Blue Sky darkness MTB time trial of IMBA epic

And load my bike this weekend challenge 14-16 in my some of my best rides still cutting trail I 29-day in Augusta, Georgia to drove. You can ask the mountain bike tour's best is the locus of a clear sky, sticky and good company, Augusta is definitely delivered.

Moonlight time trial

Is configured from the bike warehouse dgaddis and Andy Jordan on Friday night by drew, Moonlight time trial hit pump station trail (also known as Canal single). Whole affair, super low key winter themed costumes, bonfires, Marshmallow-was definitely my like event.

The course itself is my best shot to give fast 2.5 miles riding single loop and a few years ago, I was pumped. Didn't I knew in the first 1/4 mile very well all know of these trails-for side trails and options almost every is in turn seemed! left trail immediately rather than one important contacts at right I took the death under knew ago we went. Could I in front of the rider see light retention pond sprinted ?????? to me.

At this point I do well and catch up to the rider ahead of. When you go to the sudden acceleration curve by tapping the brake a little bit of arc-snap! my right pedal was gone. My heart of hearts that darkness all around race quite what was going on could not understand. I propped up on the bike, looking back at my pedal ran the trails. To try to ruin some reason and I don't go pedal found back and began to desperately few yards glossy pedal. If passed to the rider, and nobody questions ok I yes answer –, just focus on if you want to back pedal to get convinced.

Decided that wasn't going back after going through my last rider, pedal and I have better luck, and campfire. Right leg legs clip left I limped around, I just hope that didn't get lost once again.

Saw that had been stripped crank threads when popped up, pedal at the start of the backup. I'm apparently natural pedal ride during every roughly, ripping accelerated last two or three threads I, and finally is hung. Next day, I decided to him the next morning to quickly offer my drew offering to tap the crank in the store. Good as new!

IMBA epics Trail: fat

Is home one of the reasons decided to hold bi-annual Summit last year of INBA Augusta fork area trail system Sumter national forest in Augusta area. Official magnificent trail and good reasons from novice flowy to everyone can be accessed in the best 30 ish miles advanced riders!

Meet Saturday climb around 2 mudhunny and I ride and Paul will, one from Atlanta in my riding buddies. Standing car, we Paul trail-he emerge from Yamaichi wheeled vehicle to look surprised! apparently speed of one of his fork died after the 28-mile test run before we arrived, so he was thrilled for riding Muni his 10 miles to. We say goodbye his need, not to mention hit the trail, and he subsequently spent.

At this time we are both chose ride deep step trail we ever rode. Loop so typical fat decents flowy looks very small pedal last mile). Before returning the car to loop on a Tower (my current favorite) and decided to ride Northern trailhead has risen. For those keeping track, we only got 2 6 fat to loop. Fat may be, I think it might be just count 1 step road and then my journey.

Barrel Creek and Bartram trail

On Sunday morning, dgaddis, seenvic, mark, barrels and met a ride on the Lake Creek loop Clarks Hill hobby. Was the only regional road was riding even though I say a lot about the number of courses to choose from-Creek still riding more than 15 years at Augusta. And Sun is cold start (29 °) in good condition.

Less-Creek, trail ride this past weekend I traveled at least (this probably why 3 everyone FS bike riding was) amazed that appeared in a number of roots along the way. Near the end of the loop towards seenvic, dgaddis, and mark doubletrack mistletoe State Park to taste ducked, and then I go back to the trailhead.

I reset my GPS in the car and headed for the Bartram trail Wildwood Park. I never rode to this section, but I knew pretty well to it. My brother re-blazed of this part of his Eagle Scout Service project for 15 years ago, a little trail use was. Has the project before they faded yellow flames from according to the Washington road to Wildwood Park. But got lost and bushwacked on our way out of the car back.

