well.
Steve came by the house a little late. I guess he and his neighbor had a
few drinks the night before but he thought he would be fine. We fed him
a bagel and got on our way. Town was all socked in and it had been
raining quite a bit the last few days so we were a little concerned with
the trail conditions and hitting weather while up high. As we approached
the area I saw a blue hole opening in the clouds. It was a good weather
omen and we would up having beautiful weather all day.
The ride starts near a camp ground. We just start spinning up a dirt
road. A few Miles into it we passed through the "town" of Whitepine. It
has maybe a dozen buildings and I don't think anyone stays in the winter.
A few more Miles and we came to the old cemetery and took a short break.
There were mostly primitive graves, but a couple of nice headstones that
must have been from some rich guys.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2639.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2641.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2643.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2645.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2650.jpg>
We continued on climbing up the rough, rocky road. It was hard.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2659.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2662.jpg>
Steve's stomach was rebelling against him. We had to take an extended
break while he sorted himself out. That gave me a chance to shoot some
nearby flowers, which seemed to be responding well to the recent rain.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2669.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2673.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2677.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2680.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2684.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2685.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2691.jpg>
Steve got it together and we continued on. We peeled off the road and on
to the singletrack. This was a smoother section:
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2693.jpg>
I got a flat here so I sent Steve ahead for the really hard part of the
climb while I changed my tire and tried to catch up. The next two Miles
climb about 1000 Ft. and it too steep to even push your bike. It has to
be carried, like a cross. I caught up to Steve right at the summit and
we stopped for some food. The elevation here is about 12,600 Ft.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2694.jpg>
Weird fly swarm on this flower.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2699.jpg>
Steve is feeling better.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2703.jpg>
The timer shot (without much to put the camera on).
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2705.jpg>
Taking it in:
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2706.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2714.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2716.jpg>
The trail is in great shape.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2719.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2722.jpg>
Fuzzy bee.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2729%20(2).jpg>
Then it's time to descent about 3000' in nine or ten Miles (IIRC). The
trail was packed and tacky with occasional muddy puddles, but no
sustained mud. I only took pictures for the first couple of Miles of the
DH and just enjoyed myself for the rest.
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2732.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2737.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2739.jpg>
<http://tinyurl.com/2v9qk2/img_2742.jpg>
It was a good day.
Matt