Festival of the Trails Discontinued

Today i received e-mail from CAMBA including word the Festival of the Trails has been discontinued.  During the 5 year run of the festival, it was generally held over National Trails weekend (first Saturday of June).  I was afraid changes to the festival as the group got involved in the Mt Borah Epic race. I thought the attendance was heavy enough to support the function.

The e-mail says that "fund raising potential never attained the goals to which we had aspired".  I hate to see this NON-RACE event is gone.  Enjoyed the 2 years where i could attend Festival of the Trails one weekend in Hayward, WI, play tourist in the area, and attend the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival the next weekend.

This year I will have to decide if I want to make a 2 weekend trip in June.  With Black Hills Fat Tire Festival moving to June's 3rd weekend, I could do a trip including Cuyuna and Black Hills.  Part of the decision is hinging on the BHFTF event schedule.  I stopped attending that festival because it had become too much race-centered.

2014 Mountain Bike Festivals

With the bitter cold weather this week, my thoughts started turning to warmer weather riding and the
Spring mountain bike festivals.  Previously, I have attended festivals in Rapid City, SD,  Hayward. WI,  Crosby, MN,  Quad Cities IA/IL, and Wausau, WI.  Here's what I know now and those I will be watching for locations and dates.

Black Hills Fat Tire Festival (Rapid City, SD) has moved is dates.  The festival had been held Memorial Day weekend.  This year it is scheduled for June 20-22, 2014.  Rapid City Parks & Recreation returns as the organizers.

Today, I was able to confirm dates for the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival in Crosby, MN.  The festival will be held on Friday and Saturday June 13-14, 2014.  Headquarters is the Crosby Town Park (camping spaces available).  Explore that trails of Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.  I have attended this festival since the ride center opened. 

I have not been able to confirm dates for CAMBA Festival of the Trails.  Previously, it has been held over the National Trails Day weekend except for 1 year when it was held over Memorial Day weekend.  In 2013, the festival was held the same weekend of the first annual Mt. Borah Epic Mountain Bike Race.  That race will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014.

The festivals in the Quad Cities were MidWest Mountain Bike Festival - held there for 2 years.  That festival moves every 2 years - I believe is is being hel in Brown County, IN in 2013-14.

In 2012 I attended GnomeFest.  That yeat it was held at Nine Mile Woods near Wausau, WI.  I have relatives in the Wausau area.  That was the only year it has been at Nine Mile Woods.  No plans to attend this year.

The best situation for me was last year - when I was able to attend Festival of the Trails in Hayward, WI the first weekend of June.  Play tourist in Superior/Dulth.  Then attend Cuyuna Festival.  If the 2014 Festival of the Trails is held the weekend on May 33 - June 1, I may have to skip that festival and revisit the possibility of making the 10 day trip adding Black Hills Festival.


Just for information (June is mountain bike month, it seems) Crested Butte (CO) Bike Week is June  25-29, 2014.

Post-Mortum - Festival of the Trails

Festival of the Trails, 2013 edition - is history.  I slept in this morning.  Was a chilly and cloudy this morning and i was not excited about riding before the picnic.  Did take the back road to try finding one more check point on the way.  Found the trail, but did not find the sign or punch.

Turned in my tally card and got on line for food.  Thanks to Famous Dave's BBQ for food and Angry Minnow for beer.  On my way to a second beer, Bill (met 3 years ago at the festival).  Visited for a little.  Told him abour the Cuyuna festival.

The picnic was also the time for turning in tally card.  The cards had locations within the trail system where riders punch their cards.  Think there was a total of 16 locations. The more punches, the more tickets you received for prizes.  Riders deposit stubs in buckets in front of prizes which they would like to win.

The first time I attended, there were punches for attendance at other festival functions (skills class, night ride, bike repair class, etc).  The last times I attended, punches have been only for riding to the designated locations.  That is all and good for strong riders.  Slower riders cannot garner as many punches.

It seems that it takes longer riding to reach a punch location.  For example, it is only 1 along a fire road.  Many were on blue (and a couple black) trails.

I did not even ride my bike during this year's festival.  Arriving Friday, I was too tired.  Saturday morning I was more in shooting some photos of the skills class and the Mt. Borah Epic race.  Saturday afternoon was overcast and raining off and on.

