I have just returned from a 10 day road trip through nine states and 4000 miles. Along the way I made sure to check out the local trails whenever possible. What a great experience to explore new trails and roads outside of my comfort zone.
After stops in Arkanas & Texas I was finally able to get out for a couple of trail rides near Ft. Worth, Texas. My first ride was at Sansom Park in the 104 degree heat. It was a huge mistake not getting out earlier in the morning. The trails were dug out along the slopes of Lake Worth and were a crazy mix of insanely rocky and technical features with that Northshore feel. There were no trail signs and after 90 minutes of circling around lost, I was cooked.
The only flat section of trail:
On the second day in Ft. Worth I headed out early towards Cedar Hill State Park. This D.O.R.B.A. (Dallas Off Road Bicycle Association) trail was recommended by many. I arrived at an empty trailhead and I was immediately impressed by the signage. This simple sign was a welcome sight.
The trail was well marked and fast as it wound through the Texas hills. The trail was not very technical, although, it was very fun to ride. The dry conditions made for a very fast surface with few rocks or sand. It was also apparent that the clay soil on the trail would have difficulty draining in wet conditions. I didn't have to worry about that for the time being. Two blistering 12 mile laps was about all I could hack in the Texas heat. My biggest criticism of the trail was the number of unnecessary switchbacks which only served to interrupt the flow of the trail. The Park is enormous, yet the trail layout seemed a bit tight. Overall, I found it to be great trail.
A bad sign:
The bathrooms near the trailhead also had a bike washing station. My bike was fairly clean, yet I stood there (fully clothed) and ran the cold water over my overheated body until I cooled down.
Short fork-cam video:
Next, it was off to Cloudcroft, New Mexico (elevation 8600 feet) for a few days. My plan was to squeeze in a short ride before my brothers 3pm wedding on Saturday. I rode down to the local bike shop to ask for trail directions. The bored teen behind the counter gave be a map and pointed out the door of the shop to the valley across the road. Having followed his advice I was immediately lost within 15 minutes. Following the provided map was a mix of scavenger hunt and the Great Race. I slowly figured out the loop and battled the elevation and trail in the process. I knew I had to keep drinking to avoid dehydration, yet, I was heaving trouble drinking while I was gasping for air. I completed the short loop and made it back in time for the wedding. It was really great riding in the dry western forests.
STRAVA link:
After the wedding it was time to bail and head to Durango, Colorado. New Mexico was OK, but Colorado has always been a special place for me. I stayed at my brothers house between Durango & Silverton at an elevation of 8320 feet. I mention the altitude because it seemed like I was in a perpetual state of thirst combined with a low grade headache. I must be getting old as I have never felt the ill effects of altitude in such a way.
My first outing was a road ride up Hwy. 550 north toward Silverton. What stood between me and Silverton was the steep grades of Coal Bank Pass and Molas Pass.
I started at the 20 mile mark on the map above. Needless to say I was thwarted at the 32 mile mark halfway up Coal Bank Pass. I couldn't turn over the pedals and I was getting tired from standing on the endless climb. I turned around and enjoyed the screaming descent back down.
I swapped bikes and headed back up the road to the Durango Mountain Resort (Purgatory). The 1990 World Cup course is still marked and I rode the trail to the top of the mountain. Long, slow uphills followed by short, fast downhills. Repeat.
The following day I headed to Chapman Hill near downtown Durango. My plan was to follow the route of the Iron Horse Classic MTB race course that I rode back in 1995. The climb up Chapman Hill was difficult coupled with the lack of oxygen and I was pushing my bike less than a half mile into the ride. Once the trail leveled out I took some video as the trail wraps around the rim of the mesa that overlooks the town.
The ride continued upward towards Horse Gulch and the Telegraph Trail system.
There were endless loops of pristine trail through scrub oak, cactus, sage and piñon trees. Once again, I was lost, yet, kept riding until I was satisfied with the ride. I knew I just needed to head downward through the valley and soon found myself spat out on the other side of town. What a great experience!
Unedited video:
As I rolled through town it was apparent that the community embraces cycling in all forms. A very cool place.
It was great to ride new stuff and it gives you an appreciation for the great riding we have available here in Michigan. :D