Scout groups and volunteers, and my brother and I returned to two groups each GPS again no transceiver. Until it is used to link the Middle radio disappeared, and followed the trail of each group. (Who has got as far as I know at the time the bike trail) is fresh and improved bridge trail hiking up again

Improved the trail these days than was surprisingly worn on Sunday (for more on barrel Creek). In my mile marker 13 years, and rode five miles back head toward the car. Of single trail for about 20 miles in St. Petersburg campsites and ultimately continue West dam fact. Woot!

Aggregate pavement.

Today 17, 29 so far I meaning behind one week 10 course lacking has been. Would suffer from the day ago not to worry though - 11 and 12 trails! so far is approximately 15 km of road per average, and 2 to add a third State (GA and SC) will suffer the consequences, the State of expectation week (AL). Stay dry weather to pray!

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Snake Creek gap time trial race report

Saturday, I started with a bang and challenge my 29 trail 29, 34 miles at a temperature of snake gap time trail Dalton, Georgia, was riding predictably cold start 34 degrees wind chill 18: Sun trail almost dry was. Pinhoti trails to ride here it was the first time, and I love!

In I find only bike shuttle vehicles already fully qualify for shuttle service scheduled to depart at 9 am for the start and up to 10-was loaded. Approximately 15 were stuck waiting for one of the first shuttle bus return to park our car, we pick up after a one-hour round trip. Before race time trial for the getting around, cold in progress would be a shame for one hour in the second half started is no big deal. Otherwise, was great at the start of distribution of-registered more race day's organizers expect more than just guessing.

Trailhead is all things are ready with our bikes and was quiet. Called at the beginning of my number, and denounced the conduit so apparently blown race plate I bike paths. First a couple miles of flat notorious for had first stream crossing leads. Past events are much higher and wider but on Saturday, and between the deep water feet below about 20 yards (thigh deep in some reports). Here I manage stream crossing almost to keep my feet dry, trail quite severely single and can say I began climbing in my legs do not feel that day. Go 30 miles.

On the gravel road, suddenly short climb to best before returning to single climb down. In fact pass the riders before and after enough time during these first few miles before of how much or never had in the back. We were behind the main field wasn't all the time at least a good feeling. At the intersection of the road one volunteer asked how many other riders I worried that separation perhaps I was last rider of the day. I later had a "sweep" group and fortunately the stragglers pick.

Where to descend Ridge some exposure to fast, ago first official SAG outage in climbing swoopy single route 136 found many singles. Basically felt trail a bit dangerous highway intersections are asphalt with a little warning popup; published in rider Fortunately, know when it was safe to volunteer. Even though this is also only 15 miles registered on my GPS I, in the middle of the race 17 miles start time option was meant. 2 At the time I was already tired pretty about my pace despite the mood felt pretty good.

Pinhoti trails following section ridding dug Snake Creek gap and who knows if they are definitely the Summit Ridge the gap between "conveys the technical terms. I really had come to what fear was to ride it as the only SAG stop 5 miles long and is will be difficult to imagine rock garden sitting. Also was a section called "wall" I somehow imagined was 1,000 feet on stairs, climbing and hiking - biking on. Worried about tackling spiritually, how the second half was a bit low point.

From Snake Creek gap climbs to trail a reasonable grade, and I knew that ago I was coasting to the other side. This section is easy to catch a drastic turn, smooth road and air was my favorite bermed water breaks was perfect. After it reaches the bottom of the descent was a conduit a gradual climb to the start of the final stop of SAG and eight miles of "technology".

I really the word love is anymore decided not because I quoted the word "technology" is used here. In other words, various mountain biking is filled in, and conveys no information about what really use one word to describe the difficult conditions to expect. Gardens drops Boulder field, roots, rocks, mud, snow, sand, erosion of soil, pea pea gravel, slippery bridge tight, man-made disaster, jumping all technology have slightly different mountain bike skills you need.