Further, i did not have anyone to ride with.  Two years ago I started Friday evening trying to rack up punches.  I ended up crashing 3 times the first evening.  All of the times, I was by myself and had my mind on the punches, not riding.  So, this year, punches was on the bottom on my priorities.  To me, the newer method of awarding punches is weighted in favor of the strong riders.

At the picnic, much of the time was taken up with calling out door prize numbers.  Yes, its great to have a lot of swag to give out at a function, but ober an hour of numbers is a bit much.  The big raffle prizes seemed to be more of an afterthought.

Dinner tonight, headed to Coop's Pizza.  Figured to support the sponsors.  Ordered the Italian Sausage sandwich - thinking it would be a sausage on a brat (or such) bun.  Surprise!  It was a patty of Italian sausage.  Tasted pretty good, but sure not what I was expecting.

National Trails Day

Today was National Trails Day.  I spend the day at CAMBA's Festival of the Trail in Wisconsin.  The day started sunny, comfortable (about 60), and no wind.  I slept in a bit - finally got up after 6am.

Checked out Cooper's for breakfast.  Good place to eat.  Coffee is $0.99.  Special was eggs, meat, potatoes, & toast for $5.99.  Such a deal!

On to OO Trailhead.  Scoped out the skills class they were conducting.  Little different than the last time I attended the Festival.  Still does not compare to the course I saw at Midwest MtB Fest in Quad Cities.  The upper photo is one of the skills whey were teaching - riding up and over a little hill, with a turn.

At the trailhead, there was a taped off chute coming from the woods, crosses the road, under the ski-race hut, and disappears into the wood.  I asked and found out the at Mt. Borah Epic race was coming though this morning.  I settle down and shot photos of the races as they came through (see previous posting).

By the time about all of the racers came through, the sky was overcast and threatening.  I drove over to the Wilson Lake area for Taste de Trails (food).  This year, the "Taste" was organized a little different.  The 2 other times I attended, you rode the trail, stopping at different stations for food.  This time, all of the food was under 1 tent.

Food was sponsored by the following business in the area:  Brick House Cafe, Coop's Pizza, Delta Diner, Namakagon Grocer, and Rivers Eatery.  Seems that they had plenty food for the riders.

I had the bike with me, but just did not feel like riding.  The weather was turning for the worse, spitting rain, cold, and raw.  On the way back to my motel, I detoured to one spot where I could get my ticket punched along the road.

That done, it was time for a nap until the mountain bike party with food, beer, videos and music.  The party was up in Cable at Rivers Eatery.  The place was packed.  I ordered my pizza and a beer.  It was not comfortable outside under the tent, but that's where I sat for dinner (with a couple other folks).  Did not say very long after I had eaten - just too raw.  I headed back to Hayward to my warm motel room. 

Mt. Borah Epic

Today was the running of the Mt. Borah Epic. While the race is  on the Saturday of  Festival of the Trails - it is separate from the festival.

According to the promoters:

"The Mt. Borah Epic is nothing short of its true definition. A series of trail systems developed by the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, also known as CAMBA, have led Mt. Borah to stage a race that pays tribute to the trails and offers a one-of-a-kind experience found no where else but Northern Wisconsin.

Skill, endurance and perseverance will be asked of each rider as they challenge the Epic this upcoming spring. Each section of the course holds its own key to success. Racers will traverse rocks, roots and navigate through pine groves, all while enjoying the epic single track that has inspired us to stage this race from the very beginning."

I was not in Cable, WI for the start (probably should have gotten up earlier enough, but needed my rest).  Taking a break from shooting some photos of the skill class, I noticed a growing number of folks in blue sweatshirts gathering at OO Trailhead.  I learned that the point-2-point race will be coming through here.  Found a seat and spend about an hours shooting the riders.

OO Trailhead was about 1/2 point of the 30 mile race and the only (for what I know) fuel/water stop. Photo with this posting is the race leaders at the fuel stop. Once they are sorted, proof copies will be on my events & race web site.

Hayward, Wisconsin

Was a long day on the road today.  Did not getting much sleep last night, so ended up very tired this evening.

