On Tuesday, they wanted to hit the IMBA Epic Southern Traverse Trail, which is the southern portion of the Shenandoah Mountain Trail. To make the ride do-able within the constraints of daylight and a late start, I dropped them off at the bottom of Benson Run and then drove the car to the end of the trail. While the guys climbed up the fire road and hit the trail heading south, I rode in from the bottom of the last downhill. I climbed past South Sisters Knob without stopping at the overlook - I wanted to see it with fresh eyes when we'd stop later as a group. It was only a few weeks back that I'd ridden the same climb with Jeremiah, as we ventured home from our anniversary adventure to the Fort Lewis Lodge. The trail was still fresh in my mind, I knew exactly where I was and knew that eventually I would intercept the guys riding toward me, so I was less worried about being out in the middle of nowhere on my own. Though I did use my "bear horn" liberally.
Our timing worked out very well and I'd only been at the SMT-Jerkemtight Fire Road intersection for a few minutes when I saw the guys rolling down the trail toward me. We enjoyed the vista for a few minutes, and The Boss passed out Oreo cookies.
Riding the downhill together was a blast! The SMT is so sweet. Leaves were covering the trail, but it was still smooth sailing around the big swooping turns and over the roller coaster rhythm sections. I was smiling ear to ear. We stopped for a photo shoot on South Sisters, where the view was extra incredible. The fall air made for a crispness that I could have only dreamed of two weeks ago. Every single rolling ridgeline was defined as far as our eyes could see. The bluff above Fort Lewis Lodge was sharp, and I got to thinking about the comfy coziness and great food that was just a fun singletrack descent away. Alas, we had other plans that would be just as fun.
The last few miles of descending were way fast, rolling and had some crazy off camberness and banked berms. It was so sweet, and the group's vibe was such a good one that I couldn't have had more fun. Well, next time we'll leave town earlier, and I'll ride the whole thing.
Here's a profile of my out and back mini adventure.
We loaded up, rolled back to the Burg and hit Mexi Night for all we could eat organic goodness and half price Negro Modelo.
Next we'll ride the North Fork Mountain Trail. As Bushi would say, I'm going big!
Having fun,
Erin
Labels: Adventures
