Ready to Ride

Our guide didn’t show, so we did our best to find our way.  We started out near the race course in Provo Canyon and climbed the fire road for a while until we hit some singletrack. Then we climbed some more (yes, some of us hiked).

After about 20 minutes, a few of us realized we’d separated from Wes’ group, so we did what any good Boy Scout would do – we kept going. With Aaron leading the way, we rode (hiked) up more single track. We got to what I thought was a manageable grade, so I threw a leg over my bike to start riding again. Two revolutions of the cranks mixed with some weaving and I was listing hard to the port-side. My Crank Bros pedals showed no mercy, and over the edge I went.

So, I continued to hike the edge of the cliff whilst the others rode off without me. They were kind enough to wait once we hit another fire road.  After a bit, we shot left up another chute (because when you’re lost in the mountains – you keep going up away from base camp). Finally we saw three riders way off in the distance.

The Great Divide

We screamed and finally got their attention – somehow Aaran was able to decipher their screaming to mean that we should turn around and continue on the fire road to get to them – which we did.

From there, it was decided that Alter wasn’t doable since I was with the group, so we proceeded to the downhill where I demonstrated the stopping power of my disc brakes to Clay for the entire run. He didn’t thank me as he shot past me at the next open section – but I’m sure he was grateful.

The ride ended with a gentle cruise down the Provo River bike trail. Well, gentle for most of us. For one of us, there was a wheelie which became an assie. Then there was a front tire which slipped off the edge of the trail resulting in a spectacular display of over-the-bars tumbling skills.

At the parking lot, we met up with Dan. He said he’d quit after just a few minutes because it was cold – but we know better. He’d probably ridden up to Alter and beyond twice in the time it took us to ride the bike trail back to the cars.

Overall, a good ride. We hope you’ll join us for the next one.  If you do, Dan promises to show you the “Belly-Button Victory Solute”

Our ride: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/37258355