bc in the rain

The frantic calls and posts regarding the rain began early in the day. I gave spike a call to see first hand what it looked like, he was optomistic as usual. "Oh yeah suns out just chillin with a beer" Well maybe not sunny but just drizzling. Rick finally decided to join us for a thursday night ride. I had a solid 27 mile route planned and Jeremy wanted to throw a twist into the route. I had never ridden the lower gashouse section for one reason or another. I've been missing out! That is a fun little piece. Gave me an idea on a new loop. May give it a go next week.
At this point at the bottom of gashouse evan and steph decide to break off. So the remaining 7 of us trudge our way up 543 to and to 550 to gashouse th jct. with redskin. Just in time to click on the lights. That soupy road was a slow grind but another piece of the nights puzzle. I gave my helmet light to Rick, and missed the advantage of being able to see around corners. You just get used to running both bar and helmet. Just makes you a better night rider i guess without it.
Made our way on to the ct, and had planned to gp up green mountain, but given the time it was and our groups pace, which wasn't bad but we all agreed to skip that and stick with the CT. Which has its fair share of climbing as well. Were treated with some spectacular mushrooms along the trail. no we didn't eat any. A light drizzle assumed position over us and cooled us. As we went along riding and letting the others catch up it picked up and earlier rains left large ruts in the sandy singletrack making line choices not an option. Topped out and decided jackets would be a good choice. High humidity just kept the moisture in so staying dry was not the point, just staying warm.


Last 3 pics credit jeremy.



The rest of the ride after we crossed 543 to shinglemill was like another day as the rain just stopped as soon as we hit the road as if there was a barrier. The washed out trail made for an interesting ride down, with ruts and loose corners just gotta roll with it. Jeremy had a few tire issues and was able to get out without much trouble stop air up, ride air up and finally walked the last bit. I was feeling pretty strong all night but i think spike was just holdin back! I think Rick had a good time with us.