Much bigger group today, around 20 people. It was a little warmer (80 degrees at 10K) but still a very pleasant day to ride. I got lost on the east side of the divide trying to find a new route from town to Rabbit Ears Pass to meet the group. I spent most of an hour bushwhacking through a thick spruce forest before I finally hit CDT trailhead on Rabbit Ears Pass. By now it was 11am, but I managed to catch up to the group a little way down the trail.
Here are my pictures, hopefully somebody will post some better ones then me.
After closer inspection of the pictures I shot on my way to the RMH group ride, I have come to the conclusion that they are post-worthy. So maybe these pics will make up for all the crappy ones I have posted.
I live in Steamboat so I haven't been camping at the gathering. I have had my eye on the Pleasant Rabbit trail all summer and I thought it would be a perfect chance to ride it over to Rabbit Ears pass.
To get to the Pleasant Rabbit trail I climbed to the summit of the ski area and then across Mtn. View trail until I hit the divide. From there I dropped off the east side of the divide on the Percy Lake trail.
It started off very nice, considering this trail is open to motorized traffic. DSC01908 (Large).jpg
This was the end of the road. Instead of backtracking, I decided to push on through the woods to reach the road that I knew existed just on the other side of the ridge line in the picture. DSC01960 (Large).jpg
Not too much fun while carrying my bike over down trees and wearing shorts, But I made it out alive.
"When you pay $340 to do a 24 hour race you'll only have enough money to eat mustard sandwiches the rest of the year." -TD
thanks taylor... t'was good to be back on the bike after 4 weeks off. i didn't do too badly considering (but d*mn there are some super strong/fast riders in that group-- like most of them!). my hand was bothering me quite a bit so i came home today; two days on the trail was worth it though.
i'll try to post a few pix later, though i don't think i took too many this trip. you'll have to plan to attend next year... always a good time to be had and the riding never disappoints.
Marko, good to see you again and thanks for being a friendly local guide to all the clumsy, tromping tourists. I like your palatial estate overlooking Steamboat
This is a Day 1 pic. I have a few more to post from both days...
I'm sure your ribs are thanking you for that on Dave. I wish I hadn't missed Sunday's ride, so I guess were even. Thanks again for bringing the whiskey, I have yet to sample some at an elevation lower then 10,500.
If you think the trails were sweet now, come back in the fall when the trails are tacky and the aspens are changing colors.
I was my pleasure to ride with such a strong, talented group of riders in my neck of the woods. I cant wait to let everybody show me around some of there favorite trails on the front range.
"When you pay $340 to do a 24 hour race you'll only have enough money to eat mustard sandwiches the rest of the year." -TD
Marko, you were a guide, dude. It was cool having you out there and watching you stomp all of us low landers on the climbs. Plus, the gift of stashed beer at the resting spot was a very sweet touch. We'll be returning the favor when you make it to the lower elevations.
A trail that’s too difficult wouldn’t exist because it’d never be used. But, trails can exist that’re too difficult for you.
Ed and Clay, it was fabulous chasing you guys up the hill, then all the way back down.... Clay, it was great meeting you, and I hope you and yours get back to CO (to play) soon.
Ed, get those pix up somewhere, they're just awesome.
Fire Time on Saturday night was just too much fun, guys....