Thanksgiving Ride

It has become a family tradition: as soon as we are able to move again after stuffing ourselves, we get out for a walk, ride, anything that involves getting off our turkey-filled body moving. After a quick game of soccer at the local park someone suggested we try out the new-ish single track just down the road. A plan was hatched for another day... need to gather bikes for the out of town family members.

Two days later we headed out into the warm afternoon sun, the whole family (except moms)... three generations from 8 year old nephew to 73 year old Popi. A couple miles down the road we took off into Black Oak Trail, the single track that leads to the North Boundary Trails in Oak Ridge. The young ones occasionally had a little trouble with the slick leaves but "grandpa" had no problem. In fact, mentioned that he would have liked to ridden faster.

A quick rest while we throw rocks into the water

The moon above (and in) the quarry lake

One of the many cemeteries along the North Boundary Trails

Because Dad was riding my bike I had to pull out my old GT Timberline. I have not ridden a rigid off road before and was really surprised. With all the talk on the mountain bike forums of "not even bothering riding a sub-$1000 bike" I was amazed how much fun it was. There was this simple, connected-to-the-world feeling. In fact, I was able to do trails that might have been more difficult with the crummy fork on my Fuji. Sure, the ride was rough, the bike heavy, and trails not difficult... but fun is fun. I am going to be using this bike more and more in the future. And with all the high dollar carbon fiber and titanium machines on the trails around here, there is something cool about seeing some vintage steel out there!

1989 GT Timberline

Weekend Ride with the Boys

The boys of the family headed out for an afternoon ride this weekend in Oak Ridge.

Down the Turnpike to North Boundary trails, we rode to the quarry, skipped rocks for a while, then headed to the other side where we, you guessed it, skipped more rocks.
Along the trip we saw much wildlife. A couple frogs, a deer family, a tiny snake, this huge spider flushed out by our flat-rock hunting:

In the bright green water we spotted this shark-like fish. We believe he is a sauger. He did not seem at all afraid of us:

On the road around the quarry, there were two to three well maintained family graveyards back in the woods. This wrought iron fence in Grave Site 62 (Silvey family - pdf) had obviously been here a while.

After the roughly nine miles, we stopped into the local convenience store for a much deserved Icee. 

This ride has become a family favorite. The hills are not too steep. There are sights every few minutes, and the quarry is entertaining to the boys. It is amazing how long they (we) will throw rocks in.