BOW - Stony Creek

Today was the MMBA/DNRE's Becoming an Outdoor Woman Mountain Bike Symposium. My group rode with a few girls from the Dark Horse Brewing team and a couple of guys. I had a great time, and gained a lot of confidence riding rocks and switchbacks.

I cleared the big rock garden twice, no problem. This stretch starts and ends with some pretty big rocks which are intimidating looking, but my nerves were eased knowing that there was a crew of guys there to catch us if we fell. I'd say the most challenging part of the trail for me was the roller coaster (or at least that's what I think it was called; maybe it was before that?) with all of its tight turns and switchbacks.

(That's not me, obviously, but this girl rocked!)

I feel the day was a huge success because I didn't technically fall; however, I did have a few mishaps along the trail. First, at one point during some switchbacks, my front wheel's quick release flipped open. This could have been a very scary experience, but thankfully I heard a pinging sound (of the lever hitting the fork) and the front end felt a little loosey-goosey. I was able to pull off the trail to figure out what was causing the problem before the wheel actually came off the fork. Crisis averted.

There was another point where I was going a little too fast and I had a run in with a tree. Well, a couple of trees. I lost control after a tight turn and jammed my wheel between two trees spaced about eight inches apart. I didn't fall off, though; when the bike stopped I was still clipped in and upright. Kind of like a dysfunctional track stand.

Mishaps aside, I kicked Stony's ass, and learned a lot in the process. It was a good day.

Oh, there was a raffle as well, in which I won a giant (22 oz) bottle of Hammer Gel plus a handy little squeezy dispenser. $20 value—it essentially paid for my registration fees. Thanks Rochester Bike Shop!

Addison Oaks...well, that was fun, what's next?

I've finished moving back to my parents', which means I'm now a lot closer to a lot more trails. Today I explored Addison Oaks and had a good time. It was a fun, fast trail. That's how I like them—fast and sweepy, not too technical. Had some decent climbs, but not as many as I was expecting, given the hilly nature of the Oakland County dirt roads that surround the park. I'd get a better hill workout just by riding to the park, but that's a fair trade-off for having a trail like this so close.

Oh, and I think it's worth noting given my track record on new trails—I didn't wipe once, not even close! I'm getting better at this mountain biking thing, I think.

I loved how fast and sweepy this trail was!

The first of several caution signs...that means fun, right?

Right!

Could've done with less of these between the fast sweepies, though...

Actually, it would've been a lot more fun if the rock gardens were more spread out and less in number. I liked having two big rock gardens on Burchfield's main loop that I could bypass if I wished (or tackle if I was feeling spry!), but I didn't have that liberty at Addison Oaks, and there were a lot more of them...I wasn't counting, but seemed like eight or nine at least.

Post-ride picnic to end the day.

All in all, I had a good time today. I think next time I'll throw in a ride to Bald Mountain, too, because Addison Oaks (while fun, and quick) was not very challenging. I do need to bone up on my technical skills a bit, so I'm making that a goal for this year. I am also considering taking part in the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Mountain Bike Symposium this June at Stoney Creek. Does it sound worth it?

Oh, and in case you were looking for my pictures from Yankee Springs, click here to view them on Picasa.

Mountain biking is like drinking

For me, mountain biking is like drinking. I may start out kind of slow, but as I get faster I get overconfident. When things speed up, I get cocky and become sure that I can handle that next sweeping descent/shot of tequila. I think I can slam that rock garden/pint of beer with no consequences. And then I crash. In short—I don't really know my limits.

Yesterday was one of those days. Rode Pontiac Lake and had an awesome time. That trail totally kicked my ass—literally. I wiped out once and I'm pretty sure it's going to have some bruises. Other than that I didn't crash too hard though—no cuts, no scrapes, just a broken pair of glasses to show for it. Had an awesome time on the climbs (which I'm beginning to think is my forte) and I'm starting to get a lot more comfortable with steep, rocky descents...even if one did happen to bring me down.

Also, I'm beginning to re-evaluate my relationship with rocks. I guess they're not half-bad when they're not loosely nestled in a giant pile. In fact, when they're rooted pretty solidly in the ground they're downright fun.

My favorite climb, very twisty and steep.

[I swear it was a lot steeper than it looks in the picture!]

This was a fast, fun section...

This post would not be complete with documentation of the damage.

[Except not really damage, because the only things I maimed were my glasses and my ego.]

The north part of the park was a little too intense for my current skill set with its crazy switchbacks (I believe this is known as "the chute"?) and the ridiculous climb that follows it, but otherwise I found it to be a great trail with a nice variety in terrain. I definitely surprised myself on the climbs and it was a great change of pace from the flat landscape Lansing offers.

It was a great way to spend [possibly] the last day of outdoor riding this season, because today the snow started flying. I only wish I could've taken another lap around the park. Next time I'm bringing a spare set of specs.

Oh, and in case you were waiting for my decision regarding the last post: Ore to Shore won out.

Rocks? Fuck rocks.

I'm not a huge fan of rocks. I'm sure one day I'll master them, and who knows, maybe even learn to love them. But for now, I'm cool with us being arch enemies.

I know I'll never get better unless I try things I can't yet handle, and I know I'm bound to fall a little (okay, a lot) in the process. But rocks? They are just so unfriendly. And hard. There's no good way to fall on a rock (or a pile of rocks) except to avoid hitting your head. Today I didn't get too bloody, but come morning I'm going to have quite a few bruises on my bottom. And my legs. And my side.

Ouch. The good news though? I'm getting better—I cleared one pile of rocks before wiping out on the second.