The climbing was brutal. Not because it was really hard but I feel out of shape. At times I couldn’t clear things I know later I will. But all in all this ride was turning out fantastic. It didn’t disappoint from beginning to end. On the East side of the canyon the trail started out in an arid desert like environment and climbed to forests and cliffs. All outstanding single track.
Then it swooped down the side of a mountain and instead of crossing the road it went under. So cool. I thought to myself that this place must stay dry because I was riding in the bottom of a gully. But there was no signs of erosion. This place has long been known as dry and a good wintering ground for mountain biking.
Up the West side of the canyon I climbed all the way to the visitor center. The switch backs were hard to negotiate and many times I walked. I mean to have a trail on the side of a cliff its going to get sketchy. The forest was thicker on this side and I stopped often to read the interpretive sign-age. Today was all about skills. No need to bust a lung going up the mountain.
Once on top the trail fell off the other side and into another canyon. I ripped down about 50 times faster than it took me to get up there. It wasn’t long before I headed back to the valley floor where I was parked.
There where lot of distractions and side trips. I checked out this cool mine shaft but hesitated to go inside due to the “bats” that have taken up residence in it. eek!
I did the outside loop counter-clockwise. And I did notice there was a mid trail that is available as well. I need to go back out and fine tune the route. Going to be a classic. Cant wait to do “loops” … this would be the most kick ass 24 hour loop ever. And the scenery is not to bas as well.
Boneshakerbike 
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