Anyway, back to the race. Wasn't sure if you ride several miles after I honestly I still reached to "technology". Certainly, than the previous trail section is somewhat online but still strong RIP currents and everything is different from the previous section was. Certainly Mule couple I downhill section scary was that continues for a whole bike upright. With leg cramps at this point, Rocky trail ??, a rock descendant especially choosing to slow down every time you grab a lot of physical challenges palce.

Caught two other riders on the "wall" and suddenly a (but maybe someone by RIP) we walked together section. This was a wall or? what wasn't sure I was considerably less than was making in my mind because I honestly. So we ended up a good bit of surrounding the trail from here seemed to rock gardens stretch and got my bike walk between breaks in addition. All the catch sight of the last radio tower trail I probably over one mile 34 miles walked, but before I know it. Pavement descent was screaming from here is the finish line.

Make just a small group arrived at the finish area and parking is kind of a shame that almost was empty, but either way I was happy. About 5 hours, approximately 45 minutes, average rider will do need quite easily I 29 step by the end of the road test to improve to slower than the meaning in took some 15 minutes. Start, good knowledge, of course, more training is hope completes the test second time about 4 hours and a half.

Highest offering Georgia snake gap time Creek trail is a large-scale event to cover some of the North Chief. Don't worry if you didn't make the first installment-still two more race February and March! back in 27 days, are looking for.

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MTB Time Trial in the Dark, an IMBA Epic, and Blue Skies

This weekend I loaded up my bike and drove to Augusta, GA for days 14-16 of my 29 Trail challenge where I notched some of my best rides yet. Clear skies, tacky trails, and good company are the best you can ask for out of any mountain bike trip and Augusta definitely delivered.

Moonlight Time Trial

On Friday night I hit the Pumping Station trail (aka Canal Singletrack) where dgaddis and Drew from Andy Jordan’s Bicycle Warehouse organized the Moonlight Time Trial. The whole affair was super low key with winter-themed costumes, a bonfire, and marshmallows – definitely my kind of event.

The course itself is a fast, 2.5 mile singletrack loop and having ridden the trail a few times years ago, I was pumped to give it my best shot. Within the first quarter mile I realized I didn’t know these trails very well at all – there seemed to be side trails and options at almost every turn! At one critical junction I went right instead of left and before I knew it I was riding under an overpass where the trail quickly died out. Turning around, I could see a light across the retention ponds so I sprinted back to follow the rider in front.

At this point I was doing well and catching up to the rider ahead. Going into a sharp turn I tapped the brakes a bit then accelerated out of the arc when – snap! My right pedal was gone. Heart racing, darkness all around me, I couldn’t quite comprehend what was happening. I propped the bike up and ran back down the trail, looking for my pedal. I found the shiny pedal a few yards back and frantically started trying to screw it back in but for some reason the pedal just wouldn’t go. As riders passed, everyone asked if I was ok I answered yes – I was sure I could get the pedal back in if I just concentrated.

After the last rider passed me I decided the pedal wasn’t going to go back in and that I might have better luck back at the campfire. I limped back with my left foot clipped in, right leg dangling, just hoping that I didn’t get lost again.

Back at the start, I saw that the crank thread had been stripped when the pedal popped out. Apparently the pedal had worked itself loose during the ride and was barely hanging on when I accelerated, ripping out the last 2-3 threads. Drew offered to tap my crank at the shop the next day, an offer I promptly took him up on the following morning. Good as new!

IMBA Epic Trail: FATS

The Augusta area is home to the Forks Area Trail System in the Sumter National Forest and it’s one of the reasons IMBA decided to hold their bi-annual summit in Augusta last year. It’s an official Epic trail and with good reason: 30ish miles of flowy, scenic singletrack that’s accessible to everyone from beginners to advanced riders.

