Epic ride #1

Today I had my first "epic" ride. Epic for me at least. Hopefully I will ride so much in the future this will look like nothing but for now it's where I'm at. I rode the advanced section of Dauset trails. 17.5 miles total that includes some detours near the end to go back and photograph some things.

I got there at 0715 and the parking lot was deserted which I expected so early in the morning. Signed in and signed the waiver form at the outdoor kiosk.

Then I got my bike and pack ready and started riding. 0730 and it was a little dark still in the woods.

The first 10 minutes or so was enjoyable and a good warmup. Then I came to Huff n Puff and had to decide whether to try it or skip that section. I decided to try it. That section is extremely hilly and rocky. The second major downhill I remember thinking wow that's gonna be hard. I was right. Crash #1.

I was a little more careful after that. If i was unsure I dismounted and walked it. I rode for about 1.5 hours / 10 miles and stopped to rest.

Eat some grub.

And survey the damage.

Yep, that's gonna leave a mark.

I finshed the rest of the ride relatively uneventfully. After 13-14 miles I was pretty tired. That's the farthest I've ever ridden at one time. When I finished I went back a mile or so and took pictures of an outdoor church I thought was pretty cool.

So a good first long ride for me. I'll definitely be back. I will probably avoid Huff n Puff next time since it's very easy to redo loops and add mileage if you skip a section. I'm just not very interested in the really technical stuff since and a fall makes the whole ride much less enjoyable for me. My next time there I plan on two intermediate loops which will equal about 22 miles. It actually took longer today because went slow on purpose because I don't know the trail at all and I took pictures.

When I left I was still the only person there. Sad that such a good resource is underutilized so much.