Tear it up!

Spring...

Fall

That's what a runner said to me as I met him on the only piece of single track I know of in Green Lakes State Park. Obviously, he didn't know me because I can't recall ever tearing up any trails I've ridden on... but I always enjoy myself. The weather didn't unfold as predicted - the sun came out just in time to go away - but by 1pm the temps were tickling the low 50s so I decided to get out for a ride.

At first, I thought of going for a long-ish mtb ride somewhere like Shindagin or Bear Swamp. But then I remembered shotgun season is open so, in the interest of self-preservation, I considered my safest options - a road ride or mtb'ing somewhere hunting is prohibited. Limited options are present for the latter and, despite toying with the idea of completing a ride around Otisco Lake, I opted for Green Lakes. It is close, closed to hunters, and offers some time on the dirt.

On my way to the park, I saw some flocks of birds doing the "dance" they do occasionally. I wished I'd been able to get closer but the few glimpses I was able to catch while driving were amazing. This video is more intense than what I saw but it was still really impressive.

Once on the trails, I saw more bikers than I've ever seen in one ride at the park. Many were on cyclocross bikes. The trails were a bit damp and the psi in my tires way to high, making some corners interesting. I rode the loop twice and, by the end, was well spent as I've not had many days on the bike this season. I did, however, pass my previous low for miles in a year... sad that that was a significant goal attained.