Weather was decent most of the drive.  Started getting some strong winds from the South in southern Minnesota.  Speed really slowed once i got off the Interstate.  Picked up tourist booklets/brochures when I crossed into Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Checked in my motel - Riverside Motel - in Hayward.  Previous times, i had been staying at the Super 8, but that has cnaged hands.  So, figured I might as well check a local motel, specially as its less expensive!  (about $20 a night cheaper).  Nice, large, old motel room.  Has a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee pot!  And, of course, free Wi-Fi.

Napped for a little then headed up to OO Trailhead for registration.  Got that business done, visited with Hansi (IMBA region director).  Too tired to ride this afternoon - would likely end ho crashing - so left the bikes at the motel.  Knew I was too tired to hang around for the meet and greet this evening, so headed back to the motel.

Storm clouds were gathering over Hayward Lake.  Today's photo was taken from the patio of the motel.  Soone, it was raining.  Time for me to get some dinner.

Was looking forward to eating at the Angry Minnow.  They support the festival and has had some good food.  This evening, I was disappointed.  Three years ago, I had a great pork tenderloin and fries.  Two years ago, they had good burgers and the tenderloin sandwich was thicker and smaller (not as good).

This evening, I saw that they have very trimmed the menu.  Three fancy burger, avacado, or sunny-side egg, or some other concoction.  I opted with the plain cheddar burger (1/4 #) with fries.  The only offer burgers cooked medium.  A order of fries is size of 2-3 normal orders - and cost $3.00!  Not impressed and let the server that I was disappointed with the changes.  Next time, I will pass on food at the Angry Minnow.

Bed time.  I am exhausted and have a little headache. 

Mountain Bike Festivals - 2013

Been a frustrating week (10 days) since my biopsy.  MRI and PET scan last Friday.  Got some info from my oncologist's nurse.  Scans look good and I could make plans for my mountain bike festival trip.

This weekend, I will be attending Festival of the Trails in Hayward/Cable, Wisconsin.  This will be the 3rd time attending this festival.

The next weekend is the Cuyuna Lakes Montain Bike fest in Crosby, MN.   (Sorry, Cuyuna, but your web site does not have an image I can hijack for the blog).  I have been attending this function for 3 three years since the trail; system opened.

Since its about 500 miles from my home to Hayward and same for Crosby, does not make any sense to drive home for the 3-4 days between.  Instead, I will be riding my bikes and play tourist in the Duluth/Superior area.  Bringing the full suspension mountain bike and the hybrid.  Think I can do some tourist activities by bike in Duluth.

See you on the trails...

Mountain Bike Festivals

Its time to start planning my Spring trips to the mountain bike festivals.  I you have never attended one of these dirt riding parties, you should include one (or more) in your bucket list.  I have attended several different festivals - each has its own merits.

The first one I ever attended was the inaugural Black Hills Fat Tire Festival.  The festival is held in Rapid City, SD over Memorial Day weekend.  The weekend is filled with socializing, group rides, and races.  I attended this festival for 4 years, but it became too much of a race venue.  Headquarters for the 2013 edition of the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival will be the Gas Light, Rockerville, SD.

Festival of the Trails is held in the Hayward/Cable, Wisconsin area and sponsored by the  Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association.  This year, the festival is back on the first weekend on June.  The tentative schedule is on the CAMBA web site.  This is a festival celebrating the trails - no races.  (Though the same weekend is the Mt Borah racee in the area).  Each year, it seams that the festival highlights different trail clusters.  I may attend this festival again this year.  Fuctions at the 2013 festival are scheduled to be around Wilson Lake and OO Trailheads.

The next weekend (2nd weekend in June) is the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival in Crosby, MN.  The festival uses the trails of the Cuyuna Ride Center (Cuyuna Country State Recreational Area).  I attended the first 2 of the festivals here.  Planning to attend again this year.  This is a growing festival.  The festival will likely center around the pack and campground in Crosby, MN.

The last 2 years, the MidWest Mountain Bike Festival was held the 4th weekend in June in the Quad Cities (IA/IL).  I really enjoyed this festival.  The Midwest Mountain Bike Festival moves every 2 years.  Word is that this year it moved to Brown County Park, Indiana.

Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival

Information about the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival is now out. The short story is that its a ONE DAY festival on Saturday, June 9th. Click on the link HERE for more information.

