It's been far too long since I've posted a ride report; haven't been getting out as much and even after getting out for a rip, haven't had time to sit down and craft one.
A few of us descended upon Lyda Camp this past Saturday hoping to get some miles in before the liquid sunshine those incredibly accurate forecasters called for started falling. It was a balmy 36 degrees when we unloaded at 0830 and as I changed in my bucket, I realized my buddy's suggestion of bringing a warming hut would have been damn nice right about then...lol.
The cast of characters for this ride included one of the usual suspects and a relatively newb guy who took a long hiatus from 2-wheeled fun (ex-trials rider). He picked up a Beta X-Trainer back in September and this would be his 2nd time out with us maroons. The first trek was on the Diamond Mill side and we took it mostly easy on him (though it was a soggy, sloppy mess and he deserves a medal for knocking out the full ride). Embracing the full edgy method for indoctrinating new riders, I told him he'd be fine for what the day held...lol.
We had a nice easy start and wound our way over to Hoodraiser (missed the entrance to Log Jam right out of Lyda...that was stoopid) and followed that to the section of Log Jam. Enjoyed ripping down that and then hit Tomans Knob. A quick stop at the trail entrance to let our Beta guy know what was in store and off we went.
Tomans was it's usual challenge of fun switch-backs and rock garden. I haven't been up it in a while and it seemed as though the rocks had grown in the ensuing time...lol. Props to my buddy on the Beta, he didn't have too many issues and joined us at the top shortly after we arrived.
We ventured on, skipping the gnarly section at the very top of Tomans and made our way to Hogsback and Archer's. There was one fun section (not sure which trail it's part of) that cuts of the logging road and has a short, steep rocky climb. I had the pleasure of riding the Beta up that section for my buddy and have to say that bike is a true joy to ride. A nice, low seat height, incredible motor, and outstanding suspension make it almost the perfect bike. I say almost as the only thing it's missing is a kick starter; wouldn't want to be stranded if the magic button decided to fizzle out.
My original plan was to hit Morel's Maze and take that down to Jordan Creek, then loop up to hit Benny's and Payne, but I didn't quite naviguess on my GPS that well and we ended up doing most of Archers.
The trek down Benny's was fun and sloppy, such a fun trail as it traverses multiple ridges and cuts along the draws. Lots of water flowing and when the bikes weren't running, it was great to listen to.
After one minor encounter with a stump and subsequent radiator deflector carnage on the Beta (thankfully, no radiator damage), we stopped for a bite to eat.
We wrapped up Benny's and decided to make our way back up via Payne. I knew this was going to be a solid challenge for our Beta boy, but he'd persevered thus far...should be fine, right? 2 of our trio make our way up the first 2/3rds of the trail and decide to take a break and wait for our Beta boy to catch up. 5 minutes pass and there's no sound of 2-stroke. Hmmm. Another 5 minutes pass and I think I heard a faint 2-stroke wind all the way out, but you know how sound travels in the forest...lol. Another 10 minutes pass and it's been complete silence, unless you count the rain now falling...lol.
Rather than continue waiting, I turn the trusty GG around (which really isn't fun on that narrow trail...lol) and head back down. My poor buddy looked completely exhausted, helmet off with steam rising off his bean, fully stuck on the bottom side of a large root step. Knowing this was my fault, I offered to get his bike over the root step - which gave me another excuse to ride this excellent machine. Got him sorted and we made it to the top without further issue.
The rain decided to start coming down in earnest at this point, so we decided to make our way back toward staging. Along the way, we hit the Lyda Bypass trail, which is a great little section of single track. And when you get out into where they cut, it offers awesome views of the range.
