I've been dying to get a chance to try out some dirt riding and finally got the chance this weekend when Neil and his crew decided to test out their bikepacking gear on a s24o (sub 24-hr overnight) at Beal's Point in Folsom. Since I was heading into Folsom anyway to go to a concert with my friend, it was the perfect opportunity to borrow Neil's old mountain bike and ride up with them. 

I felt like I was cheating a bit since I wasn't actually carrying any real gear, just my tools and a change of clothes. The others were fully decked out with camping gear and supplies for their overnight. There were some beautiful Carsick Designs bikepacking bags to drool over. 

We followed the levee road along the American River until it met up with the parkway. You're not allowed to ride on the trails on the west side of Natoma Lake so we didn't get a ton of dirt riding until we crossed the bridge at Hazel. I was definitely more cautious than the guys but I was pretty happy with the dirt riding that I was able to do. No jumps for me, yet...

After about 30 miles up to Beal's Point (the hills were so easy without having kids and gear on my bike!), we were all soaked. I gave my friend a call while the others began to set up camp. The next morning, I met back up with everyone and was able to convince Neil to ride back to Sacramento with me while the others hitched a ride back. He and I were able to get a little more trail riding in and crossed some flooded areas of the parkway. I hadn't realized how much I'd love mountain biking (is it considered mountain biking if it's mostly flat?)! I can't wait to head out again!  

Today started off crappily with a driver almost plowing into me as I crossed through the 4-way stop intersection. I had stopped and proceeded, watching as the driver pulled up to her stop sign, neglected to look or see me, and drive straight through, yelling at me when she finally noticed me a foot from her path. I guarantee she went straight into work complaining about bikers who don't stop at stop signs...

Thankfully, my job is wonderful and I've been spending the last week teaching 5th graders in Folsom about safely riding their bikes for transportation. The city of Folsom, along with many others, especially including the 50 Corridor TMA, have funded a new Bike Smart program, modeled after the NNTMA's Project Ride Smart. The school's principal and staff have been incredibly welcoming and supportive, giving us almost free run of a 10-hour long bicycle education program over the next two weeks. Today was a video day where we discussed intersections, right of way rules, and lane positioning. These kids will probably know more than their parents at this rate!

On the way down to the light rail station, I was able to finally test out my new Georgia In Dublin rain skirt. Way easier and more breathable than classic rain pants. Unfortunately, the bike I am on doesn't have fenders so the open back was a little more drafty than I'd like. Overall, I still really like this set up.

Now, I'm currently stuck on a light rail train as a truck driver has managed to get themselves stuck on the tracks, blocking our way. There's no estimate for departure, yet.

Thankfully, the rain is beautiful, the students have been awesome, and it's Friday! Can't complain too much.