RR: Maple Spring-Santiago Peak

[xhuskr]

Finally made time to try the run to the peak with Shrek. The wind made it's presence known even on the drive down by moving my bike tray a few inches inward. Good climb made harder by the wind. At more than one point I felt like I was standing still, yet was still pedaling. The temp at Main Divide was 30 degrees at around 10:30ish. I did finish the whole ride, although not with any kind of fast pace.....but I finished it and that was enough for me. For many STR riders this would be an easy ride, but I did stuggle near the top. Leave it to me to make it to mile 22.3 before sliding out on the black ice on a stream crossing. A twisted knee will heal with the right beer in hand. Overall trails in really good shape with just a bit of ice on creek crossings and a mile or so into the dirt off the road. We even ran across people who offered their dog to pull us up the hill........but he didn't get us far.

Saw quite a few riders heading up Maple Springs as Shrek and I were finishing up. I believe OC Rider was in the group....could be wrong.

Some photos are attached. Laugh if you must (I'm used to it), but I'm happy with the ride.........."I've been to the mountaintop!"

[CalEpic]

Brrrrr - looks cold.

C

[Guaruja]

yeah - that looks like a cold time!

Should have called me - I probably would have ridden...

[dstepper]

Don't kid yourself it is an accomplishment to get to the Peak. Add the wind and the cold...many would have turned around. If you think what you did was easy, I invite you to think again.

Congratulations, now when you drive around town you can look up and get the rewarding feeling that you "Bagged that Peak".

Dean

[tkblazer]

congrats on making it up to the top dood, i've yet to try it. that dog is freakin sweeet

[Sprockethead]

Great job Kevin and yes, it does look cold. Riding down with black ice must have been interesting. I'm guessing the pucker factor goes up when you're turning and hoping for the best.

[xhuskr]

Thnx Andy.....but didn't have time to 'pucker'.......just went down fast and hard!

[andy aka rut]

Nice ride report! It was freezing up there. I was one of the guys heading up Maple Springs while you were heading down. I was in The Path jersey (green) and I was riding with a guy in a Sho-Air jersey (black)-he has a fuzzy beard too. Thus the name Fuzzy John. We are also riding with a guy in a red vest. Turning the first switchback toward the peak was amazingly brutal. We ended up descending Holy Jim. Man that trail is unbelievable!!!!

[guero]

great RR! thanks for the pix as well. that isnt any easy ride by anymeans, especially with the sub-freezing temps! its nice to see some water/ice in the stream crossings. the last time i was there (drove my truck to the peak) the crossings were dry. how cold was your face on the descent?!?!?!

[roadkillross]

wow good stuff, looks reallly cold. is taht some black aice ur pointing too. that coulda been deadly bombing down the peak

[xhuskr]

Yes.....it was black ice.......and yes it is deadly......I'm hobbling around the classroom this morning in pain. But, hey......that's mtn biking!

[roadkillross]

Originally Posted by xhuskr

Yes.....it was black ice.......and yes it is deadly......I'm hobbling around the classroom this morning in pain. But, hey......that's mtn biking!

truth be told