One last mega ride left for me here around Spokane. From the Beach to MT Spokane summit then down entire length of trail 140. A great big climb then a very challenging downhill. I drove to the Beach which is about 3/4 mile below park entrance. Plan is to ride the hwy to cut in to trail 110 and climb it to Kit Carson then pedal pavement to the summit, then descend 140 to hwy. I figured about 1 hr 30 mins of climbing and just knew the descent distance.
I arrived at empty Beach parking and geared up. I still carry my Wingnut pack containing all the good stuff for multitool repair, flat remedy items like slime tube, Lyzene pump, and Stan’s darts, water, munchies, headlamp, jersey, fire starter, firstaid kit, and a bunch of small stuff. I only have 1 pack that I use on every ride. I just pack the same stuff for every ride. Haven’t had to use headlamp when finish riding before 4. But I got it.
Pedaled upwards, past Bear Lodge, then park entrance ranger station, then junction for Wailer on right hand side of road, trail 100 on the left. Hump to cut in, today I was 3 minutes faster. This piece of wide single track will be the flattest of entire ride. Under deep tree cover. Climb start in earnest after crossing Kit Carson road. My engine lacks output to make 2 climbing turns then masters everything else to the summit. It took 1 hr 32 mins of mostly uphill pedaling. Yes, it was a grunt but I just bore down and my body got me to the top.
Back when I lived here I lift and ski climbed the mountain. Pretty steep black runs. Paved road was one gear from granny 46T. Just few cars and motorcycles passed me on the pavement which was 2.36 miles climbing 650′.
Just below the summit trail 140 takes off. Last time I rode this it was on my 5 Spot 26er. The trail is nasty with lots of decisions and actions to be taken. The angle is prolly climbable, it’s the abundance of embeded rocks, exposed roots, and loose rocks. Ski area expansion since last visit cut over the trail leaving clear cut. It’s a handful of rocks and roots up high down to Kit Carson, below and down the trail is a steep single track made by mtn bikers. I finished on the lower 140 that is so beat up. Trail 140 was 5.41 miles dropping 2510′ taking 35 mins of pedaling.
The descent was another test for my Revel Rail and my skill to pilot it. I stayed after it while allowing gravity as my engine. Switch backs with blind exits. My eyes tear up blurring my vision even with large lens glasses. The bike is so stable which adds to my confidence. It was a challenge needing sharp reflexes and looking ahead to prepare for what’s ahead.
I would need other rides before riding this again. I rode a new downhill trail named The Goods which is shorter than 140. That ride the trail was just completed not ridden in or winterized. 140 is not a speed downhill which maybe filters out riders. It is completely shuttleable on hard road.
Park entrance is at 3100′ summit is 5883′. EDGE reported 2267 climb which is less because of my below speed recording threshold.
I park out beyond Mead in a parking lot adjoining a small airport. I watch small airplanes take off and land. I fix dinner as colorful sunsets put on a light show.
Tomorrow is drive train appointment. It’s only money, it’s the unpredictable inconvenience for possible repair.
I lived across the road in a log house I paid for design and build for 16 years. I became familiar with the area. Driving around is just like the past. The roads go the same places, there are some building changes. Many acres and many farms of dry land wheat farming interspersed with conifer woodlands.
New issue of Freehub is out. Catch my article.
Bed time.