RR: Chilao

[ODB]

I got to join VT Vic and Air Gabe for a Chilao loop Saturday--my first time back there in several years. We had talked about possibly doing the full figure-8 route from Charlton Flat, but Gabe had a wedding to get to that afternoon, so we chucked that idea and just did the upper part. Later, i would be very glad we changed our plan.

The day got started meeting at the foot of Highway 2, where we ran into a buncha folks gathering for Steppie's Flannel Ride. Our trio went our separate way and got to Chilao, only to discover that the gate isn't open yet (opens April 1). D'oh! Luckily we found an area off the highway less than a mile down to park. A quick warmup spin up the highway and we're at Chilao.

Couldn't have asked for better conditions. It was a bit chilly coming up the highway, but after that it was short-sleeve weather the entire time. Just a gloriously clear day up there, and so nice to ride among the pines again. I really enjoyed the spin up the mellow fireroad climb, taking in the majestic views. None of us were able to conquer "The Wall," with Vic putting in the best effort. A quick stop on Mt. Hillyar to play around on the rocks, then the great boulder-strewn descent to Horse Flats. Gabe told Vic and I that he wouldn't mind if we split off and climbed to the upper part of Silver Moccasin, but i said let's all finish the ride together. Truth be told, the altitude had been getting to me, and I was feeling whooped. No way I would've been able to do the figure 8 like we first planned.

So we headed down Silver Moccasin, which according to Vic has seen a lot of trail work lately. It seemed a bit easier to me than the last time I rode it, but i figured that was just cuz i'd developed such mad skillz in the intervening years. Guess not. Silver Moc is a blast and has just awesome flow. So worth the long drive up there.

Pretty much a perfect day: Great weather, great trails, getting to meet two really cool riders, no mechanicals (unless you count the brakes on Gabe's car), no crashes ... What more can you ask for?

[VTVic]

Thanks for the RR Toby. Had an awesome time with you and Gabe and while the ride was short it still was lots of fun. Thanks for coming out.

Here are some of the pics:
A little trailwork needed at the beginning of the ride

small patches of snow through out the ride


awesome views on the fire road towards Mt Hilyar (spelling)



Toby taking some air

ready to climb the wall

Playing on the rock



Gotta love the look on Gabe's face

Toby

Toby picking his line

I go first

toby follows

Gabe "I think I can ride over that..."

yes I can

Toby follows

Toby On the way out of the switch backs

The switch back section has definitely seen a lot of work. No longer the rocky loose section with difficult switch backs. I was able to clean them all, which I've never been able to do before. I've OTB'd in the past attemping to do so. Not sure who did this but thanks for the trail work out there

[Pain Freak]

Gabe has always got a wedding to go to. Just tell him "Your going to be late and let's do the dam ride!"

Just couldn't wait for me,bah!

Toby you got to watch out for this cast of characters. They having you breaking bones again in no time