Chronicle of a Trail

Don't really know if Chronicle is the right thing to describe the past couple of weeks, but close. I have been away and like any good blogger I will apologize for my absence. Since the last post I have been finishing up a few landscaping jobs (two rock walls and a couple gardens) and helping Hanser organize a big workday on Roller Coaster.

Jobs done and Roller Coaster was a huge success. We had some Polk Country Offenders out moving concrete, a couple local colleges brought some bodies, the city wrangled up some volunteers, and of course a loyal CITA following showed up. Work started at 9 am at Rassy's where we tested to see if my truck could hold a 16' bridge and a 10' bridge in my 6' bed. It worked, all the way from the shop to the trail, albeit a little sag in the rear. Four new bridges, over 100' of armoring, and numerous areas of water control all done in one Saturday.

Today, Sunday, brought great fall weather and time for a much needed ride. I started at the south end of Sycamore, headed out to the north end, and then back to the south end. Saw a couple bikers in the process and then saw Sterling out by the pond. Well from Prospect park I headed up the hill and towards the west side.

Ended up going through Waterworks, and then over the trestle bridge to Denman's. Saw Tom on the way (on mile 67 of 100) and he was all smile as usual. Well backwards on Denman's out towards Squirrel's throne for a break, after about 10 minutes finished up the backwards loop. Hopped the entrance log, did a U and time for a forwards lap. Saw Tom yet again by the trestle bridge, as I was chasing a baby peasant hen down the trail. I think he only had 1.5 laps left to complete his hundy, have every reason to believe he did. After a little Roller Coaster and Hillside it was homeward bound. A great fall day, and wholly crap is Roller Coaster fun now, just like the old days.

Pictures from Sycamore:
The belly of Sycamore.

That secret trail, nice tunnel action.

I didn't get any pictures of the work day but check out Squirrel's and Justin's.

Hope everyone got out today because I think the forecast for tomorrow doesn't look good.