On Saturday mudhunny and I hit the trailhead at around 2pm and planned to meet up and ride with Paul, one of my riding buddies from Atlanta. Standing at the car, we were surprised to see Paul emerge from the trail – on his mountain unicycle! Apparently the fork on his single speed died after riding 28 miles before we arrived so he hopped on his muni for another 10 miles of riding. Needless to say, he must have been spent after that so we bid him adieu and hit the trail.

This time around we chose to ride the Deep Step trail which neither of us had ever ridden. The loop is typical FATS with flowy decents that seem to last for miles with very little pedaling. At the road we decided to ride to the North Trailhead and jumped on the Tower loop (my current favorite) before returning to the car. For those keeping track, we rode just 2 out of the 6 FATS loops. As tempting as it may be, FATS still just counts as 1 trail on my journey.

Keg Creek and Bartram Trail

On Sunday morning I met up with dgaddis, seenvic, Mark, and Hobby to ride the Keg Creek loop on Clarks Hill Lake. Keg Creek was the only area trail I had yet to ride despite riding in Augusta for more than 15 years, which says a lot about the number of trails to choose from. It was cold at the start (29 degrees) but the sun was out and conditions were good.

Of all the trails I rode this past weekend, Keg Creek appeared the least traveled and I was surprised at the number of roots along the way (which is probably why 3 of the guys were riding FS bikes). Near the end of the loop seenvic, dgaddis, and Mark ducked out on a doubletrack toward Mistletoe State Park while Hobby and I rode back to the trailhead.

At the car I reset my GPS and headed for the Bartram Trail and Wildwood Park. Although I had never ridden this section, I was quite familiar with it. Fifteen years ago the trail was seldom used so my younger brother re-blazed this portion for his Eagle Scout project. Before the project began the two of us attempted to follow the faded yellow blazes from Washington Road into Wildwood Park but we got lost and bushwacked our way back to the car.

With a group of Scout volunteers, my brother and I returned and broke into two groups, each with a walkie-talkie (no GPS back then). Each group followed the trail until it disappeared and used the radios to link up in the middle. With fresh blazes and improved bridges, we opened the trail to hikers once again (though no one rode bikes on the trail back then AFAIK).

These days the trail has been improved even more and it was surprisingly well worn on Sunday (much more so than Keg Creek). I rode to mile marker 13, about 5 miles in, and headed back toward the car. The trail actually continues on to Petersburg Campground and eventually to West Dam for about 20 miles of singletrack. Woot!

Trail Tally

Today is day 17 of 29 and so far I’ve notched 10 trails, meaning I’m a week behind. Not to worry though – trails 11 and 12 will be ridden before the day is done! Thus far I’ve averaged about 9.5 miles per trail and I’ve ridden in 2 states (GA and SC), hoping to add a third state (AL) this week. Fingers crossed that the weather stays dry!

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Snake Creek Gap Time Trial #1 Race Report

On Saturday I started my 29 Trails in 29 Days challenge with a bang, riding the 34-mile Snake Creek Gap Time Trail in Dalton, GA. Temperatures were predictably cold at the start (34 degrees, 18 with the wind chill) but the sun was out and the trails were mostly dry. This was my first time riding this section of the Pinhoti Trail and I loved it!

With the shuttle buses scheduled to leave for the start at 9am, I was geared up and had my bike loaded by 10 ’til – only to find that the shuttle vehicles were already full. About 15 of us were stranded in the parking lot, awaiting one of the first shuttle buses to return to pick us up after the 1-hour round trip. Since the race is a time trial, a late start really isn’t a big deal, though it was sort of a bummer to stand around in the cold for an hour before getting underway. Other than that, the logistics at the start were great – I’m guessing there were just more race-day registrations than organizers expected.

At the trailhead, things were quiet with all our bikes ready and waiting. Apparently the race plate was blown off my bike on the way over so I called out my number at the start and blasted down the fire road. The first couple of miles were flat to down leading to the infamous first stream crossing. On Saturday the water was less than a foot deep and roughly 20 yards across, though in past events the crossing has been much higher and wider (thigh deep by some reports). After the stream crossing where I managed to keep my feet mostly dry, the trail began a pretty serious singletrack climb and I could tell that my legs weren’t really feeling it that day. Thirty miles to go.

