Bike Fest Day 3
Saturday morning I woke with just a hint of the discomfort I was feeling in my neck/shoulder the day before. Carah’s magic had worked and I was looking forward to getting back on the bike. “And just what bike might that be?” you ask. Since Isabelle is still out of commission[more on that later] I rode one of the Specialized Demo Team’s super-bikes. Thursday I rode a carbon Specialized Epic FSR with the Brain front and rear and a SRAM XX drive-train. Friday night I went back to Wiley and asked if that same bike was available for Saturday. “Nope, it’s been reserved by some guy named…uhhm, oh yes, Rick Willing.” Knowing that my good friend wasn’t about to give up that bike, I decided to ride one of the carbon hard-tails. Regrettably, only an extra-large remained [I normally ride a size large or 19″]. No matter, I installed my seat-post, saddle, pedals and frame-bag and was ready to ride.
Riding the 1.5 miles from the Maverick Ranch RV Park to the Barton Warnock State Park Headquarters early Saturday morning was pretty damn cool. Barely 40F [4C] in fact. As our group of about 40 riders struggled to keep warm, the Depute Director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. discussed the route and wished us all well. With the requisite group shot snapped, we were off to ride the 59mile [95km] Epic Loop around the Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Although I don’t quite know how it happened, it was decided that I would lead the fast group, Rick would sweep and Reilly would ride somewhere in the middle accompanied by his mountain-biking bad-ass girlfriend, Kimberly, and fellow Arkansan, Pat. Fortunately, as the day progressed, we’d reunite at the various rest-stops along the way.
As we rode I chatted with folks from all over the great State of Texas and several from out of state. Some had been here before, while for others, this was their first foray into the Chihuahuan Desert. Eventually, the group at the front included myself, Mark, Jason, Charles and AJ who I’d met at last years event. In fact, I even visited his bike shop, The Peddler, when passing through Austin a year ago.
While the riders came from far and wide, they all agreed that the riding in Big Bend really is some of the best anywhere. Feeling proud of what I consider my local trails, it felt wonderful to have so many folks out riding and enjoying themselves. There were smiles on every face.
Reuniting with nearly all the Epic riders at the Sauceda Ranger Station half-way point, we carried on for the second half of the day’s ride. With most of the climbing behind us [except of course, for my nemesis, the punishing Los Mexicanos hill] we were all geared up for the 30 mile ride back home. About 30 mins later I flatted. While my co-riders waited, I replaced the tube and watched a few others pass by us, including Reilly and his posse. Back on the bike, we laid chase. Stopping to help Jason after he crashed and reporting the incident to the Rangers, I lost touch with the rest of my posse.
Once I left the Rangers at the Whit Roy Mine, I knew it was a fast seven miles to home. I put that Specialized in the big ring and just ripped it up, flying over the desert hard-pack. Pulling into the trail-head at 7hrs 2mins, I was very happy with my time, particularly when you consider all the stops along the way. The wind in my sails soon died as I learned that someone had done the ride in 5hrs 19mins. Oh well, now I’ve got a goal to chase.
By late afternoon, most of the riders were back from their desert adventures. At the central gathering spot, folks drank free beer and told of their most glorious day on the bike. The Big Bend Trails Alliance raffle was held and lots of shwag was given away. As afternoon turned to evening the band took to the stage and tired legs found just enough energy for dancing. Team Super Awesome brought out their unicorn and monkey, while someone else brought hula-hoops to the party.
After all those miles with all those wonderful people, the highlight of the entire Festival for me, however, was riding the Austin Bike Zoo’s bicycle carousel. It was remarkable; six 20″ wheeled bikes dressed as horses driving the carousel around a central pole, upon which a few folks then danced. Pedalling and spinning, cheering and grinning, it was a magical night under the stars.
This, my friends, is mountain-biking in the desert. I sure hope you come join us next year….
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/274536850
[regrettably, my camera was acting-up so I have very few pictures from the Bike Fest]
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| Cyclists descend upon Sauceda Ranger Station |
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| Kimberly at Sauceda, the Epic’s half-way point |
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| Riding the Dog Cholla Trail; the home stretch. Photo credit Crystal Allbright |
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Calling out the raffle winners.
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