Wildwood--January 30, 2005

Part I -- The Dry Part: Around the Mesa

A Magnificent Morning found a Magnificent 7 RCY riders at the Wildwood parking lot.  The sky was a bright cloudless blue and the air was pleasantly cool.   We began by the usual route, cruising the street to reach the trail that took us up and around the beautiful rocky mesa.

The Magnificent 7 (minus me): Reuben, BrianD, Matthew, Andy, Rich, and DavidR

Matthew leading a climb

There was some new construction going on and we had to take a slightly different path up to the area where we cross over to the back side of the mesa.  The views of the sparkling green hillsides were stupendous.

The moon hovers over us as we traverse the volcanic single track

Upon reaching the crest of the Mesa, I, not knowing my own strength, snapped my bike chain.  Unfortunately, I could not find my Shimano replacement pin, but fortunately Matthew came to my rescue with a pin, a great chain tool, and his expertise.  Likkety-split the chain was unsplit and off we went to tackle the downhill switchbacks.

Matthew approaching a tight switchback....

....as you can see, the views were crystal clear.

You should be able to spot at least 3 riders negotiating the tight trail

After descending the Mesa we climbed the fireroad up to the Lizard Rock area.  From here we dropped down towards the infamous water reclamation facility and the smells 'to die for'.

At the bottom of the hill, we turned left to try and ride the trail that follows the river upstream.  Unfortunately, the wonderful wooden bridges that had been built over the stream in recent years had been torn away by the strong currents created by the recent rain storms.  That made for some interesting riding....hiking....swimming?#?!!@?

End of Part I

Wildwood--January 30, 2005

Part II -- The Wet Part: Along the River

Because the bridges had been ripped off their moorings by the currents caused by the heavy rain, we found ourselves having to traverse numerous water crossings, stepping from stone to stone or sometimes walking in the water.  A few of our members even rode thru sections, occasionally pedaling thru water that covered the bottom bracket and hubs.  (Of course those who know me know that my bike remained over my head and above water while I crossed using a snorkel) And then there was Brian's method.  Apparently needing a bath, he rode off a hidden drop on the riverbank INTO the crossing.

Brian....soaked but still smiling

At the same crossing, The Appleman takes a stroll thru the deep end.

Others try another path

Eventually we climbed out of the riverbed and onto the Lynnmere Singletrack (although Rich had to leave us at this point).  The singletrack was in good shape and took us out to Lynn Road.

Reuben enjoying the ride thru the wildflowers at Wildwood

Back at the cars, the remaining 6 of us decided to head to Chuy's for some Mexican refueling.  But before I say goodbye, I wanted to share with you one last photo.  In spite of some mechanical problems, crashes, and water obstacles today, we were apparently looked down upon with blessings from above as this last shot taken below the rushing Paradise Falls shows.....

There, now I can say goodbye....and have a great week.

Robco Baggins