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Post by imnav8r on May 31, 2009 19:06:29 GMT -5
Jon Taylor and I rode Modoc today. It was my first time there. I was very happy to have Jon lead the way and give me plenty of "heads-up" on the technical features. Now I know what all the excitement is about riding this trail! 5 1/2 miles in...5 1/2 miles back. It's a workout and a lot of fun!
That first switchback, rock drop, creek crossing, climb out between two rocks over roots is something else.
Jon made it look pretty simple. Good thing my bike doesn't weigh much which made carrying my bike through all that a lot easier! 
I hope I'm there someday to see how somebody rides that thing heading back toward the trail head!
With Jon's coaching and "Look to Victory!" encouragement, I'm proud to say I conquered "Jaws" on my second attempt. ;D The first attempt on the wrong line with too much speed resulted in front tire burp that required the use of the air pump to remedy that. The second attempt with a little less speed and a better line sent me through without a hitch.
I liked all the switchbacks and conquered most of them. I did pretty good with the rocky section above the "150' Drop of Death" again with Jon's coaching and encouragement.
Even dry, the "4 Mile Bridge" alias "Bridge of Death" looked scary to me! I can't imagine trying to cross it in wet conditions, either on two wheels or foot!
There are three things I take away with me from today's ride:
First - it's great to have an experienced guide to lead the way and offer advice the first time riding this trail. Thanks Jon!
Second - this is a great trail to ramp up your riding skill and challenge yourself.
Third - this is a fun trail to ride!
I am already looking forward to the next ride now that I have a little familiarity with its features.
As for conditions...the trail is in great shape! Jon cleared away some branches from a small downed tree that fell across the trail not too far from the trail head with his folding saw on our way back. We encountered a few soft spots but the only standing water was in the creek beds. There were a couple of non-rider trees down but easily crossed by portage. Like most trails this time of year, it'll need a haircut soon to keep the vegetation back.
We were the only two people on the trail our entire ride, but just as we were leaving a couple of vehicles pulled in. One had North Carolina license plates with two bikes inside. I hope they enjoyed their time on the trail too!
Be safe!
That first switchback, rock drop, creek crossing, climb out between two rocks over roots is something else.
Jon made it look pretty simple. Good thing my bike doesn't weigh much which made carrying my bike through all that a lot easier! 
I hope I'm there someday to see how somebody rides that thing heading back toward the trail head!With Jon's coaching and "Look to Victory!" encouragement, I'm proud to say I conquered "Jaws" on my second attempt. ;D The first attempt on the wrong line with too much speed resulted in front tire burp that required the use of the air pump to remedy that. The second attempt with a little less speed and a better line sent me through without a hitch.
I liked all the switchbacks and conquered most of them. I did pretty good with the rocky section above the "150' Drop of Death" again with Jon's coaching and encouragement.
Even dry, the "4 Mile Bridge" alias "Bridge of Death" looked scary to me!
I can't imagine trying to cross it in wet conditions, either on two wheels or foot! There are three things I take away with me from today's ride:
First - it's great to have an experienced guide to lead the way and offer advice the first time riding this trail. Thanks Jon!
Second - this is a great trail to ramp up your riding skill and challenge yourself.
Third - this is a fun trail to ride!
I am already looking forward to the next ride now that I have a little familiarity with its features.
As for conditions...the trail is in great shape! Jon cleared away some branches from a small downed tree that fell across the trail not too far from the trail head with his folding saw on our way back. We encountered a few soft spots but the only standing water was in the creek beds. There were a couple of non-rider trees down but easily crossed by portage. Like most trails this time of year, it'll need a haircut soon to keep the vegetation back.
We were the only two people on the trail our entire ride, but just as we were leaving a couple of vehicles pulled in. One had North Carolina license plates with two bikes inside. I hope they enjoyed their time on the trail too!
Be safe!