schnauzers.ws

Stu, Keith, and I set out on the long climb to Bowmans Shortcut of of Shrine Pass.

Bowmans short cut is the second climb of this Journey. Only about four miles, but steep (read: hike-a-bike) in places and technical as it nears the Two Elk trailhead.

A stop for some views and then the climb continues.

As we near Two Elk we are climbing over many downed trees and rutted trail that was once smooth. Some of these spots are unexpected and in some ways I am glad. By the time I realize how bad they are I am down it.

Reaching the meadow, I breath a sigh of relief. Time to rest my hands as I pry them from the brake levers.

Finally, we reach the trailhead. It's all downhill from here!

But not before we sample the wildflowers!

Can you see why I love this trail?

It's now about 14 miles of downhill to the end in Minturn. The trail now varies from a deeply grooved six inch singletrack at the top. Hit the sides at speed and your done for.

The trail smooths at a bit as you reach the bottom of the bowls.

And then the real fun begins with rocky technical and exposed sections. I draw much blood here as I try to dab on the right side to keep my balance (something I have a little of trouble with when there's exposure. My right leg gets cut pretty bad as it smashes into rocks and branches along the way. Doesn't matter, it's still fun.

One thing is certain, this trail is not getting used enough because it needs a pruning!

Umm, I didn't make this one and kind of did a face plant.

Once across the stream, the trail smooths out to a beautiful pine tree ride back to the car. On the way back to the pass, we stop in Lionshead for some Moes BBQ. Good stuff!

GPS info:

Just 35 minutes from my apartment is Golden Gate State Park. I pull into the visitor center and acquire my state park pass and trail map. I figure out the route I'll take, park the car and head up. Yeah, up again. The route was Blue Grouse to Mule Deer to Elk and then back to Mule Deer. Of course I had to idea what to expect or just how much of this was up. None-the-less, the single track at the start was phenomenal. Then Mule Deer gets a little loose. But Elk, oh elk! Pristine meadow single track with flow. Even if it was up hill, it was one of my most enjoyable experiences in Colorado since arriving. Even some history like this old homestead. And the climbing singletrack continued. I was hoping this would lead to a great viewing location. I was right! There is something about a trail that's done right. I could have gone for hours on this stuff. Then the reward for the climb! But like all good smooth singletrack, there is an equally diabolical opposite. Low and behold, the Raccoon Trail. And the equally evil return of Mule Deer. And just when you thought Mule Deer was becoming nice… The monster decides to steeply go down and then up more loose rocky (yes, the kind with legs) mess. Finally, Mule Deer settles down and takes me to a little bit of heaven. From there is was a fast semi-rocky decent on Mule Deer and back to Blue Grouse. Definitely one of my most enjoyable rides so far. There is a whole other side of this park that I'll try in the near future. GPS stuff:

I meet the other riders (4) and they look very fit.  Visions of hammering begin to fill my head.  I'm not ready for this.  They tell me not to worry because it's a long ride and they need to pace themselves. 

We begin along ascent to the first park and climb.

I don't remember their names, but one guy was just getting over a cold.  I was able to keep up with him :).   The other three were on a pace that wasprobably about 1.5 MPH faster than me.  No bother.  I'll just keep my pace and methodically make it up the seven mile climb.

We climb and climb.  Yup.  Must be Colorado.  Everything is up.

Eventually we come to a clearing, but not the top.  Still another mile or so to go.  We're falling farther behind now and the look of death is already starting to show.

That's were things began to change.  I was just rolling along and methodically climbing when all of a sudden a rock with legs decided to greet me.  I mean, it must of had legs because I certainly didn't notice it prior to it's engagement with my bike.  The big bugger (we're talking a good softball size bastard) decided to play with my rear derailleur.  As the bike comes to a halt, I look back and see the hard assed bastard laughing at me from the corner of the trail.  WTF!  As the other riders fade off into the distance, I look down and the munged mess that has been created.  The entire derailleur bent like a pretzel up and around the cassette.  It lodged itself between everything it could find!  It even brought the chain along to join the fun.  AAAARRRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!  It took me ten minutes in the blazing sun just to un-munge the chain and another ten to unwrap the derailleur.  What was left was a chainless bike with a twisted X.9.  The others were gone.  Lucky for me the death march up the hill provided an easy roll back down to the car. 

The bike is now at the shop (no patience to work on it) and surprisingly the hanger did not bend at all.  Friggin beefy Ventana hanger! 

Tomorrow I will try again to have a nice ride on a trail slightly shorter in distance.  I still ended with nearly 14 miles today.  But crappy miles don't count.