Finally got to cross this ride off my "to do list"! Got to the trailhead around 8:30 and the weather was perfect. It was a little chilly, but we knew there was a pretty good climb coming up the pavement, so we'd warm up quickly. Geoff, me and Rob in the beginning. Climb took a little while. Got passed by a few groups that were shuttling up. Don't think we ever saw them again. Decided to go up Indian Creek to Champagne Pass. Great views everywhere! Got to Champagne Pass and ran into some hikers. Decided to keep going down Indian Creek Trail to Noble. Once we got to Noble, we went up it in hopes of finding Big Laguna Trail. Big Laguna - beautiful alpine meadow! After riding around the meadow, we descended Noble. I had decided to bring my bigger and heavier bike just to play it safely and was starting feel all of the climbing we had done earlier - making some bad decisions and taking some bad lines. Luckily the bike bailed me out a few times... until we got to the switchback section on Noble. We came around a corner (I think it was a little before Widowmaker) and came to a small drop off (maybe a foot) with a bunch of rocks at the bottom of it. Couldn't really see a good line, slowed down too much and when I went forward, hit a rock that completely stopped the little momentum I had and went OTB. It happened so slowly and I vividly remember as I was flying towards the ground "Oh, crap! I'm about to break something!" as there were a ton of jagged rocks all over. I got VERY lucky! Landed in the only spot around that was just hard dirt. Walked away with just a few scrapes and a healthy dose of a bruised ego! Eventually got to Widowmaker. Looking at videos on youtube and pics, it sure seemed very doable and couldn't really understand how it got its name... until I saw it in person and quickly said "f that!". Pics and videos don't do it justice. Kept going after that. Got to a spot that I thought for sure was Stairway to Hell - rocks everywhere, no real line in sight, almost unrideable. Well, it wasn't Stariway to Hell. We would come across that beast in a little while as we were getting closer to the pavement section. Hats off to those of you who attempt to ride this and actually clean it. Not sure how you do it! I had a hard time just walking my bike down and thought of riding down never even cross my mind! Finally got back to the cars - 29+ miles, 4200+ ft and many hours later! We had a blast and will be back for more soon! Most likely do the trails up around Sunrise and BLT. Post ride beers at Alpine Beer Co. sure hit the spot!
So glad you checked that off your list - it is a GREAT ride!! Fun RR and goods pics - thanks for posting, I was wondering if you got out there...good job.
