Chicky Ride - Mon 08/23/2010

So Monday night Paula and I met for the weekly Chicky ride.  Our numbers have dwindled.  Alas, the Chicky ride has traditionally been me and Paula for a couple years now.  We decided to change up things.  I chose the trails (albeit a fateful move).  We would go up Buck to the Fireroad then go down Gauntlet and back up Trough.  A L O T of climbing. Well, plans are made to be changed, and since I have an understanding friend, plans changed.  

As we rode out the road seeking the trailhead for Buck, we enjoyed chatting a bit.  As soon as we started up Buck, we both go knocked out of the pedals at the same time.  None the less we were off and going.  I was doing pretty well at climbing.  I impressed myself for a bit.  Punkin' was rolling up and over roots and rocks like it was happy. I was too, for a while.  I didn't drop to granny gear or stop for a while.  Some stuff just weirds me out still.  It might have something to do with the 6-8 feet drop off to the right if you mess up, but it likely has more to do with my lack of conditioning.  Anyway, after a bit of successful, happy climbing I was forced into granny then eventually walking.  Oh well, some stuff at the top of Buck is just too difficult for me.  A couple of gnarly switchbacks and a crazy section where you're riding in a sheer, short rock crevice.  I finally made it to the top where Paula was patiently waiting (well riding in a circle.)

As we started out Brushy Mountain Fireroad, I quickly remembered that this direction is all climbing.  DAMN.  I was struggling to keep a decent pace, Paula who is exceptional and I swear must be one giant lung got away for a bit.  She pulled up for a bit and waited, but soon her pace exceeded mine and she was gone again.  That's ok because I don't want to be waited on most of the time, and I know she will wait at the planned trailheads.  She's a good friend!  So as expected I found her at Gauntlet.  As much as I wanted to ride down it, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to manage getting back up Trough.  After some debate about routes, we decided to change plans and head down the fireroad to Jacob's Drop.

More fireroad kicked my ass some more and it seemed incredibly long for some reason.  I kept thinking I had missed the trailhead.  It began to sprinkle some rain - I giggled thinking it wasn't supposed to rain until Tuesday, so I was so slow that it was now tomorrow.  HA.  A short break was followed by the descent of Jake which is a nice in places and downright evil in places.  I was timid at best.  I got to the wrong side of the rock garden, clipped out and relocated to the other side.  I let the bike roll a bit forgetting about the 2nd section of rocks which by the time I realized was too late so I bounced on through.  Upon arriving on the moon, which I call the intersection of Jake and that fireroad, I could literally smell my brakes.  They were hot to touch, in fact I could tap my finger on them momentarily then touch Paula's arm and she could still feel the heat.  HA HA.

After this we headed over to Tuck and descended it as well.  This is the best downhill at Carvins Cove.  I was in the wrong gear at the "gulley" so I couldn't quite get back to the top.  None the less the downhill was as awesome as usual.  After Tuck, we meandered through part of EF followed by Little Bell and Schoolhouse.  Time was running out on us and we were both getting hungry so we decided to just take the fireroad back to Bennett Springs Rd.

It was an awesome and enjoyable ride.  I can't wait until next week.  I hope to ride my mountain bike at least 3 days!  I'm on break from school until the 7th so fun time exists!  In fact, I'm in Tennessee now and have no set plans here other than driving and taking some pictures!  Maybe a few short walks in the woods.  We'll see.  Not planning anything for certain!

Bye for now!