The Trails Are OPEN!

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The trails made it through the winter and are in pretty good shape...

I’m not sure that they really close them but there are certainly times that you cannot ride out on the trails. Just too hard to ride when the trails are muddy. Plus, its frowned upon by the TRACKS people and rightfully so. You don’t want to tear them up. Not to mention that the mud wreaks havoc on your equipment. As a matter of fact, it can just ruin your gears, literally. Many people have a lot invested in their bikes and you don’t want to cause any unnecessary wear and become more bike poor than you already are. I usually stick to the gravel when the trails are too wet. BUT -- I can tell you now that the trails are open and dry.

So, the trails made it through the winter in pretty good shape. The run off from the melting snow has turned a lot of areas into creek beds which means they are quite rocky in spots. As a matter of fact, I think that they are as rough as I have seen them. I mostly have ridden Los Burros, Blue Ridge, Country Club and the connectors in between and they are quite challenging. Los Burros even has several trees down that you will have to stop and lift your bike over but that will only slow you down for a moment. Just be careful -- because a couple of them come up quickly. Take the extra time to get a sip of water and maybe a quick bite and then continue merrily on your way. I have not ridden any other trails yet this year but have been on several of the roads up in the same area. All are rougher than normal but generally in good shape

As I mentioned in a previous article, I have set what seems now to be a lofty goal in terms of mileage for the year. I am over a hundred miles off pace and not sure where and when I will get the chance to make it up. Tried to make some of it up yesterday and rode from my house up to Greens Peak. That was stupid. Literally 30 miles up hill, duh, not sure what I was thinking. Just trying to pump up the miles. As I was going up, I kept thinking that, at least on the way back, it will be downhill. It was, but also was into the wind so some of the spots where I thought I might make up some time -- and even rest -- I was still pedaling hard. The cool part is that I got to see some areas that I have not seen before. It is truly beautiful up there and what better way to experience it all than behind the bars of my bike!! Man, does my butt hurt though! I thought that I had ridden enough to toughen it up but apparently not. I think everything else was okay but it was sure distracting and uncomfortable and made the miles seem even longer. Yes, I was wearing my padded cycling underwear. Apparently not enough padding. Not sure what I will do differently for the next time -- maybe just not go? Who am I kidding?! I’ll go, even now that I know what to expect!

Hats off to the TRACKS people for maintaining the trails the way you do. I am not sure that you are appreciated enough. I sure appreciate you. Here is my trail tip for the month. As most of you know, I ride my horse on these trails too. What people don’t realize is how a horse perceives a human on a bicycle. Most of them don’t realize what it is. You see, when a human is walking up to them, they know it’s a human. When we are on a bike, they don’t really know what we are. Some of them are chill and don’t do much but a lot of them will spook until they understand what you are. So, here’s what you do. When you encounter horses on the trail, talk to the horses. Say good morning or afternoon or whatever --just speak -- so that they know it is a human. Once they hear your voice, they will chill out and realize that it’s okay. Their rider will be thankful as well. Don’t forget, we as cyclists must yield to hikers and horses. You can’t just yell ‘get out of my way’ and keep barreling on down the trail. I tried that and it doesn’t really work. Not sure what you are doing on my trails any way. Just kidding! I know they are not My trails. Okay, I don’t yell either. Get out, enjoy the ride and be courteous to others.

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