2 Days in the Big Bend Ranch State Park

Over the weekend, fifteen riders–plus a few spouses and children–descended upon the Big Bend Ranch State Park for two days of incomparable mountain-biking. Organised by Barrett and Jeff, we rode the 59 mile Epic Loop over two days with a night’s rest at the Sacuceda Ranger Station Bunkhouse.

The Epic Loop is a monster of a ride, meaning that not a lot of people go out and do it in one day. Further, unless you are doing that full loop, you don’t often get a chance to explore some of the more burly trails and stunning views that exist deeper in the Park. Splitting the trek into two back-to-back rides allowed folks to explore trails they may not have had the chance to visit previously. For those of us who ride the full loop in one day, it really changed the dynamic of the ride. Instead of worrying about conserving energy for the long day, we got to have fun, take in the view, explore archaeological sites, figure out certain sections/obstacles and most importantly, hang out with our friends!

Saturday morning around 10am, 16 of us left the East Contrabondo Trail-head with big smiles and under sunny skies. Regrettably, one rider had to turn back about 30mins into the ride; her head-cold was just too much to bear. Coughing and wheezing, Becca’s ride was done and we all were sad to see her go. The 15 of us continued on along the Contrabondo Trail, including all the side-sections of single-track. As invariably happens with a large group of varying fitness/experience, we got strung out and had to stop regularly to regroup. By the time we reached the top of the Rincon Loop–the halfway point to Sauceda–we’d been out nearly four hours[it takes me that long to get to Sauceda]. The decision was made to take the La Posta route rather than the Pila Montoya route at the split further down the trail. This would cut out several miles which we typically ride when doing the one-day Epic Loop.

La Posta, however, is a much harder climb than Pila Montoya; the closest I’d previously come to riding it came with one dab of the foot some time last season. Knowing that just 5 miles after summitting Posta I’d be at Sauceda, a shower and food, I knew this was my chance to give it my all, to nail that hateful climb. After two failed attempts going up Posta on the left line, I realised I needed to take the right line. So, again I rolled back down the hill, turned around, caught my breath and went at it again. This time, victory was mine! I had conquered La Posta, a feat rarely achieved.

At Sauceda, we enjoyed hot showers, a few cold frosty’s, a fantastic meal prepared by our dear friend, Cindy, and the chance to recount the day’s ride. Truly the best part of the whole weekend was being together at the Bunkhouse, eating, laughing and congratulating each other for such a great day. Eventually, as the moon came out, so too did a bottle of Scottish single malt. Partaking in the kids games but not the whiskey, I was in bed by 10pm and looking forward to day 2.

One of the first two people awake Sunday morning, I had the coffee going while Kt started breakfast; energy-providing oatmeal with yoghurt and fruit. Shortly before 10am and after a bit of a pow-wow, the 13 of us headed out for round two. Regrettably, Barrett and his wife, Meredith had to leave at 5:30am; being the Park Manager, duty called.

The ride back from Sauceda is mostly downhill, or at least, we head down-stream; there are plenty of climbs peppered through-out those 30 miles, including one of the toughest in the entire Park, Los Mexicanos. Coming about an hour into the day, it’s a real beast of a climb. The first section is a fairly short though very steep and very loose climb, one which I’ve neither climbed nor seen climbed. The second long yet still very steep and loose section has been my Achilles heel. Though I’ve watched Reilly make that climb, I’d never been able to do it myself. Today, however, was my day. With fresh legs and the benefit of the previous week’s rain packing down the trail, the stage was set for victory. Cheered on by friends, I made that first section, something I never thought I would see, let alone accomplish myself. The big test, however, is the longer second section. On every previous attempt, I had spun-out on one particular spot. Not today my friends, today was MY day. Chugging along but feeling strong, I never relented, giving it my all while staying smooth and steady. With a pump of the fist and a holler of satisfaction, I finally triumphed where previously I had always failed. The feeling of accomplishment was one I savoured for just a few minutes as we had a fast downhill section to enjoy. Although, as any cyclist will tell you, there’s always another climb.

A few miles later, I rode ahead so I could a bit of trail work, eventually catching up to the group just passed the Madrid House and several really sketchy descents; descents which I figured some would walk. I was very, very happy to learn that everyone attempted and succeeded in making those down-hills. Truly, it was a day of personal triumphs.

As the return trip wore on, the group split into smaller and smaller factions, each choosing their own slight variation of the ride back. In an attempt to intercept friends who had started riding just that morning from yesterday’s trail-head, Rick and I rode along the Chimney Rock Trail. Alas, we never did find Ligia and her friend, we even missed them in the parking lot by about 10mins. Nearing the end of the ride, I rejoined Kt, Crystal, Melissa and Alyssa to ride the Dome Loop single-track then back to the trail-head. After a second day of riding for six hours, we were done; the two-day Epic had been conquered by an intrepid group of bad-ass cyclists.

Back at Desert Sports, pizza was ordered and devoured. Between bites, stories from the weekend were recounted, triumphs recognized and thanks given to all those who made it happen. And while there were several folks who put it all together, it was all of us being out there, pushing ourselves to new heights that made this event truly momentous.

Day 1: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/261891796
Day 2: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/261891771

Around and over the Crystal Trail.

Flowering yucca

Alyssa nails another tricky creek crossing.

Crystal & the Flatirons

Home for the night.

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