Since my last post, I made another trip to Tennessee, painted my office, still have a dog that's got issues; but I have gotten back on the bike more. Now if it would stop raining or snowing every frickin Sunday, that would be awesome!!! I can't believe I'm sitting here on March 24th watching it snow. Figures.
Well since I decided that I won't be racing a huge number of races this year due to $$$ and stupid entry fee/licensing rules, I'm looking for all sorts of new and different places to ride. Road or trail, it doesn't matter really as long as I'm out on the bike. A couple of weekends ago, I went out to the forest service road behind Camp Bethel and discovered a new paradise. I rode up the middle road which as I later learned is named "Blackhorse Gap" - this is a steady, 2.2 mile-ish climb that comes out on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once on the parkway I had a short, cold & windy ride down the road where I found Spec Mines Trail (after over shooting it - no one ever mentions it's slightly above the road.) This trail was nothing short of spectacular. Mostly downhill with a short bit of climbing. Smooth dirt, leafy with few tree roots. There was one section that wasn't so much fun because it was littered with loose rocks and is steep. I just took my time. Once down the trail, I was back on FS roads which are pretty awesome in themselves because they are packed gravel and flowy. I so can't wait to go back! I was going to yesterday, but a friend wanted me to ride on the road with her.
There are so many places to go and ride. I pretty much can go anytime on the weekends as long as the weather cooperates which right now isn't happening. Anyway, just letting you know I'm still alive and kicking!
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| The Middle Road |
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| A little rocky in places |
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| Going up! |
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| Tree with no branches on one side??? |
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| If you look carefully, you can see the road I had just ridden. |
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| UP |
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| The Parkway is just on the other side of the gate. |
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| Looking back to where you come out. |
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| It was a beautiful day - could see for miles - I could even see the radar ball on Thunder Ridge. |
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| See Spec Mines trail head, up and left from the road. |
