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I was ready for a change. All summer I have enjoyed the same dirt road going through the farmland just outside my town. I looked at the detailed roads map. This map has allowed me to determine a route and I make an old fashion small paper map to remind me where to turn. Of course, I can look at my phone. Old habits die hard.   My map worked great. I did not get lost. It was a good loop for me.  A view from the top of the hill. This road had more up and downs than my regular route. I did fine and I will do this loop again.  A weathered barn, but the roof looks brand new. I got nervous taking this photo because the dog started barking. I get uneasy when the dog barks. I was in the public road so I felt a little safer.  There were many beautiful horse in the fields. The properties were well taken care of along the way. I saw several equestrian farms. The weather was beautiful: clear sky with a few clouds and very calm.  The road condition was very good. You never know what these dirt roads will be like. Our weather has been dry and that helps. The gravel quickly mixes into the dirt. I felt that the condition were plenty fast.  I find that this bike works well on this road. The tires are knobby and 2.1" wide. The front shock smooths the bumps. I have a suspension seat post and that takes some of the bouncing. I added the rack this year and it is good to hold the jacket after it warms up.
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This section had been on my to bike list all season. There was a threat of rain, but it looked slight and the predicted accumulation was 0.01" and I was not too worried. I really wanted to get this ride in. Earlier in the summer there was a big natural gas line re-do in progress and I figured that the project would be done by now.  I was the only one at the trail head. You see my jacket strapped on the rack. I always carry a poncho in my brown bag. You cannot beat a compact $1 plastic emergency poncho. The temperature was 60 degrees and I was hoping that my thin merino base layer would be sufficient and it was. You always warm up after you get moving.  One of the lakes along the route. This segment winds through woods and is in two state recreation areas that are divided by the state highway 52. There are some parts that travel along the highway, but there is a good space of separation. It is a pretty ride.  What a nice underpass of the highway. I rode 16.4 miles total and there was 764' elevation gain. I took advantage of the norm mode on the e-bike. The downhills gave me some good quick runs. I love the downhill runs!  A photo from a previous ride. From the trail you may cross the highway and get to these mountain bike routes. There are three options of routes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced skill level. I have only tried the beginner level and that is hard enough for me. I stopped by today and these trails do not allow an e-bike. Without the motor I would need to make some stops during my loop ride due to the elevation gains.  The beginner Green Loop. These routes go through the wooded areas. They are well marked and maintained.  I have found that these are frequented by serious riders and hikers. There are wider spots throughout that allow you to get around others . There is a gate to the parking lot that closes access during muddy times.  I stopped to catch my breath.  Really? This seems interesting to see this along a walkway. This photo is from last year. I noticed that this sign is down now. I do not know why it is gone. I hope there is a no longer a threat.  It is hard to see the elevation gain.  The trail stops and I took a some gravel roads. Several side roads are along the trail. In future rides I will do more side exploring. The air was full of tiny water droplets and it quickly soaked you. I was ready to stop and headed back to the trail head. What an enjoyable ride.
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AuthorI love my riding days and look to find interesting and informative items to share. 
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