Ben Shenck gives us the go signal for the first group to head out on the Trail Ride. Tommy Croft, Dave Rozier, Paul Stannard, Captain Eddie and my son, Matt Chesnut were in that first group.
Turning off good gravel and onto the mud heading east toward the top of Ryan's Grade.
This is the turn into the property owned by the Pupo family which is exactly at the top of Ryan's Grade. Check your copy of the Bad Rock Movie for information about Ryan's Grade.
Cleaning a bit of the mud off the swing arm . . . and then the shocks. I just don't like the idea of the grinding going on, when the mud can be removed during the down time.
On the mowed grass trail on the Smock Ranch. Matt has been setting a pace like I would have set. As a beginning rider, I'm sensing impending doom. Over-confidence is setting in, so I'm about to pass Hodaka Dave and Paul Stannard to go have a talk with Matt. Before I get him stopped, he over-cooks a corner . . . but stays up-right. Then we have a little chat about over-confidence and keeping the rubber side down!
The scene as we arrive at the lunch stop on the Smock Ranch. Tim Smock has a blast grilling hot dogs for the riders! (Dogs, chips, pop/water - honor system donation for lunch.)
Just a couple of miles later, we have our first small creek crossing. The approach is muddy and creek rocks are well lubed . . . but what a HOOT!
As time allows, video will be posted to YouTube.
Ed