Yesterday I woke up and had a lazy morning writing. enjoying my own coffee and breakfast supplies. My plan was to let the day warm up and ride around 1pm at one of Knoxville's urban trails, specifically the Baker Creek area after watching BKXC's video.
When I walked outside to my truck with the mtn bike the parking lot was very wet with some pretty big puddles. The forecast predicted a cloudy day and no rain. Bummer. I decided to visit the KBC bike shop to get some information on where to ride.
Myron, the owner said that the best place to mtn bike when it is wet is Loyston in Andersonville, a 50 minute drive from his shop.
The route had me on some country back roads and very few speed limit signs. I crested a hill and an oncoming driver flashed his head lights multiple times. Thanks! Dropped my speed to the 35-40 mph range and continued. Sure enough, two sheriff cars were parked in a church lot and when I passed they started to follow. One of the LEO's drove close behind me. I kept my speed steady and concentrated on staying on my side of the yellow line. My report must have come back clean when the officer typed in my plate number and he peeled off after a few miles. The second car stayed way back to see if he could catch me speeding. Five miles of smooth driving was enough and he left me alone.
The weather deteriorated nicely as the truck climbed up the mountain to the trails. The roads narrowed and twisted until I ended up in campground entrance. Jeff and Gail met me atn the entrance. They manage the camp ground and it was open for business. They pointed out the parking lot for the trails and gave me a brochure. Might have to stay there sometime.
As I drove into the parking area the rain was pretty steady. Two guys were dressed for riding and I asked if they were getting ready to ride or if they were leaving. One of them said that they were trying to decide if they wanted to ride in the rain or just go back home. I said that if they rode could I tag along since this was my first visit.
That statement changed everything. Both were excited to introduce me to the trails despite the weather. Tyler and Zachary put on rain jackets as did I along with my fleece. A trail dog (black lab mix) named General rounded out our group.
My plan had been to get some GoPro footage but I was in a hurry and the weather sucked for filming. Off we went into the rain.
Observations about T&Z were pretty limited when we started. I was more concerned gear preparation. They were younger than me and their clothing was baggy enough that I could not discern body type. My assumption was they were a couple of stoners that had the day off and decided to go out in the woods for an easy ride.
The start of the trail was pretty flat and we stayed together. As the incline increased I realized that my effort level was well above the comfortable range, hovering just below max and I was falling behind! As they disappeared around a corner I figured that I would be able to get back to the car on my own because the park was not that big. A few minutes later I saw them stopped and waiting for me. "How old are you guys?" I asked. "We are both 26 and have been riding out here for 3 or 4 years. Pretty much all we do is mtn bike." Tyler said with a smile. "If you guys want to go ahead please do. There is no way I can keep up with you two." "Don't worry about it. This is just an easy ride for us today and besides you are keeping up much better than most of our friends that ride with us."
The rest of the ride was spent with me going as fast I could or dared. The trails were very clean despite the wet and as long as I stay right in the center of the path and away from the wet leaves all was good. These guys could jump! Both suggested that I ride Baker on Wednesday and practice the jumps there.
We had an awesome time riding and talking together. Both of these men have their act together and know how to ride bikes. It was cathartic to be with some young folks who were so enthusiastic about mtn biking and the future. Tyler plans to visit Maine this summer with his girl friend. I have his email and plan to hook him up with relatives in Maine.
That's all for now. Time to get ready to ride. The sky is blue and the temperatures are supposed to be in the 60's today.
When I walked outside to my truck with the mtn bike the parking lot was very wet with some pretty big puddles. The forecast predicted a cloudy day and no rain. Bummer. I decided to visit the KBC bike shop to get some information on where to ride.
Myron, the owner said that the best place to mtn bike when it is wet is Loyston in Andersonville, a 50 minute drive from his shop.
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| Where to ride when wet. |
The weather deteriorated nicely as the truck climbed up the mountain to the trails. The roads narrowed and twisted until I ended up in campground entrance. Jeff and Gail met me atn the entrance. They manage the camp ground and it was open for business. They pointed out the parking lot for the trails and gave me a brochure. Might have to stay there sometime.
As I drove into the parking area the rain was pretty steady. Two guys were dressed for riding and I asked if they were getting ready to ride or if they were leaving. One of them said that they were trying to decide if they wanted to ride in the rain or just go back home. I said that if they rode could I tag along since this was my first visit.
That statement changed everything. Both were excited to introduce me to the trails despite the weather. Tyler and Zachary put on rain jackets as did I along with my fleece. A trail dog (black lab mix) named General rounded out our group.
My plan had been to get some GoPro footage but I was in a hurry and the weather sucked for filming. Off we went into the rain.
Observations about T&Z were pretty limited when we started. I was more concerned gear preparation. They were younger than me and their clothing was baggy enough that I could not discern body type. My assumption was they were a couple of stoners that had the day off and decided to go out in the woods for an easy ride.
The start of the trail was pretty flat and we stayed together. As the incline increased I realized that my effort level was well above the comfortable range, hovering just below max and I was falling behind! As they disappeared around a corner I figured that I would be able to get back to the car on my own because the park was not that big. A few minutes later I saw them stopped and waiting for me. "How old are you guys?" I asked. "We are both 26 and have been riding out here for 3 or 4 years. Pretty much all we do is mtn bike." Tyler said with a smile. "If you guys want to go ahead please do. There is no way I can keep up with you two." "Don't worry about it. This is just an easy ride for us today and besides you are keeping up much better than most of our friends that ride with us."
The rest of the ride was spent with me going as fast I could or dared. The trails were very clean despite the wet and as long as I stay right in the center of the path and away from the wet leaves all was good. These guys could jump! Both suggested that I ride Baker on Wednesday and practice the jumps there.
We had an awesome time riding and talking together. Both of these men have their act together and know how to ride bikes. It was cathartic to be with some young folks who were so enthusiastic about mtn biking and the future. Tyler plans to visit Maine this summer with his girl friend. I have his email and plan to hook him up with relatives in Maine.
That's all for now. Time to get ready to ride. The sky is blue and the temperatures are supposed to be in the 60's today.
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