Today I decided it was a "me" day. I wanted to go somewhere I had never
been. So Roger and I went to Allamuchy State Park. This is one of the
largest state parks in NJ. It is located in Sussex County, NJ. For those
who do not know, this is the mountainous county of NJ. It is near the
Delaware water gap, two hours from NYC and Philadelphia. What a gorgeous
place with over fifty miles of unrestricted rocky, climby trails.
We chose the northern part of Allamuchy (near where the 24 hour race is
run - http://www.24hoursofallamuchy.com) because it is more technical and
has more trails. The only problem with this part is that only one of the
trails has been marked. It is easy to get lost and we did.
We head up the rail trail. This is the old railroad bed of the
morris-sussex line until we found some singletrack heading up. No markings,
but we decided to try it anyway. Immediately we are presented with a steep
1000' climb up a loose rocky bed. This would be the norm for these trails.
Very loose granite with an occasional outcropping to go over.
http://www.pchospital.net/photoalbum/PAViewPhoto.asp?ID=318
http://www.pchospital.net/photoalbum/PAViewPhoto.asp?ID=317
Occasionally we would hit a smooth part of the trail, but they were few and
far between. You'll see in the video I took, what I mean.
http://www.pchospital.net/photoalbum/PAViewPhoto.asp?ID=321
The downhills were so much fun. I haven't been on rocks this big since my
Colorado trip.
WARNING: POSEUR PIC!
http://www.pchospital.net/photoalbum/PAViewPhoto.asp?ID=322
We rode on a few different trails, always hoping that we would find our way
back. When we reached the top of one big climb we decided it was time to
start heading back. We figured down must be the way.
http://www.pchospital.net/photoalbum/PAViewPhoto.asp?ID=319
http://www.pchospital.net/photoalbum/PAViewPhoto.asp?ID=320
When I reached the bottom, Roger wasn't behind me but two other bikers were.
We got to talking and I found out he was the head if the JORBA chapter for
Allamuchy. He is also the one who designs the course for the 24 hour race.
He told us how to get back to the car, but we decided to ride a bit more
instead. BIG MISTAKE! We got very lost. It is so easy to get turned
around. Every tree looks the same. I pulled out my POS GPS (iPaq with a
Pharos) and it wouldn't work! Uh oh! We road on, always going down until
we ran into a hiker. He told us to follow the yellow trail which eventually
ran into the white trail. Finally, it brought us back out onto the road
where we made our way back to the car.
This place rocks! Literally. I wish I had more time, but I had to be home
by 3:30. I can't wait to go back and participate in the race.
Video coming soon!
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o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
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