MTB Ride Big Gem Park

Since Gary and I both had the day off, we decided to give the trails at Big Gem Park in Shenandoah a try. We already had a nice swim and were looking forward to a ride. As we packed up the bikes and headed south from Luray, the rain started.................and only intensified as we continued down the road. Determined to get a ride in, we pressed on. The rain actually stopped by the time we hit Stanley. The first thing we noticed as we entered Big Gem Park was the lack of any signage pointing the way to mountain bike trails. Even after a thorough walk through inspection on foot, no signs or even distinct trail heads were to be found. As we unloaded the bikes from the truck, it began to rain lightly. We proceeded down a freshly cut fire road in search of the trails. Light rain turned into steady rain, which turned into heavy rain. Finally we found a small section of berms, banked turns and log crossing obstacles. As we continued on the fire road, we encountered what looked to be single track trails. At this point the rain was pouring down and the trails were getting very muddy and slick. We both know that it's just poor etiquette to ride on soggy, wet trails because it tends to leave ruts that can be dangerous when they finally dry, so we decided to bag the ride after 20 minutes or so of slogging through mud. Last week we heard a representative from the town of Shenandoah mention that some of the trails were open to mountain biking, but good luck finding them if you decide to go. Another trip to the park will be made when the weather is better and we can spend time exploring. Despite the sogginess and minimal trail time, we still had fun. "Thrive Outside"

First Swim

Since my business/training partner Gary talked me into competing in the Luray Triathlon (International distance) in August, we decided to start swimming a couple days a week to prepare. Fortunately for us, our chosen training area also happens to be where the competition will take place; Lake Arrowhead. The air temperature was comfortable enough, but the humidity hung in the air like fog. The lake was warmer than the air as we eased into the water and moved away from shore. For as long as I have lived here in the valley, I have never actually been in the lake before. As you enter the water, you immediately feel the rocks under bare foot, followed by ankle deep mud, followed by grass growing from the bottom. The grass seems to grab at you as you make your way to deeper water. We took a couple strands to show post swim. It is my understanding that the town of Luray treats the water prior to the August event in order to reduce the aqua bound, grabby pasture. At this point, I'm not sure which I would prefer.......additional chemicals or grass. One thing is certain; I need to spend a lot more time in the water to prepare for the 1500 meter swim in August. We swam for about a half hour and my shoulders were aching by the end. Now we are off to ride the new mountain bike trails at Big Gem Park in the town of Shenandoah. More on that later. "Thrive Outside"

Massanutten Mountain Bike Ride

Kris, Juniper (Jelly Dog), Gary and I headed into George Washington National Forest for a mountain bike ride yesterday. The weather could not have been better for a ride/hike in the woods. This was Gary's first taste of "technical", rock garden mountain biking and he came away with the scrapes and bumps to prove it. Let me just say here and now that Gary more than held his own, considering the terrain and relative lack of experience on such rough trails. Our route took us up Gap Creek trail, which almost immediately greets you with plenty of rocks and a steady incline. It was the first section of the trail that Gary had a couple of falls on (see photos for the aftermath). Near the top of the mountain is the Massanutten trail (orange blaze), which connects to the Scothorn Gap trail. We decided to continue to the top for a side trip to Duncan Knob before heading south on the Massanutten trail. The side trip was well worth it and as always the views from Duncan Knob were incredible. Another one of my favorite features of Duncan Knob is the rock scramble near the top. After our short detour, we were bombing back downhill to catch the orange blazed Massanutten trail. This trail was pretty easy going compared to the climb in, with a few muddy spots from recent rain. Before we knew it, we were standing at the intersection with Scothorn Gap, preparing for a rocket ride downhill and back to the start point. First we stopped to take in the view near a pond and drink a beer that the ever resourceful Mr. Hayne was kind enough to bring along! Juniper Jelly Head took time to enjoy the pond too and chase minnows. It is literally all downhill from the pond back to the truck and for the most part we took it easy so Juniper could keep up. All in all it was a great ride and other than a few minor scrapes and scratches, we all made it out unscathed and will live to ride another day. "Thrive Outside"