Stardate 2016.890

The 2016 Mountain Bike Season Keeps Goin' and Goin'...
We probably will pay for all this nice weather, come spring. Nonetheless, I'm going to enjoy it while I can. I've been hitting Deer Creek Canyon Park quite a bit because I need to brush-up on my technical skills in the rocks. I think I've been too selective on my rides. The former, plus too much road biking. Anyway, enjoy the pics. Not far from the high-point, this meadow should have snow on the ground.




The great plains meet the mountains here, along with urban sprawl.




Not far away stands the mile high city and its symbiotic brown cloud.




Lower segments of the trail have the potential to be a bit wild.




My parting shot is a plug for Giant Bicycles. Of all the bikes I've stabled, the Black Pearl takes a spot next to my 1996 Specialized M2 S-Works. The Pearl's been a great steed!




Stay tuned, there's more on the docket.

Adios

Stardate 2015.104

Top O' The Day To Ya!

Spring-like temperatures adorn this region again. It's time to pull on some SHORTS and take a bike for a roll. I pointed the bike toward Deer Creek Canyon for a nice little climb. Icy conditions are abating and most of the road is dry of runoff. No cold, wet butt cheeks today.



I stopped toward the top of High Grade Road to shoot a photo. In four more turns, I will be in the small hamlet of Critchell. Good, my legs could use a short breather. However, I still have several miles to the top. Yes, I stopped on a hill, but only for some blog fodder — seriously!



Despite clouds drifting in, it is very warm for February, even at an elevation of 8,500 feet. On top, the snow is rapidly melting.



The descent requires a little care. There is a lot of sand on the road, and the curves are kind of exciting.



I ease up on the gas while descending the steepest part of High Grade Road. Once again, lots of sand lions hanging about. This short segment is probably 12- to 15-percent grade.



It is a delightful cruise down Deer Creek, especially since the sun is shooing away the clouds.



When I reached the bottom and shed a layer, I took this photo of the hogback portal onto the plains.



This is my favorite cottonwood tree on this route. In the summer, its shade is very inviting.


That's it for now. See ya soon!

Adios