|   Solo 1 (long w/ pics) | brianc
Sep 10, 2001 6:31 PM | | Solo
I awoke to the normal Saturday ritual, pre-paring for the day's ride. Today was different, though. I was about in embark on my fist solo in the mountains. The street was deserted as I headed south. With the sun breaking over the mountain to the east, the fresh sent of Sage filled the air. I knew it was going to be a great day.
My mind turn to the resent Bear attacks. I made a deal with them. We decided to trade the city for the mountains for the remainder of the weekend. I had no use for the city.
When I arrived at the trail-head, I was the only car. Making this ride even more solo than I'd thought. I have only ridden here once before and had no map. My memory is good and had plenty of water and food with me. So off into the canyon I went.
The canyon was brisk. The thermometer in my car read 65F when I set out, but the sun hadn't reached back into the canyon. I could feel the crisp air in my lungs, a welcome change from the long hot summer.
A mile into the canyon, the trail takes a turn. Around a switch back your greeted with this:
When you reach the rocks the exposure begins. The trail winds along, stuck to the side of the mountain taking you higher. Along the way I was rewarded with views like this.
As I neared the peak, the rocks were replaced by mud. My progress slowed, and I began to think the Bears had double-crossed me. When I finally made it to the resting area at the peak. I had only gone 2 miles out of my way. Thanks to taking a wrong turn.
I think the altitude was affecting me, because 6 miles into a climb I opted for the fork that continued to go up. A mile into it I decided that I had gone the wrong way. I marked the ground when I turned around and headed back down to the fork.
This time I noticed the fluorescent orange trail tape hanging a tree. I followed it only to find I was ten feet from the rest stop!
I sat and enjoyed the absolute stillness of the mountain top before I headed down the roller coaster.
b |
| Nice pics. Thank you. nm | Chef
Sep 10, 2001 6:38 PM | | |
| Thanks. | brianc
Sep 10, 2001 7:04 PM | | When are you going to get the wild bike of yours out here to the Southwest?
b |
| As soon as winged pigs fly from my rectum... | Chef
Sep 10, 2001 7:40 PM | | or after I get a job and get caught up on my expenses. Whichever comes first. :-) Don't bet on the pigs.
No trips for quite a while, I'm afraid. However, with pics like that resisting becomes more difficult. Keep them going. :-)
T |
| Cedro? | tomf
Sep 10, 2001 6:43 PM | | Is that the Cedro Peak area? |
| No. | brianc
Sep 10, 2001 7:00 PM | | Otero Canyon, going up the Tunnel. So just acrossed the road. =)
Lidarman should have a bunch from our ride at Cedro on sunday, when he gets back home.
I have some as well but it will be a week or so before I can post them. |
| Shoulda looked at the boulders... | tomf
Sep 10, 2001 7:53 PM | | Can't tell from the pics how big those rocks at the trail head are. Recognized Sandia in the background. Haven't been there since this spring. Is that one climb still loose, like riding on marbles?
BTW don't say Albuq/ Tell 'em Tijeras. Maybe it will stay secret.
I'm in Prescott AZ now. There is NO riding here. |
| Yes. | brianc
Sep 10, 2001 8:19 PM | | Riding in 3 inch marbles is a techniquie I'm very far from mastering.
Next time you're out this way let us now maybe we can get a ride in.
I was going to tell him Tijeras, but I could remember how to spell it. (or even come close) I know, from now on it's the "Turquoise Trail"
b |
| Cool, what area?. . . . . . nm | Monte
Sep 10, 2001 6:53 PM | | . |
| Well I got in trouble with the tourist board last time I posted. | brianc
Sep 10, 2001 7:02 PM | | But between you and me.....Albuquerque, NM.
Shhh. |
| My lips are sealed. . . . . nm | Monte
Sep 10, 2001 8:04 PM | | . |
| thanks - enjoyed the pics and writeup | narlus
Sep 11, 2001 4:30 AM | | very nice. we were out for a couple days, staying near madrid, but didn't make it to cedro or otero. rode 10K trail to oso corridor to faulty (shuttle, yeah we suck!), then the next did the singletrack climb up and subsequent blast down winsor. excellent stuff, gotta get back there. |
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