I brave the single lane road once again, but this time no trailer. Backing up wouldn't be a problem. I meet three jeeps on the way, and they seem eager to try out a steep embankment to get out of the way. Otherwise it's clear sailing. Lots of gas in the truck, so I decide to wait until after the ride to shop.
Most people shuttle the Noble Canyon bike trail, but a few are stupid enough to ride up. So, let's begin.
The entire climb is an old paved road. It's mostly used for service vehicles, and a few residents at the base. I only saw one vehicle on the climb, and it was parked - park workers clearing deadfall.
The climb. Very steep in parts, but all rideable.
It was a hot day - especially for January. Glad I brought lots of water.
The GPS thermometer isn't 100% accurate,
but this wasn't that far off.
Just after I stopped for a break in the shade, the road pitches up again. It's a thankless, soul-sucking climb, and I expect to see a train of roadies at any moment.
Then, the unthinkable. The road goes downhill. Argggg. This means the elevation I just gained will inevitably need to be re-gained. And so I pedal up the next hill. Then it goes down again!!! I pass a fellow rider on the next uphill, and we exchange pleasantries. Figured I wouldn't see him again.
Finally, after 80 minutes and 13.5 km, I reach the trailhead.
Remember these numbers.
Map of the area
I spot a couple of massive pine cones in the bushes
Just behind the trailhead sign, some snow lingers
from a big storm a couple of weeks before.
A hundred meters into the trail a pass another solo biker as the trail ascends for another kilometer. But not before more snow. Real snow this time, no riding trough it.
I reach the high point of the trail in 1:40, 14.6 km from the start. The descent is smooth, fast, and flowy; no time for pictures. I eventually pass the first biker I passed on the climb. Realized that he didn't do the final climb up to the real trailhead, and was able to avoid the above snow. Good move.
After about 4ish kms the trail turns into chunky jagged rocks. Not easy to ride, but the Altitude cruises through without too many complaints. A couple more flowy sections, then the trail starts to flatten out, then go up and down, traversing a ravine. As it does, the terrain turns rocky once again.
One of many unrideable uphill sections
It's starting to become a slog, as more sections like above appear, and the hot sun is taking it's toll. Next, the trail decides to go uphill through a sandy wash. This would be a great section on horseback, not so much on the bike. The terrain is too steep and sandy to ride, so I'm resigned to walking.
After 2:45 from the start, 27km into the ride, I take an extended break for water and food. The sun is sapping my energy far faster than normal, and I can't wait for the trail to end. I finally see a trail sign for the parking area, and the trail goes downhill. After a short flowy section, the trail unfortunately, turns into more of a hiking trail. Mostly big boulders you have to weave through. Very slow riding.
I reach the truck in 3hrs 5 minutes, 29.6 kms or riding - felt like 5hrs. I'd left a bottle of energy drink in the truck, and it goes down in couple of gulps. The remainder of my food is washed down with the final sips from my hydration pack. It was a hard ride. Classic? No chance. It would be close if the final sections could be cut out. Otherwise, the finish is just not worth it.
Recall when I said to 'remember these numbers'? In case you didn't do the math yourself, here's why.
Ascent to trailhead: 1hr 20 minutes, 13.5km
Trail: 1hr 35 minutes, 16.1km
I'm a very fast descender, so you can see how long those uphill sections took on the 'descent'.
Profile of the ride
Time to hit the grocery store & gas station. I look for my wallet, and it's nowhere to be found. Damn, left it in the trailer!!! I'll have to make another trip out of the campsite the next day, or no generator the next night.
Spend an hour or so catching up on email & writing a blog entry in the parking lot. Did I mention there is no mobile phone coverage at the campsite? A sign of things to come. Well, can't expect much when the site is free.
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