Happy Trails

There are some single track trails that I enjoy riding that are along a nearby river (the video 2 posts ago was made there). It’s about a 6 mile ride from home on a combination of pavement and gravel to get there. The trails were carved out many years ago by motorcycles but if I recall correctly I’ve only encountered motorcycles once in the few years I’ve been riding there. It’s rare I encounter anyone on these trails. It doesn’t appear that anyone maintains them anymore. It’s gotten to where it’s really overgrown in the summer so I generally only ride it once the leaves have dropped. There are trees that have fallen across the trail and remain there. In the past someone would bring a chainsaw to remove them. I don’t mind climbing over the trees if they help prevent motorized traffic. I break off small encroaching limbs as I ride past to try to keep the path open. Some sections are so sandy I have to walk which gives me a chance to pick the thorns out of my tires. It’s these things that probably keep others away but it’s my happy place.

Today I encountered what I assume to be a homeless person’s tent set up right in the middle of the trail.