Woke up yesterday AM at Steve;’s, pretty cool I am almost in town but just far enough to now have neighbors. Forecast has been for wet.
I got my stuff ready to go. Next was putting plan into action which was to drive out to the Rock Lake TH for the IMBA epic ride. Free fee day visit that did not require using my senior pass. Just me in the parking lot. A rider I spoke with back at Duluth dissed the downfall on the trail. I was thinking big trees while he was talking about small stuff getting caught in his drive train.
I attached my phone to the handlebar, loaded up MTBP, clicked record a track in Backcountry Navigator but forgot to turn on the edge. Trail is under deep deciduous tree cover, view sheds were over the small lakes the trail skirted. I cleared a few pieces of blow down off the trail otherwise is was sort of slippery riding. Roots and green life on the rocks made for possible slippery moves.
Overcast day which brought out the colors of plants
Lots of whatever this fungii.
Trail crossed famous no hands bridge, for some but my hands were on the grips
Just deep tree cover, the tread was sprinkled with fallen leaves. Light was flat. Sometimes it was difficult to see enough of the trail far ahead.
Lots of small lakes abound, sometimes the trail got close enough to enjoy one.
Big ride day of almost 26 miles climbing 1880′ in short jabbing climbs. The trail worked the side hills and gulleys traversing. This is the 3rd time I have ridden this trail. It’s deep woods Wisconsin riding.
I drove back to the Eatery. It is closed on Sun, Mon, and Tues and Mic and Beth will be on a road trip. Hey Beth, you say you have a Sprinter van you want to share with me? Thurs AM before I leave. I have decided to stay here to do my wash on Thurs then off to Marquette.
The Eatery is a fun place. I learned that Hot Tomato was researched by Mic. There is a vibe here which makes a special beer and pizza place. It’s not a one sport place. Fat tire snow bikes are a growing user group .
Intermittent rain is falling at noon. Thanks Dana for your ride recommendation, I thought the same way. Shrimper built Danky Dank w/ a mini ex, may I get a large enough sucker hole to ride.
I find there is not enough time to sit long enough at a spot to soak up its life and still meet my travel plan of being in Bentonville before T’day. The IMBA summit is loaded w/ interesting topics.
Might drive down to Hayward and be a tourist and find a sports bar to watch football.
The woman who won the Olympic Triathlon is a local here, she was married at the Eatery. I was not introduced to her.
The red Cuyuna iron dirt has been covered by dark woods dirt. The red is on top of cow manure. No cover is over the bike in hopes that rain will clean up.
Hey Craig, email me if you want a partner for a Tues or Weds ride. I still want/need to ride Makwa out n back, fish Hatchery, and Ojibwe loop. Also would like to ride Esker, Danky Dank Treasures Trace out n back again. You choose. East of Marquette, just east of Kawbawgam Road is a pullout next to Lake Superior, beautiful sand beach. Go for a wade or a soak or at least stick your toes in the sand. I missed the opportunity to ride in Marquette due to rain. Looking out for your post. I hear good things about, but cannot vouch for, the trailhead on Mount Marquette Rd, off Cliff Power rd.