Friday there's a summit for trail advocacy clubs (billed as Great Lakes MTB Summit).

I was hoping for a bigger (longer) festival. Now, I am really torn attending 1) CAMBA Festival of the Trails over Memorial Day Weekend or 2) Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival 2 weeks later. If it was 2 days, no doubt, I would be at Cuyuna.

On the other hand, CAMBA is 2 1/2 days with lots of other activities. With gas and driving times to the "North Woods", I really can't do both. I would do them both had they been scheduled on consecutive weekends.

FotT is planned over several of the CAMBA clusters. Lots of driving from motel to the various trailheads (some 20+ miles away). After the crashes last year, I am also concerned about riding these trails by myself (no cell phone access).

Oh, Yeah, there's also another function Memorial Day Weekend! Ride the Keweenaw weekend in Copper Harbor, MI, including Copper Harbor IMBA Ride Center Dedication/Ribbon Cutting.

URGH!

Mountain Bike Festival Conundrum

Spring 2011 was awesome, as for mountain bike festival in my area of the country. Black Hills Fat Tire Festival (Memorial Day Weekend) in Rapid City, SD. The next weekend (which included National Trails Day) it was Festival of the Trails in the Hayward, Wisconsin area. The second weekend of June it was the festival opening Cuyuna Country Ride Center (Crosby, MN) with promise of an annual festival.

Whew - a weekend off. Then off to Quad Cities 0f Illinois and Iowa for the MidWest Mountain Bike Festival. A great schedule (though I did not attend the BH Festival - first I missed since it started).

This year, the folks of CAMBA decided to move Festival of the Trails from the first weekend of June to Memorial Day weekend. That gives me a problem.

Last year, with Festival of the Trails and Cuyuna Country (Wisconsin & Minnesota) on consecutive weekend, I just stayed in the North Country. Played "tourist" on Ashland, WI and Duluth/Superior. After all, Hayward, WI and Crosby, MN are only 170 miles apart!

Instead, I will have do decide which of these two festivals to attend. I cannot spend 2 weeks between the festivals on the road. And to drive home between, both festivals are about 500 miles (one way) from my house.

I don't know how many folks will be in the quandary of attend Festival of the Trails or Black Hills Fat Tired Festival - now both Memorial Day Weekend. But, for us in the Omaha/Sioux City/Sioux Falls area - we will had to choose one or the other.

Thanks, CAMBA, for screwing up the Mountain Bike Festival calendar.

Black Hills Fat Tire Festival - Rapid City, SD - May 25-27
Festival of the Trails - Hayward area, WI - May 25-27
Cuyuna Country Mountain Bike Festival - Crosby, MN - June 9-11
MidWest Mountain Bike Festival - Scott County (Quad Cities) IA/IL - June 22-24

IMBA Epic Tribute

Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) Rock Lake Trail is now an "Epic" trail. The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) "Epic" designation was announced in November.

On June 4th (National Trails Day) CAMBA members, IMBA members, the US Forest Service, and Festival of the Trails participants gathered at Rock Lake Trailhead to pay tribute to the trail. The CAMBA Rock Lake Epic actually is a collection of interconnected trails in the Namakagon Cluster - Rock Lake, Patsy Lake, and Namakagon Trails.

After the tribute, some started off to ride the 31 miles of the new Epic. Another group rode some easier section of the trail.

The Rock Lake Epic and the other CAMBA trails are in NW Wisconsin. Eventually the area will have over 100 miles of interconnected trails around the area. Towns of Cable, Delta, Drummond, Hayward, Namakagon, and Seeley host the CAMBA trail system.

Check out the CAMBA web site for more information about the Rock Lake Epic, CAMBA trails, and Festival of the Trails.

Why the new Cycling Camera

A short time ago, I reported that I had purchased a new Point & Shoot for use while cycling. Here's why.

The photo above is the standard photo taken by the new camera. Notice that the exposure of the trail tread is about right. Sections of the rear bike tire and the background in the distance are over exposed (blown). Yet the stump on the right side of the trail is barely visible.

A camera cannot capture the full dynamic range of the lighting in the photo. So, I set up the camera to take 3 bracketed exposures. One, is the normal exposure (photo above), one under exposed by 2EV (Exposure Value), and one over exposed by -2EV.

