schnauzers.ws

2/5/06 – Wharton State Forest, NJ

We met up with some of the Delaware Trailspinners to show them some more ridable (even when wet) terrain. There were eight of us heading out with Jeff and I leading the group around this huge forest. The sandy roads were damp, but ridable. We ride up Quakerbridge Road to the red trail entrance. Things were a bit chewed up from enduro riders which made the already soft sand worse. But we kept going.

Were were not even three miles in and my thighs were burning. Don’t let anyone tell you that just because it’s flat, it’s not a workout. The sand was simulating a Colorado climb. Even downhills required a workout just to move. The warm temps here have made pineland riding difficult this year.

The red trail eventually puts us out on some doubletrack which was a little more firmer.

We could have opted for the purple trail but instead I suggested we explore a less traveled fire cut. Everyone was in agreement and after a mile in I was regretting it. We were heading toward the Mullica River which meant it was getting more sandy with every pedal. Eventually we reach the river and stop to rest our legs.

We then proceed to head to the Batsto Village, but another firecut catches the eye of Jeff. Didn’t we already learn our lesson? Obviously not as we turn onto the deepest and sandiest fire cut I have ever ridden. I think climbing a paved 4000′ 7% grade would be easier.

But it’s all good and there’s still smiles on everyones faces.

Back at Quakerbridge Road we head off to the White Trail, home to the 180′ climb. This trail makes good use of what little hill there his by undulating up and down and around numerous times without crossing itself. It’s also true singletrack and not nasty fire cut.

There was a planned burn in this section recently so everything smells like roasted marshmallows.

At this point we lose one of the singlespeeders (I opt out today and I am glad I did – the sand was killer) to a broken chain. With no extra 8 speed links he’s dead in the water. We continue on to the blue trail road to regroup and decide a course of action.

Back at the road I suggest heading down to the rail bed and back to the car would be the shortest route. Then they could drive up Quakerbridge and pick up the broken rig. If you have a mechanical here it’s a long way out no matter where you are. I am overruled as we head back up the hill (on the road) to the start of the White trail. We wait a short time and the others come out with the broken rig. As the guide, I go with another rider back to the car on the road. It was a long ride back! The rails would have been half the distance.

Aye Caramba! My legs were burning like I had ridden 40 miles uphill!

Sand just sucks the life out of you.