SBKW LRP July 2016, Are you Ride Satisfied?

Three of the day's riders met for this rendition of the FT3 Strawberry to Kirkwood classic LRP bright and early on Sunday morning at the Mosquito lot. After each of the riders had their share of egg McMuffins, the bikes were loaded for transport and we were off to Pollock Pines to pick up Buttons. When XTeric, B and I rolled up, Buttons was about to head out of the Safeway lot. He seemed to think we passed up the pick up point. Poops were taken and donuts were eaten, extensive adjustments were made to XTeric's new rack, and we were on our way up to Strawberry. It's a good time to note here that there was a tremendous amount of farting during the carpool in both directions.

We arrived in Strawberry to find Dr. J awaiting. We secured a shady spot for Booker to spend the day and B spread all his things out in a 50 foot circle, as one would do for a yard sale. After more dumps were taken and sunblock was applied, jackets were debated for carry and so on and so on. Dr. J quietly and calmly awaited our departure, but we knew he was wondering what the hell are these guys doing. At long last we mounted our steeds.

We opted for the chip sealed road climb and slight adjustment of the route. Dr. J had some early problems with his Camelback. He performed some precise surgery on his pack and we carried on. After a good chip seal warm up we hit the fire road. Once atop, just when the vast mountains came into view we were informed by Dr. J that he was experiencing some knee pain. After a personal assessment of his own knee he reluctantly disKWalified himself yet again, and turned back for the car. The MD in him determined that a season of riding was more valuable than a KWalification.


The remaining four pressed on for Hayflat trail, we had a good time there and went on to the Silverfork. That was good too. We challenged the long and steep three mile push for 88, it pushed back and we pushed through. With B in the lead we rode straight through a huge families camp site in search for the trail to the dump site. It was a bit awkward, the campers were mostly friendly, but certainly wondering what the hell these MTBer's were doing riding through their camp. Alas, they offered no beer, but spotters they did become.

Up to the Sentinals we went and down to the KWood Inn. KWood Inn was packed, inside and out. After being greeted by some bikers dudes who departed shortly after our arrival we were all able to take a seat at the bar. We considered slamming a beer and heading back for the store over concern that we would spend the entire afternoon there waiting for food. Buttons let the bartender know "We are on a super long ride...how long do you think it will be before we get our food...?"

Our food showed up almost immediately. We were convinced that either our appearance, badassery or smell provided for the quick service. Belly's full with beer and meal we hit the road and our legs screamed. Caples lake was drawing us in, so we opted for a quick lakeside splash. We recognized that FT3 is aging, so we may need to institute naps during this and future LRPs. There is a reason why the Strava data says we rode for 6.5 hours in a total time of 9.5 hours. B and I splashed around, Buttons took a full dip and XTeric literally napped.

All refreshed and ready to take on the final climb we pulled up our bib straps and headed for the hills. The climb was rewarded with the epic and long lasting decent of the strawberry jeep trail. At the bottom there was a small push from B to venture over to Lover's Leap, XTeric was willing, Buttons and I were ride satisfied. Since it was well after 5:00pm, the collective decision was that the Strawberry Kirkwood is a perfect ride as designed, no reason to change that. Another great one in the books.

And it's Tuesday!

ONE!


https://goo.gl/photos/BcLJNuuFfEin2YGr7