Today was my first real test to see if I have the strength to ride a
singlespeed over distance and many hills. Fair Hills Natural Resource
Management Area in Maryland, which is just another bunch of words for a
lot of open space with trails and hills.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0105.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0106.jpg
The JAR group was a good size today, but we quickly broke into two
groups of ability and went on our way. Yes, I chose the "A" group, but
at least there was another SS.
The trails were nicely frozen in the morning.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0107.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0108.jpg
I surprised myself by climbing most of the hills. There were a couple
that were too steep, but they claimed the geared riders as well. The
only other problem I had on the climbs were do to people in front of me
stopping and taking my momentum away.
This bridge is way steeper than it looks and the person walking up it is
pure evil!
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0109.jpg
All the trails are very well laid out here and maintenance is done
regulary. We had a blast on Drunken Sailor and Crackhead Bob.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0114.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0117.jpg
This is a huge area that offers something for everyone, even fishermen.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0115.jpg
The SS takes a rest.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0119.jpg
Fair Hills provides trails designed for MTB and equestrians. Some a
multi-use, but there's so much land, each can have there own trails.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0120.jpg
I didn't have any problem on short little climbs like this. Especially,
with historic old buildings in the backround.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0122.jpg
Then there were climbs like these, which I was able to do most of. I
was out of the saddle a good part, but I made it.
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0123.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0124.jpg
http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_0125.jpg
When all was said and done, I proved to myself that I was capable of
getting around with one gear and I sure liked it.
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o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws