RR: Coto-Caspers Valentine's Day Ride - foiled again!

[Singletrack Angel]

Well, let me just say in my defense that the day started out questionably wet but promising, with the sun peeking through the clouds and some blue sky visible. It was in the low 50s, but surely the clouds would disappear and the sun would warm us, right?

I called Caspers Park this morning and found out that it was closed - so much for my planned loop, which was foiled last Thursday too by muddy conditions. At least we could make it to the edge of Caspers and do an out-and-back, enjoying the weather and lush scenery.

Several (wise) folks decided to pass, but we had a hearty crew of 10 meet at the Dove Canyon waterfall - Eric Foltz, ScottV, Wrecker (Rachel), Brenda G., Grace C., Teri, Dina (sp?) and new guys Rich and Jeff.

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Carbon Carrie made an appearance to deliver the new custom-made STR Initiation Thong, and with Valentine's Day spirits high, we did some thong modeling and welcomed our two new STR members richie rich (Rich) and mtb4fun (Jeff). Both Rich and Jeff were good sports and were cheerfully initiated into the fold.

Singletrack Angel (Kristine), richie rich (Rich), Brenda and Grace - note the fine craftsmanship on the STR Initiation Thong (thank you Carbon Carrie!)
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I didn't get a lot of pics on my camera, but Carrie and Jeff took some, so we'll get those posted soon.

The wind started picking up, the temp was dropping - it was time to get rolling! It didn't take long to figure out that the rain last night was more serious than I thought. Mud was a problem from the start, and soon we had no gears and no brakes and no hope for continuing the ride to Caspers. I think we probably made it about a mile before we regrouped, and Eric kindly offered to lead us out through Coto and back to our cars as the rain started to fall and the mud flew off our tires.

I've never had the experience of my bike coming to a grinding halt on a downhill, until today, that is.

Mudfest - time to get the h*ll out of there
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Going downhill was treacherous - Grace saves herself on this one
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Rich was still having a good time!
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Despite the ride failure, spirits were still high and everyone had a smile and a great attitude. We all headed over to Starbucks for some well-deserved hot drinks and snacks.

The crew (missing Rachel, who arrived just after this pic)

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Turns out that Jeff is a physical therapist and was happy to give Grace's injured shoulder some Valentine's TLC (at least he SAID he was a professional...).

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To clarify, Grace was injured at the treacherous Santiago Oaks Chutes, not on my ride...

As I finally left Starbucks, I was shocked at how cold it was. And there was fresh snow on the mountains! It was a frigid 48 degrees in Rancho at noon. I don't recall the weatherman mentioning THAT forecast for today.

THANK YOU to a great group of riders, and stay tuned for the "Coto-Caspers Loop, Take 3." Hopefully the third time's the charm!

[Wrecker]

Kristine, thanks for the tour of Coto, and for the toasty post-ride Starbucks recovery (heeheeh). It wasn't ALL mud

Weather seems perfect now, maybe God just wanted us to sleep in

[richie_rich]

Despite the harsh and unforgiving weather, thanks to Carbon Carrie and her hand crocheted Valentine's initiation thong and Kristine for requesting I pose for a picture in it, my day began with a smile Although, you will see that smile would not be overshadowed by the almost impossible cakey mud and less that favorable conditions (Thanks for snapping the shot Kristine!). All was not lost on this mini-adventure. I was pleased to meet some very nice people who love to ride. I hope to ride with all of you again!

A big hand for Kristine for putting the outing together, as a new addition to the group I was welcomed kindly by everyone and very glad to meet these dedicated individuals.

[TrailJesus]

Kristine sorry I couldn't make it. I saw your post and I wasn't sure if the ride was still going to happen. If you put on a ride next week I will be more than happy to join you and your lovely Trail Angels. Looks like you Guys and Gals had fun even with the bad weather.

[brendagilbert]

I had a great time today in spite of the rain, wind, mud and COLD! Thanks Kristine for the great photos and for putting the ride together !

[Singletrack Angel]

Meet Jeff, aka mtb4fun!

Here I am making some final adjustments while Jeff looks through some pics he snapped
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Jeff is officially an STR peep!
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I told you he'd be hot in a thong!
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[foofighter]

that's really disturbing

[Singletrack Angel]

Oh, come on Duan, it's Valentine's Day - aren't you wearing a thong today?

[OMR]

In my day, grasshopper Kristine, we use to do that in gym class to little geeky guys who had just put their underwear on... aproach from the back and quickly pull the underwear up causing copious amounts of laughter from onlookers.... (the stupid things I did as a kid!)

Social comment: Unfortunately, now days you have to be careful who you might do this to as they just might show back up at school in a black trench coat armed to the teeth.... getting even... not funny!

[ocmtnbiker911RN]

I'm sorry I missed all the fun.

[Singletrack Angel]

Originally Posted by OMR

In my day, grasshopper Kristine, we use to do that in gym class to little geeky guys who had just put their underwear on... aproach from the back and quickly pull the underwear up causing copious amounts of laughter from onlookers.... (the stupid things I did as a kid!)

Nowadays, Trail Angels do it to cute guys with fun personalities to show them how much we like them.

Originally Posted by ocmtnbiker911RN

I'm sorry I missed all the fun.

After the VQ you'd better show up for some of my rides!

[richie_rich]

I knew there was a reason for the public humiliation...thanks Kristine

Originally Posted by Singletrack Angel

Nowadays, Trail Angels do it to cute guys with fun personalities to show them how much we like them.

[mtb4fun]

You guys and gals from the Valentine's Day ride are an awesome group of people/riders to hang out with despite the less than ideal weather and trail conditions. This was one of the most interesting and fun Valentine's Day experiences I've had. It was my great pleasure to meet all of you. A big thanks to Singletrack Angel for organizing this ride and all those who submitted those crazy-funny pictures. Can't wait to give it another try with better conditions. If y'all decide to do it on another Thursday, I'll definitely be there. MTB4FUN

[Singletrack Angel]

Originally Posted by mtb4fun

You guys and gals from the Valentine's Day ride are an awesome group of people/riders to hang out with despite the less than ideal weather and trail conditions. This was one of the most interesting and fun Valentine's Day experiences I've had. It was my great pleasure to meet all of you. A big thanks to Singletrack Angel for organizing this ride and all those who submitted those crazy-funny pictures. Can't wait to give it another try with better conditions. If y'all decide to do it on another Thursday, I'll definitely be there. MTB4FUN

When I repost this ride (third time's a charm), I'll do it on a Thursday so you can ride with us again! It was so nice to meet you and hang out today.

Try to make it to the Sunday SS Lovefest ride and you will see some incredible trails and meet a lot of great STR peeps.

[foofighter]

Originally Posted by Singletrack Angel

Try to make it to the Sunday SS Lovefest ride and you will see some incredible trails and meet a lot of great STR peeps.

READ: that would mean US

[Jordansrealm]

damn i missed it i have this sweet thong too.. wait.. no i dont..

[Singletrack Angel]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

damn i missed it i have this sweet thong too.. wait.. no i dont..

I can hook you up with one... I'll be bringing one to the SS Lovefest for coffeespecial - perhaps he'll let you try it on for size.