Beautiful Ride in the ANF Today

[MTBMaven]

As Vic said today was perfect. The temps were cool on the climb and warmed up for the downhill. Lower Sam, Sunset Ridge, and El P were in excellent condition. Super tacky. Several of us cleared the three steps at the bottom of Sunset and made the switchback just at the end of it.

As Vic mentioned we had several mechanicals and flats. I was carrying my bike across a stream crossing and my rear wheel fell off! How crazy is that $hit. Could have been worse, no damage to anything. Several flats, and I think Tris had some bad chain suck.

To those that did come because of the rain, you should have some. The trails in the ANF hold up very well to rain. Unless it's raining buckets in Pas it's worth heading out. I've almost backed out of two rides, this one and another one on Strawberry Peak, that turned out to be excellent rides.

Enjoy the photos:
Tris trying to catch a free ride from Vic:


Tris grabbing some ass. If you look close Scott has a smile on his face:


Hangin' out at the bottom of Lower Sam:


Vic finishing up Lower Sam:


Sunset RIDGE Trail


Scott dropping into some water on El P:


Splash down:


Vic taking off:


Bernie splashing down:


Tin taking off:


Scott launching off a drop in the Arroyo:


Vic rolling the drop in:


Tin hittin' the lip:


Me dropping in:

[Pain Freak]

Sorry, I missed it guys. It was raining here ealier in the morning and I didn't think anyone would show. I can't count how many times I've been the only one to show, so I didn't think you guys were going to go. Looks like I missed a good one. (excpt that brokeback part)

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by Pain Freak

Sorry, I missed it guys. It was raining here ealier in the morning and I didn't think anyone would show. I can't count how many times I've been the only one to show, so I didn't think you guys were going to go. Looks like I missed a good one. (excpt that brokeback part)

Sorry we missed you Mike. I was looking forward to riding with you again. It's been a while since we've ridden together and not have to dig in the dirt at the same time.

Not sure about Tour de Palm Springs. I should know in the next few days. I'm trying to get my wife to come out with me and say there Friday night. We have out first motorcycle safety training the next day.

Hope to see you on the CORBA Mt. Zion BBQ Ride.

[dstepper]

Want bike is Bernie riding...a Lefty?

Gotta love that climb up Lower Merrill. Did you guys go up to Middle Merrill or just to Sunset?

Dean

[ka0t1c07]

We were weighing between Sunset or Inspiration point, but decided to take on Sunset. It felt good to climb again.

[stjunkie]

Traction was perfect today. The mechanicals turned out to be more entertainment than hassle. I put a new (Longer 70mm) stem on the White Tornado and liked it a little more for climbing. Although a few of us tried, we couldn't make the step switchback on Lower Merrill. Cut the ride a little short skipping Mid Merrill but still had lots of fun. Saturday's rain exposed the rocks a little more on Sunset tr. A couple shuttlers we saw at the parking lot passed us when Vic was fixing a flat. MTBMaven and I jumped in after them and soon caught up until they got a flat. El P was wet and wild as usual. On with more pics.

Tin defying gravity at the top of Lower M


Rain, what rain


Is that Stans on your tire or are you just....wait I don't want to know


"I could have sworn I brought my rear wheel today" Photo caption material


Maven's pre-flat huck

[Pain Freak]

Love the commentary

[Good_ol'_slappy]

Nice pictures Brian...gawd I need to ride again!

[MTBMaven]

Originally Posted by Good_ol'_slappy

Nice pictures Brian...gawd I need to ride again!

I know. I think the last time was this summer. Way too long. You been riding your road bike at all? How's your back?