|   WV ride report part II..... | mugg
Jul 12, 2002 8:56 AM | | From the scenic highway, we parked at the Gauley Mountain trailhead. Being the only car on the lot we were happy to be the first riders of the day. The gravel lot we pulled into was shaded from the bright sun by mature evergreen trees. Water from previous night's brief rain shower settled in tiny pools attracting white and orange colored butterflies.
Though our legs were still fatigued from the previous day's classic ride we were ready to get our kicks. Riding from the trailhead the trail peacefully snaked between rows of mountain ferns, which immediately pleased my visual senses. The initial singletrack was thankfully flat which made for a nice warm up. Approaching the first turn off, the trail dipped quickly and become rockier. It eventually dumped us on a makeshift footbridge that skirted a boggy area.
Muddy holes and swampy areas on the trails were unavoidable and once again we were covered in gooey mess. In this type of riding environment, I always expect the unexpected even when it takes me by surprise. Like when an innocent looking ribbon of exposed roots suddenly swept my tires from under me, consequently auguring me into a prickly bush. I dusted off the stinging thorns and continued, eager to catch up to my other half. A moderate climb ensued after crossing several more mud puddles and the trail eventually brought us to a high land meadow that was teeming with wild flowers.
We cruised up the trail neither fast nor slow. Basking in the glorious sunshine and longing for days like this to last just a little bit longer. More superb miles later made our way back down the mountain.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend of riding..muggster.
Trail meandering between mountain ferns.
Zipping down the trail.
Just riding along.
A great place to take a break.
Fields of dream.
Threading the needle.
Bluebells?
One of many bogs in WV.
Riding through waist deep bushes.
" Up to the Mountains to breathe the fresh air
Feeling the breeze blow through my hair
Smelling the crispness and enjoying it so
Watching the pines swing to and fro
Feeling the leaves crunch under my feet
Oh how the mountains make life so sweet!"
-©Author Unknown |
| Nice shots Mugg. | MongooseMan
Jul 12, 2002 9:25 AM | | Man, I can't believe I'm sitting here working while your out riding only 30 minutes away. I really like Gauley Mtn Trail. A nice change after riding something killer like Kennison Mtn Trail.
That trail sure looks different from the other side of a camera.
I can't wait to hit the trails this weekend.
P.S. Glad your enjoying West Virginia. |
| Nice shots. Looks like you had a great time in WV. - nm | Single Speed Outlaw
Jul 12, 2002 9:34 AM | | nm |
| geez...10 mins from my house and you didn't call.... | davis
Jul 12, 2002 10:03 AM | | Next time your back in my neck of the woods, let me know...I'm always looking for someone to ride with.
Montani Semper Liberi
dtb |
| Hey Davis, where are you located? | MongooseMan
Jul 12, 2002 10:14 AM | | I'm always looking for someone to ride with too. |
| Slatyfork...about 1 mile south of 219/66 intersection (nm) | davis
Jul 14, 2002 3:56 PM | | |
| cool pics.... | Gnarly1
Jul 12, 2002 1:19 PM | | ...it's so nice to see green, and wildflowers, and even muddy bogs....the desert summer is getting me down -- thanks for the lift. |
| Thanks gnarly1! | mugg
Jul 12, 2002 2:45 PM | | The bluebells photo was for you...though I'm not really sure what one looks like.
Hope you a great weekend! |
| next April go up to.... | Gnarly1
Jul 12, 2002 3:36 PM | | ...Susquehana State Park -- right around the middle of the month....you'll know for sure what I'm talking about! As far as I could tell, it was pretty much known through out the state as being THE place for the bluebells in the spring. It was amazing, Mugg, I'm tellin' ya. |
| re: awesome - as always... nm | cooldaddy
Jul 12, 2002 3:17 PM | | . |
| Sorry I missed your post earlier..... | Battman42
Jul 14, 2002 7:43 PM | | I believe I was medicated....
Excellent write-up and Photos...
Tim |
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