The singletrack climb ended at a gravel road and descended steeply before a short climb back onto singletrack. During these first several miles I passed riders back and forth enough times that I really wasn’t sure how many were in front of or behind me. We were all at least an hour behind the main field which wasn’t a good feeling. At one road crossing a volunteer asked how many more riders were behind which got me worried that perhaps I was the last rider of the day. Fortunately I later learned there was a “sweep” group that would pick up any stragglers.

Ahead I found more singletrack climbing with some ridge exposure before descending fast, swoopy singletrack down to the first official sag stop at highway 136. The highway crossing felt a little dangerous because the trail basically pops you up onto the asphalt with little warning; fortunately, volunteers were posted to let the riders know when it was safe to cross. This was also the start of the 17-mile time trail option which meant I was at the halfway point of the race, even though my GPS only registered 15 miles. At two hours in I felt pretty good about my pace despite feeling fairly exhausted already.

If you know anyone who’s ridding this next section of the Pinhoti Trail, they’ve undoubtedly told you about the “technical” conditions atop the ridge between Snake Creek Gap and Dug Gap. Sitting at the sag stop I was really dreading what was to come, imagining a 5-mile long rock garden that would be just as difficult to walk as it would be to ride. There was also a section ahead called “the wall” that I imagined was some kind of 1,000-foot stair-climb/hike-a-bike to the top. Mentally, I was at a bit of a low point, worried about how I would tackle the second half.

From Snake Creek Gap the trail climbs at a reasonable grade and before I knew it I was coasting back down the other side. This section was easily my favorite with sweeping turns, smooth trail, and bermed water breaks that were perfect for catching air. After reaching the bottom of the descent there was a gradual fire road climb to the final sag stop and the start of the 8-mile “technical” finish.

I’m using the word “technical” in quotes here because I’ve decided I don’t really like that word anymore. I mean, mountain biking is full of variety and using a single word to describe difficult conditions really doesn’t convey a lot of information about what to expect. Drops, boulder fields, roots, rock gardens, mud, snow, sand, eroded soil, pea gravel, tight trees, slippery bridges, man-made obstacles, and jumps are all technical but they each require slightly different mountain bike skills.

Anyway, back to the race. After riding several miles I honestly wasn’t sure if I had reached the “technical” stuff yet. Sure, the trail was slightly rockier than previous sections but it was still rideable and not all that different from previous sections. Admittedly a couple of the downhill sections were scary on my hardtail but I managed to keep the bike upright the whole way down. At this point the rocky trail was becoming more of a physical challenge as I dealt with leg cramps that seemed to seize every time I slowed to pick my lines through the rocks, especially on the descents.

At “the wall” I caught up with two other riders and we walked the steep (but probably rideable by someone) section together. Was this the wall? I honestly wasn’t sure because it was so much smaller than what I had built up in my mind. From here the trail got rockier and the rock gardens seemed to stretch further between breaks so I ended up walking my bike a good bit. All told I probably walked about a mile over the 34-mile course but before I knew it, I caught sight of the radio towers at the end of the trail. From here it was a screaming paved descent down to the finish line.

There was just a small group at the finish area when I arrived and the parking lot was nearly empty which was kind of a bummer but I was glad to be done either way. It took me around 5 hours, 15 minutes which was about 45 minutes slower than the average rider, meaning it should be pretty easy for me to improve by the end of my 29 Trail experiment. With a better start, knowledge of the course, and more training I hope to finish the second time trial in about 4 and a half hours.

The Snake Creek Gap Time Trail is a great event covering some of the best singletrack north Georgia has to offer. If you didn’t make it to the first installment, don’t worry – there are still two more races in February and March! I’m looking forward to going back in 27 days.

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