Those 3 exposures were combined by HDR Photo Pro. The result was a tone mapped photo representing the full dynamic range of the photo. (lower photo)

BTW, this photo was taken on the Patsy Lake Trail, one of the CAMBA trails.

Three Crashes - Ouch

Well, I started out the Festival of the Trails with a big bang. After getting registered and checking out where the punches will be located, I was ready to start riding.

Bill (whom rode with me first afternoon last year) arrived. Stopped to visit for a little. Then headed down the new trail which had the closest punch. A few yards dorn the trail I hit a large rock - ENDO! Took it easy and walked lost of that trail and eventually got my ticket punched.

Photo with this posting is a photo of the first trail I rode today. Pretty tame, eh. until the up/downs and rocks get thrown in.

After a walk back up the hill on the pavement, it was time to check up the trail being used for the night ride. Right away there was a good climb, more than I wanted ed to tackle in the dark.

Now, I wanted to accumulate some punches on my ticket. Checked out the gravel/dirt rode which comes close to some of the spots - Phipps Fire Lane. Found 3 punches without a lot of trouble. Only one light crash.

Things were going so well, I figured I would do one more ride to find a punch. Big error! I violated my own rule - never take that last run of the day. That's when you get hurt, when tired.

Could not find the punch I was looking for. Decided to turn back to the car. That's when I had my SECOND endo of the day. At it was a doozy - a full face plant into the sand.

A little sore when I got back to the room. Figured that was enough riding for the day. Cleaned up and had dinner (at the Angry Minnow). Now time to drive up to the Meet and Greet. Leaving my bike in the room!

Festival of the Trails

Today marks 10 days in the hospital for a normally out-patient procedure. Trying to think about more enjoyable activities. I started thinking about Festival of the Trails in Hayward, Wisconsin - three days of dirt!

Last year was the first time I attended the festival and the first time riding CAMBA trails. This year is the third annual Festival of the Trails.

For the last 4 years, I have been attending the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival in Rapid City, SD. Attended all 4 years of its existence. This year I will be breaking that streak. Last year I attended both festivals. A full explanation of why I will not attend BHFTF will wait for another day.

Festival of the Trails celebrates the great trails in NW Wisconsin. There are clusters of trails, all at or slightly above my riding ability. Altitude of Hayward and the area is about the same as my house. Just the type of trails I like.

There are no races. But there are lots of opportunities for riding CAMBA trails. There's the welcoming social, a film fest, and BBQ. Saturday riders stop for trail-side food served up by local eating establishments. There will be the celebration of the dedication of a CAMBA trail as an Epic trail. A evening ride under the lights. Hone riding skills and learn trail-side repairs during Technique de Trails.

Can't think a better way to celebrate National Trails Day. Join me in Northwoods of Wisconsin June 3-5, 2011 for Festival of the Trails. Hope to see you there!

Grade A+ Day and Ride

The weather forecast today was for sunshine, 10 mph winds from the South, temperature in the lower 70s. Sound like a great day for a bicycle ride. The weather is suppoed to go south later in the week. If I was gonna log some miles, today was the day.


Wanting to log some miles means riding the road bike. Aired the tires and loaded the bike on the car. Grabbed a light jacket, not sure how it would be out in town. Drove to the Wabash Trace trailhead.

Temperature at the trailhead was 68. Loaded up supplies on the bike. Left the jacket, hoping I would not need it. By the time I started down the trail next to Mosquito Creek, I knew I had dressed properly.

Had a good ride (even into the wind - such as it was) to Indian Creek Bridge. Stopped for a quick dring of water and headed up Indian Creek Trail with the wind. I could have pushed the speed, but was just having a relaxing ride. Still maxed out at about 18mph.

On over to the Western Historic Trails Center. Dewey saw me dismounting the bike. When I entered the building, Dewey told me that someone I had ridden with in Wisconsin had been by last Friday. Figured it was Bill (from MN), my first ride at the Festival of the Trails. The photo on the right is of Bill.

Hope you are reading my blog, Bill. I am planning to attend this year's Festival of the Trails. Looking forward to seeing you again at Festival. Thanks for the inaugural ride. Hope you had a good ride while you were in the area (Dewey said you were on your bike when you visited the Trails Center).

