Dirt

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. 

Skinny tires, comparably...

Neil's Pugsley

Ryan's Moonlander

Look at all that beautiful water!

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...

This is my happy place!

Wet, dirty, and fast!

So much water, again!

This is Neil's happy place.

I made it (then got picked up and taken to a warm shower and clothes dryer...)!

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!