The day started with a harsh realization of the facts. 8:00am + 7300' + November = cold. Brrrrr!!! It didn't feel that cold when I got the bike off the rack and started getting ready, but by the time I had mounted my steed, I was frozen. Good thing the day started off with a climb! I hunkered down and pedaled into the forest.
Brisk as it was, there was still lingering snow from yesterdays brief bout of precipitation. From the dusted look in the forest, though, this areas bout was not so brief! At the top of the road climb, a view of Meeker an Longs peeked through the trees.
Pedaling just a few minutes longer yielded a fantastic view of Rocky Mt Nat'l Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The powdered sugar frosting on the peaks was an incredible sight! The view signified something else important - The day's first climb was over. The ride starts with a massive jeep road climb to a ridgeline overlooking a major chasm. It rolls a bit at the top on the road before the singletrack starts.
Snow was more prevalent here, also the days highest point. It was nice to cut fresh tracks in day or 2 old snow.
Once the you hit the trail, without warning the singletrack drops immediately into the chasm, further down that the eyes can see. The trail becomes steeper, faster, and rockier in an instant. It's one of the few trails around that I drop my saddle for. The trail mellows once it meanders by a century old cabin, just enough to catch your breath. It's a good thing, because both the trail and the view beyond the gate is breathtaking. 
From the gate, the trail drops down into the abyss of the chasm, further than you can see. It's a great downhill. At this point, we are only 1/2 mile into a 3+ mile long descent. Looking into the abyss, as far down as we see is only 2/3 of the way down!
deeper into the abyss...
The singletrack drops into a deep and cold box canyon. In the springtime, the roar of the rapids on the river is deafening. On this Fall day, though, it was merely a trickle. What was once old, old road, is now pristine singletrack snaking down the river canyon.
The canyon is arguably one of the best parts of the ride. The trail is a high speed delight - sweeping and fast with technical bits thrown in just to keep you on your toes. To compound things, it is difficult to keep your eyes on the trail due to the stunning scenery. Who knew there were big mountains to be had on the front range? The trail continues down the river drainage, all the while feeling like you're deep in the backcountry in a remote area of the state. Don't fool yourself - you are. After crossing the river further down the trail near the bottom, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some late changing Aspens still in their color prime. The trees seemed to add warmth to a cold shaded place.
Now was time for the not so fun part, the days second major climb. The descent is so long, it takes you deep into the canyon to an elevation that's lower than the day's starting point. It can be a tough climb out, especially in the summer after taking advantage of a hot day dip in the natural swimming hole in the river. No dip today, though, time to burn out the climb. Thankfully, the climb is generally very doable on the way out. Only 1 tech section got me today and relegated me to a hike. Back on my bike and it was a nice spin out thru some spectacular crowded and wide front range singletrack (sarcasm)!Hope everyone enjoyed this fine November weekend. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a few more!
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