My hardest MTB ride to date...

I tried the Blacktail Trail yesterday. It's a new hiking/biking trail in the Grand River National Grasslands, south of Lemmon, SD. I was really excited to find out there was a trail to be ridden, but that joy quickly dissipated when I got on the trail. It was covered in pea gravels, I guess to help control erosion. There was cattle dookie everywhere, the gravel surface was like riding on mini marbles, and the trail was very choppy because of cattle traffic. I was riding so hard, mainly because of the boggy surface and my own girth, I had stop at one point and thought I was going to throw up!! After a 10-minute break, I ate some food, drank some gatorade, and my heart decided not to explode...I was able to continue on.

A disappointing ride, but at least I did get to go for a ride...

I hope the trails are better in Belle Fourche, SD. I'll find out next week...

Cheers all,
MJ














This pretty much sums up the trail.













Best attempt from my bike at being scenic...













Judging by "the Look" I wasn't too impressed by the trail.

Back to the Field

I'M BACK!!

In the field, that is...

I'm now in Lemmon SD, working on a small testing project at Shadehill Reservoir. We're testing 4 sites here over the course of a week (and maybe another day or two...). Should get in some good cross-training over the 1+ week (heavy duty sweating, hard physical labor, etc.).

Lemmon is known for its infamous "Petrified Wood Park." Some pretty interesting structures. Depending on what the meaning of "pretty" is... According to the local story, a local businessman or rancher (I forget, I'm getting old you know) hired a bunch of local people during the 1930s as a way to boost the economy.

Here are a few pics of the Petrified Wood Park. It is a wonder to behold...something that pictures and words don't do justice to.

Until next time,
MJ