I headed out to Hurkey at about 8 and it was really cold at my house so I could only imagine what it would be like out there... Oh it was about 34 degrees according to the ranger!
I got all bundle up: tights, fleece socks, base layer, jersey, long sleeve and WInd Breaker. I was still frozen by the time I got on the bike and headed out to the Keen Camp Climb. However, I have come to realize that no matter how cold I am at the bottom of that hill I am sure to overheat on the way up and then freeze on the way down into the meadow. Which is what happened. As I got to the fire road I got the clothing thing worked out and was fine for the rest of the ride.
I took a new (to me anyway) single track that shot off to the left of the fire road just before exfoliator, this is where I started to see small patches of snow and ice. This turned out to be a REALLY good choice. It is a great connector up to the Milkwood single track with some good flow and even a little rocky stuff thrown in. It the continues up to snakeskin which cuts out all of the fireroad climb. VERY NICE.
I went back down to Milkwood and finished the loop: Coldwater to Southridge, the views from there never disapoint, Snakeskin to "Tres Hombres" which has been expanded with some neat little rock sections added. Headed down exfoliator and finished the 24 hour loop, FUN, FUN, FUN!!!
Needless to say that I always have a good time riding with the STR "gang". However, there is something to be said for being out there by yourself in God's creation and really just taking it all in. All in all I did about 25 miles and 3500 feet of climbing I think. Sorry no pictures, forgot my camera...
RR: Hurkey Creek is COLD!!
Similar Threads