Again in the AM

Lucky me I got to go out again for another prework mountain bike ride. My destination was Telephone Loop in West Bragg Creek. Normally, this is XC skiing country, but being summer makes it a fantastic (and muddy) bike ride. Enjoy!

Here is my GPS data from the loop.

So like any of my adventures, they usually occur in the morning. This one had a monkey in the back seat.

The trailhead is only about 5 mins west of Bragg Creek, past the fancy schmancy houses and into K-Country. I also am making use of my new Thule Bike rack which arrived (thereby completing my Thule winnings). Thanks Thule! This rack is SOLID!

It sure was beautiful. There were times when riding east into the sunrise that I couldn't even see cause of the sun in my eyes. When I could see again, I saw a Pandora-esque type landscape, minus the man eating beasts and things-that-glow-when-you-touch-them plants.

The first part of the trail is groomed for XC skiing, but then the Telephone Loop actually goes rustic and a little wilder. I did the loop CCW, and the first part going north was a blast! Rolling hills and lots of mud (+ 1 timid rider).

This little dude thought it would be funny to run out in front of me and scare me! It would have been a delicious mistake. The picture is so dark cause I actually had to use flash! Bummer, I would have liked a better photo. I started riding again and this guy ran with me in front of me until he bolted off into the woods. I miss him already...

Such fantastic riding! I wish I could bring everyone I know with me! It would be so much fun!

The trail bounced between single track and wide trail. I think there was even an old road.

Riding south along the loop got very boggy, muddy and wet. I forgot my riding shoes so I used my Airwalks, which are now soaked, muddy and filthy. I'm sure they stink too... Oh well, I needed new shoes anyway.

I love being up with the sun. Mornings are more beautiful than evenings, I say. Perhaps it's a desire to be in the light again, or maybe the sun looks better when it shines from the east.

Just before the final downhill back to the car, there was a nice meadow / swamp that gave me the view of the east side of Moose Mountain. This picture just does not do justice...

More shots of the meadow, and a steamy morning pond! Betcha don't get that in the evenings!

There was one stream crossing, so my shoes got soaked. Probably for the best. But I made it back to the car, cleaned up, put on my work clothes and headed off to work. Of course, I had to take my hero shot first.

Driving on the way to work, I saw a neat photo op. So I took advantage of it and took this photo. Turned out alright.

I may not be the best (actually I'm not at all) mountain biker out there, but what's important to me is not being the best but just getting out there and enjoying the fresh air, delicious grouse and muddy trails. Get out and have fun!