Thursday, July 16, 2009

Peter Skene Ogden Trial


A perverse reverse ride yesterday morning: Ride single track up the mountain and take the forest service roads back down. Apparently user conflicts over the years have made this the rule on the Peter Skene Ogden trail. And after having climbed 2,000+ feet on just over 8 miles of trail (starting elevation 4,250), I can see how it would be screaming fun to flow back down, but the unexpected meetings with hikers and horses coming up would be a problem.

A good ride overall - trail was sandy for the first 2 miles, but riding the trail edge kept the tires rolling. Miles 2 - 5 were a nice easy "I could do this forever" rise. Miles 5 - 7 were peppered with short steeps and switch backs with just enough recovery in between to keep you riding. The last 1.3 leveled off, but by then the legs were tapped, so felt like it would never end. Then victory - a quick peek at the lake and then down, down, down (rather borning going down, though some good speed at times). 2:10 to the top and 40 min back down. Pic is at one of many falls along Paulina Creek which the trial paralells on the way up.

No comments: