Back Channel Ride Log

The back channel ride was an adventure for all. Whilst at the Knott lot, just after running into a running anniversary pair looking smashing in their attire, collective "not it's" were issued leaving Cap'n in charge as temporary ride leader. Being the Cap'n wanna be I am, I embraced the challenge and took the group including, B, NoCar, NoHandle, Xteric, C-Man, and Rock God on a back channel adventure. It is notable here that B cycled his way to the Knot lot on a single speed crosser via Starkes Grade, spot on mate. As I was not really sure where we were going we headed out toward the qualifier then took the left towards B is for barf but didn't end up there. We found some new trails aptly named 'back channel trails' and after a bit of confusing looping around hitting private roads and passing gates whilst hearing barking dogs and yelling but no gun fire we dropped back down to our usual Qualifier fire road. The peleton seemed happy to have enjoyed the small adventure. More adventure was in order. Once at Park creek we railed that like roadies to Hazel Creek, regrouped and dropped that to...US 50. Eyebrows were hardly raised as FT3 riders are always game for ridiculousness. We crossed 50 and entered the XP trail at Pacific House and dropped that to the Brockliss Bridge site. We enjoyed the high water, in accordance with Cap'n's orders no one fell in, and we marveled at what a future bridge crossing might be like there. B took photos and provided some rough cost estimates and XTeric was volunteered to head up an effort to have PG&E pay for it.

The climb out was good and followed by some historic sepia tone photos at the old bar in Pacific House. After a bit of indecision that included crossing US 50 two more times we took the Pacific House frontage road to the old cattle undercrossing of US 50 and rode that to Fresh Pond (yes, that is four US 50 crossings, a first for FT3). At Fresh Pond we took the road back up to Park Creek while discussing riding along the canal. By this time we had climbed at least 6,000 feet and rode over 30 miles. We took Park Creek to Wedding March which was decended at top speed. No really, at top speed. Fastest ever according to Rock God who flew by me when I was really, really trying to stay out front. Another wonder of FT3...when you think you are going fast RG, Bambi or someone else will always be there to pass you. We collected ourselves and enjoyed some mosquito bites while B fixed a flat on the SSCX near the start of Rock Garden 1A. Then we dropped 1A, again at top speed. Indeed, FT3 is enjoyed the tacky trails and the fact that we could feel our toes. We rode back along the lake and most of us took the back channel route up and over the road/to qualifier in reverse to drop back in near the gates.

Commentary below by C-Man

The Knott was packed with Knottheads. Given our later-than-usual arrival, we had thought the fire would be open and the tacos would fly out of the bar. Not so. The crowd lingered, and we languished at our table, ready to club some Frenchies or Aliens and steal their tacos. While we gnawed at our fingers in anticipation, the conversation veered between the inane and the inspired. A technical discussion of Project Mgmt ensued, with differing opinions on certifications, educational requirements, and a few off-handed comments ending in "B.S.". Again, there was agreement we should start bringing supplemental taco offerings; sour cream, fresh chilis, guacamole, etc. Someone suggested we could lug in our own fixings and prep tacos FT3 style. Although a novel concept, I think the proprietors might take offense.

Eventually, the tacos started trickling in, and they were solid. I believe B reminded us that late arrivals get the fattiest meat (from the bottom of the fryer). Sauce selection was weak, but, never fear, C-man provided stand-ins of varying flavor and quality. Blair's Death Sauce was considered a player, the Mongoose wreaked havoc on all who dared, and the rest were tried/combined in some fashion. As we devoured our well-deserved calories, the commentary fell off the radar. Some of the endearing qualities of FT3 are the diversity, color, and tenor of topics discussed. Last night did not disappoint. I will never look at Booker the same way again ;)

Thanks to Cappy for solid leadership on the ride, and to the rest of the crew for an enlightening taco portion.