Weekend Roundup

Fueled with Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a breakfast taco, Saturday finds me driving down TX 71 west of Austin...

I turn off of TX 71 onto Paleface Ranch Road...

Then a quick righthander at the George Jones Donkey Farm...

It's not until checking out minidonk.com that does the realization that "George Jones" is the name of one of the stud miniture donkeys. Not the owner of the ranch! Miniature donkeys are an odd phenomena. I suppose everyone needs a little ass in their life. *wink* Following the road I arrive at....

Todays mission... tempo or better paced trail ride, three to four hours. First lap is more recon than anything. I've never ridden here before. The trail comprises some nice single track...

Some fun rocky climbs...

Some rock gardens that challange...

And Some I don't master this day...

And a gravel pit of doom where you can sink almost ankle deep in rocks...

I'm not happy with the first lap. I'm timid and hesitant. Not riding with any flow. I hike-a-bike a lot of the trail. I'm fighting the trail with the bike, which never works. The trail is winning. I return to my truck, collect my thoughts. Consider becoming a rhodie for a few moments! HAHA! I reassure myself that it was just a recon lap. Unfamiliar trail. Next presentation will be easier. I conclude it's worth another go. This lap is far, far better. Over 20minutes faster, and I didn't press the effort. I ride all but a few spots. And at least one was because I blew the setup, not that I felt incapable. I go out for a third lap... but take a fire road bail out. I'm getting sloppy on the bike because of the fatigue in my legs. Met my goal, and then some. Now it's time to cool off.

Fun place to ride with a lot of variation. Most of the trail is under tree cover. Important for a warm day like this. This was the perfect place to ride for a flatlander. It's got all the features I'm weakest at. Slick limestone. Loose rocky climbs and descents. Rock ledges and stair steps. Hills. But it's tame enough that I can clean most of it. My focus next time: clean everything, then add speed as I gain skill and confidence.

Sunday finds me with fried legs. I have soreness in places I'm not used to being sore in after a ride. Hills are hard! So today's ride is a recovery ride. Slow, steady, and easy pace. I ramble around Austin while working out the creeks in the legs. It helps. But the fatigue remains. Monday is a day of power resting.

I need more riding like this. There's just no way to simulate this type of terrain, or improve my trail skills without actually riding it. There is no substitute. Not to mention it's way more fun! Access to good trails is a huge advantage, and the best way for me to improve my skill set. Measurable improvments just from this weekend. I need to make some hard sacrifices to ride more in the Austin/Hill Country. I guess I'll just have to travel there more. Darn. HAHA!