I camped right near a bridge X a river w/ no name. There was quite a flood here this spring and the bridge and approach road were underwater. i saw a tree limb in the bridge deck.
Drove into town looking for Oneota River Cycles to learn of trails. My research from the web said just go to town & ride trails.
Arrived b4 shop opened, walked town streets. Town is viable and downtown is healthy. Deek opened his shop and we engaged in biking conversation for some time. 29ers hardtails are most popular bike. Learned a bit of physics on tire design. I am so out West biking. They ride big round tires as most tires as their trails are side hill off camber and this design of tire doesn’t force bike up into hill.
Deek gave me several maps and a ride suggestion.
I paid for camping @ Pilot Rock city XG outside of town. Quite packed but I was placed in a quiet spot because i did not need electric.
Rode for XG to trails. All close in to town. Again small area with small intestine layout trails. The ride is about the ride and not where I go. Twisty woods riding. Dirt is black and deep. Oak acorns. Switchback roots, finesse moves. Walked my normal blind logs wheelies. Good ride. Again design & execution is fantastic. Didn’t travel far but rode 21.68 miles & 2044′, some of the ride was pavement to & from and recovering from being lost on way back to XG.
Bought cluster, will replace it & chain tomorrow as cluster is toast. Lesses model of SRAM chain wore prematurely & I didn’t stay on top of wear.
Nice unlimited shower.
Dinner & walk into town for a beer @ T-Bocks. A young man approached my table & asked me how long it took to grow my beard. This opened the door to a free ranging conversation. later his girlfriend and her girlfriend arrived and the conversation kept going. The 2nd girl worked at Gothic outside of CB this summer and she studied aspen, woodpeckers, & fungus. We shared same places same time which was fun.
Back to XG.
Going to ride 1 more day in Ia at Yellow River SF as they have 40 miles of good trails per Deek who also gave me some Il contacts.
Gotta research.
What is the answer to the lad’s inquiry about how long it took to grow that beard?
I told him that I was callow like him and don’t worry it will fill in over time and to enjoy life as youngster. And then flirted with his girl friend’s friend.