Finally!
by Mitchell Sprinsky on Jun.23, 2013, under Colorado, Ride Reports
Finally. That word could describe a lot of things. Maybe I’m finally rich or maybe I finally achieved enlightenment. This time finally meant riding a trail that was in my backyard after eight years of living here. I have been riding Golden Gate Canyon State Park for quite some time. I’ve always done the same loop, knowing there were other options. I just never wanted to deviate from the norm. Everyone always talks about the Mountain Lion trail. “It’s a beast”. “It’ll kick your butt”. Over and and over I have heard these statements and today I finally got the opportunity to ride it. Yeah, it was an interesting trail. Quite technical, but not impossible. I didn’t get any picks of the real gnarly stuff, because I was too busy closing my eyes and point the bike in a down direction :roll:. I surprised myself with how much of it I actually rolled. Only one stupid crash and a bruised knee to show for it. It was a beautiful start to the day from Kriley Pond. 
We had a pretty large group on the ride with all kinds of technical ability. It was nice riding in the pack for a change. 
The ride up to Panorama Point was stellar. 
As was Panorama Point! 
There were some big smiles today. 
Mountain Lion trail was incredibly fun. Well, except for the climb to the top. 
But, it made up for it in the steep rooty, rocky, drop laden decent. I had a nice skidmark on my shorts and not from way most people think it happens. I still haven’t realized what a dropper post is for. I just can’t get myself around to pressing the button, so I ended up dragging my a$$ on the back tire for have the downhill :-P. Sorry the pics don’t show the techy stuff. Too much fun to stop. 
Just when you think the trail ends, it continues on in an old creek bed. You’ve survived the downhill only to now have to pedal over the stuff you just bombed down. Too cool. 
It was a great ride, with just light casualties. One of my friends endoed helmet first into a tree. He was ok to continue riding, but we bailed before the climb out. I predict I will be back.