From the Trails Center, rode up the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the "Bob Bridge". Decided to ride up the the center of the bridge. Construction on the Omaha side of the river, North of the bridge is getting near completion. New residence building and addition to the Gallup campus.

Lots of dirt being moved in the Iowa side of the river at the Bob Bridge. All of that construction is for the new Council Bluffs Riverfront Park. Even with the economy, CB is continuing develop and construct parks and trails. A progressive city.

Back down the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the Trails Center. Stopped long enough to fill my water bottle. Then, over to Xtreme Wheels. Relatively short visit there. Consumed my bottle of G2 and a granola bar.

On South into the wind down Harry Langdon and South Avenue back to the Wabash Trace Trailhead Park. Just short of 25 miles, and 2 hours and 15 minutes of riding time. Just an awesome day and ride.

Festival of the Trails - Last Day

Today was the last day of the Festival. Sorry to see it ending. But, before that, I had another trail to ride this morning.

Taking Bill's recommendation, I headed up to the Wilson Lake trail head. Weather was very cloudy with a threat of rain. When I reached the trail head, I checked in by signing the roster and headed up the Patsy Lake Trail.

At first, I was riding a bit "tentative". Soon enough, I got the rhythm of the trail. The trails is a relative new trail - from when I could see. As a contour trail, the climbs and descents are short. The photo here is of the Patsy Lake Trail.

I was feeling pretty good riding this trail. Most of the trail is singletrack. I gained my confidence and start riding better and faster. At the first control point, I consulted my map. Decided to ride a section of the trail against the normal flow. This would get me to the punch (to verify my tally card).

Back to the control point, I was faced with - "which way to head back to the car". I opted to riding with normal traffic flow. This part of the trail was overgrown doubletrack.

Some doubletrack spots, I few down hills. The computer showed I maxed out at 14.6 mph! Didn't know I could "fly" through the woods!. A great ride - Thanks for the recommendation, Bill.

After a stop at the hotel to pick up my raffle tickets (it started raining on the way to the motel), I was off the the closing cook-out. Here, we turned in our ride and special events tally cards.

Every participant had been given one ticket at registration. Now, those tickets were exchange to your choice of grab-bag items. I selected a t-shirt.

The weather was cool, overcast, and occasional shower during the cook-out.

From tally cards, everyone receive some number (I got 13) tickets for the "general" raffle. There were things from sports watches, to a bike repair stand, cassette set, trainer, and more. I did not win anything there.

The main raffle featured a Trek Fuel EX8 full suspension bike. I did not win any of the 5 big prizes, either.

In the next week, I will put together my thoughts about the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival and the CAMBA Festival of the Trails. For now, I am planning to skip BHFTF next year in favor of the CAMBA function.

The last photo here is one of the participants riding the tall teeter-totter on the Test de Trails course.

Festival of the Trails - Day 2 - Part B

Last night was the film fest. As mentioned in last post, it was held at Rivers Eatery, in Cable. Rivers Eatery is basically a pizza joint with a large selection of beers. Pizza crust is formed by hand. All are 8" pizza cooked in a brick oven.

Anyway, the feature film was Klunkerz - a history of mountain biking. The film was introduced by none other than Gary Fisher!

Was looking to ride the Namakagon trail for a last ride of the festival. Bill (that rode with me Friday) had completed riding all of the trails on the tally card. Watching my riding skills, he recommended the Patsy Lake Trail. Said I would enjoy it more than the Namakagon trail.

Long evening - it was 11pm or later when I got back to Hayward.

Festival of the Trails - Day 2

Its National Trails Day. Hope you are doing your part. Get out and enjoy our trails.

This morning was Technique de Trails, honing your skills on a mountain bike. The clinic was broken into 3 sections. The session was held at Gravel Pit Road Trail Head.

There was a section about riding over logs and obstacles. This one one thing i wanted to learn, but did not try it. There were 2 of us groups mixed doing different things. That, and the 2 instructors were talking at the same time. My brain could not process that much information at once. That, and the smallest log they had was taller than I had ridden over - so did not feel comfortable riding it. The instructor said to only ride over what you felt comfortable with. Did not hear much of what he said as showing/telling us how to ride.

