schnauzers.ws

So, I have never ridden here and from the pictures I have seen I figured I was in for an eye opening experience. Not to be caught without the goods, I grabbed the Ventana for the squish value. Now I remember why I bought this bike.

We started with a trip up and down Little Raven. For some this might seem easy, for me it was an experience.

Although it started out smooth, it quickly turns into a rock garden strewn funfest very reminiscent of what I used to ride in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.

I managed my way through a good portion of it, but it was a little easier coming down it.

As if the rocks weren't enough, I met my most hated nemesis… The skinny bridge.

Oddly enough I cleaned this on the way up, but had a terrible time on the way down. I call these my nemesis because, back on the east coast these things were all over the trails of the NJ Pine Barrens. The difference there is that they were always wet and slimy.

At the top, we turned around and hammered down. Fun fun fun!

Keith rocked the rocks!

On the way over to South Saint Vrain, I stopped for a view.

And now the super fun begins. I have to say that SSV was the most fun I have had on the trail since moving to Colorado. The smile never left my face the entire way down. Although I only cleared about 90% (the nasty part that goes straight down to the fire road was justly walked), I think this is just enough to bring out the kid in anyone. All I will say about the next few pictures is "way too much fun"!

And this bike is what this trail is about! Finally a trail worthy of it's beef (that I can actually ride :)).

And lest there be any doubt that I do have some ability in my old bones…

Yes, I am actually in a picture for a change. Notice the tongue action. I think it helps my balance.

I was riding the best I have in a long time. Then it happened. I got a little too cocky and tried to go over this easy boulder.

It was a little deceiving. I didn't realize the drop on the other side was bigger than I thought. A little too far forward and I went flying. The superman pose smack into the ground. Still, the smile never left my face.

More rocky fun.

And some skinny stuff.

And finally some smart trail builders. LEAVE THE DAMN LOG OVERS! They are fun!

Keith gets his groove on. This was much nastier than it looks.

I am coming back here before the end of the season to catch it all on video!