Trail 252, aka "The South Fork of Deer Creek" is also often called, simply, "joy". Why? Because the descent down this trail is one of the most joyful, grin-inducing, Return of the Jedi like (you know, the speeder bike scene) experiences you will ever have on a bike.

However, after the downhill there is a long, gradual climb. And it too is fantastic. Especially in October. Just ask Chris and K.C. Holley:

Labels: Joy, The Ridge 157

Timpanogos from the summit of Mud Springs

After several sleepless nights, and busy days filled with children and errands, and trips to the store to pick up things we never knew we'd need, I found myself completely worn out. Like a sluggish Jaba the Hutt wannabe I have been couch surfing and napping with impunity.

I was however, able to get out for a much needed ride yesterday. A fantastic loop up on the Ridge Trail 157. Pine Hollow, Mud Springs, Tibble, and 252 are the perfect remedy to sluggism and the severe cabin fever that was starting to pull me into a dark and despairing tailspin.

But the therapeutic spin shed all the sedentary poison that was creeping into my veins, leaving me feeling refreshed and renewed. A new man.

There was a hint of fall in the mountain air today. Though the flowers and the leaves and the temperatures all begged to differ, the fragrance was undeniable. That woodsy, sweet, crisp smell of an approaching Autumn. I soaked up the olfactory candy and enjoyed some coveted quiet time among the pines and aspens.

Nothing cures urbanitis like alpine singletrack.

The twins are doing well. We are all adjusting and learning, and slowly regressing back to that normal life we all vaguely remember existing way back on July 21st. Except now, 'normal' is just a little bit different. At least for now. Eventually the new normal will just be normal. And that will be a development we can all get excited about.

Sleeping twins...

The contest to win a Princeton Tec Swerve ends soon. I will choose a winner on Monday. Just leave a comment to enter the drawing!

Labels: singletrack, The Ridge 157, twins

An old tree stood at the trail junction of The Ridge, Tibblefork, and the South Fork of Deer Creek. I shot this photo last October.



And then I found this photo from UMB user "heifferson", taken on June 2nd.



That is a shame. I liked that tree. And I liked that sign as well.

Labels: singletrack, The Ridge 157