Charles Becks Grasshopper...

Sometimes a turn of a card decides everything. In my case it was a non turn of the printed map. The large printed instructions were discovered, not in the parking lot, but at home Saturday night. Well, I had the map portion didnt I. Yes, but not my reading glasses and those little red arrows reversed themselves. Left on hwy. one instead of right. This takes place right after a mud slog through the pasture near Bolinas.

This expedition shares traits with the other grasshopper I did. Good humor, a bit of pent up energy waiting for release, and perfect biking weather. The group pretty much occupies the whole right lane heading toward Inverness until it turns left heading for the fire road on the east slope of Mt. Vision. For me the climb was great with great views. A few years ago I spent a number of hours painting on top of the mountain. The connection of land, estero, and sea still enthrall. The descent begins. I pull over and stop to let fast rollers go by. It doesnt take long for me to recognize that I really dont like steep single track descents. It becomes a struggle to keep straight wheels and stay upright. The bike simply feels squirrely. Finally fire road appears and then pavement. Right turn at Five Brooks. I correctly make this turn because Chris turns here. We go down the dirt and are informed by horse riders that this way aint it. Go back a bit and find the right path. And now, mud, holes, water and ruts. When we gain height and start going down my contentment with this venture radically tumbles downward. I do not fall but come close several times. Too late are the broad pricky strands of fresh spring nettle identified. It took hours for the effect to subside The pasture. All that can be said here is that a leach field would be better. At least the tire could grab a bit of gravel. This brings me back to left or right, the great continental divide of decision. I regret missing the Bolinas climb. And next year or sooner it will be done, but those single tract descents will be left to others.

Pennys GH Report

I had really been looking forward to my first Grasshopper after hearing about all the fun my teammates were having, especially Shannon! But 50 freakin� miles on a mountain bike? Are you crazy? Whose idea was this anyway? OK, calm down, half of it was on the road.

It was nice to see both old and new friends there. This was a really great course, and thanks to some of the veteran riders, I only got lost once. Once we hit the single track it started to get muddy, then it got real muddy and pretty soon we were riding through an actual swamp with two Big creek crossings. But I have to say I was happy as a pig in shit on that trail. I love adventures. A loooong climb up the Bolinas/ Fairfax road and then Bolinas Ridge with all those cows, plus a few jackrabbits and deer. I can�t remember ever being so covered with mud or feeling so worked. Many thanks to Kim and everyone who made this race happen!!! You rock!

2008

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