The next skill I did better. We were up on the hill away from everyone else. This was riding figure 8's around a ring on the ground. The idea was to ride as lose as you can to the ring.

Final skill was riding lines. there were ropes on the ground - the goal was to ride close as possible to the rope. There was another riding between two straight line ropes. Finally, riding decreasing width planks. I did reasonable well with this lesson.

From there, it was on to Taste de Trails. Here, various local eating establishments set up booths along the trail. You stopped along the trail to sample their food.

Here, two riders are on the trail just after the food stop sponsored by The Brick House. We were treated to breakfast burritos and juice. I know there was coffee and sweets by Mooselips Java Joint, and sandwiches by Lakewoods Resort. Sorry that I missed the other food providers.

There was a food stop or two that I missed. Ended up with riding just over 4 miles with the skills riding and Taste de Trails.

From there, I went back to the Mosquito Brook trail head. Got more punches for the trail I rode and for the Taste de trail. Visited a couple minutes. Then on to the motel for a rest.

One more photo before I sign off for dinner and film fest. Thanks again to Bill for taking this photo on my camera. And, yes, I knew enough to try to smile this time. The photo was taken on the Makwa Trail.

Tonight the film fest is being held at Rivers Eatery, in Cable.

Festival of the Trails - Day 1 - Part B

The Meet and Greet was held at Hatchery Creek Park. Snacks and beverages were provided by CAMBA and Angry Minnow.

The evening session featured a demonstration of trails-side bike repairs. Topics were repairing flats, broken chains, what to carry on you, and broken spokes. Thanks to the wrench at New Moon Ski and Bike (I ended up with a free multi-tool - Thanks!)

Didn't get to much time to meet people because the demo took up all of the time. But, did take time off to walk over for a couple beers and some snacks!

By ride time, it was getting cool. Grabbed my cycling jacket and signed up for the ride. It did not take me much time on the trail before I knew it was something that was over my riding ability.

Its a whole different thing riding at familiar trails. Add in under lights, had not ridden single track with lights in some time, and the trail is just at the limit of my riding ability in daylight. Decided to bail on the ride to ride another day. Let the folks at the trail head that I had stopped and is back.

Visited a little with the TREK rep. The demo truck and trailer are at the Festival.

For something different, this evening's photo is of dinner - the pork tenderloin sandwich and potatoes at the Angry Minnow.

Festival of the Trails - Day 1

I awoke this morning to the sound of rain. It rained steadily mostly all morning. The first photo show what the weather looked like out of my motel door. Looked like it was gonna be wet riding this afternoon.

Headed out to Hatchery Creek Park for registration. Unloading the bike off the car, I met Bill (of Minneapolis). After dropping registration packet stuff, Bill offered to ride with me for a while. I really appreciated him riding with me. We had a really nice conversation (his wife is from Omaha).

We headed up the Hatchery Creek Trail. Not sure how far I would ride, we stopped at the first control point. At one mile (basically) I was feeling good enough to ride to another point. But, at H22 I was sure it was time to turn back. Bill headed on up the trail to hammer the trail.

Second photo is of me at H22. Sorry I have such a sour look on my face. I really am having fun!

On the return trail, I was surprised how fast I rode back - and mostly downhill. I had not realized just how much we had climbed on the way up.

When I got back to the Trail Head, I learned that had I ridden with Bill, I would have reached the punch for validating my ticket. The CAMBA member I was talking with (about a sign down) went ahead and punching mine, anyway. I HAD ridden the trail - just not far enough. I hope they allow me to do that other times, since the distances in these trails are a little too much for me.

Now, I was riding on wet rocks and roots, damp ground, and through water puddles. Thinking I am doing pretty good - for my riding. There was a couple spots I had to walk to climb and sometimes to bring down my heart rate.

Thankfully, this trail has short hills, Just a couple rocky spots that I did not feel comfortable riding. Feeling good. I celebrated with food and a beer at the Angry Minnow. Then a rest before evening festivities.

This evening is the Meet and Greet, a session of Trails-side Repairs. Then at 9pm, a "twi-night" ride (ride with lights). Not sure how far I will ride under the lights, but want to tackle it.