City Park Slow Pace Intermediate-Level Ride

Let's try this again, and this time I will be careful to avoid breaking the key off in my front door as I leave the house.

For those who haven't ridden City Park, it is definitely not a beginner-friendly trail. It was originally designed for off-road motorcycles, so it basically goes straight up the bluff, then straight down, then straight up again many times over the course of 6-7 miles. Most of the obstacles take the form of ledges about a foot high (often in sequence with other similar ledges.) Most of the ledges are rollable if you have the right body position, but a few are a bit taller (approaching 2' in some cases) or steeper and require hucking. That being said, although the climbs and drops are intermediate to advanced (if you can't ride Endo Valley at Walnut, then you probably don't want to try this trail), there is some nice, smooth trail in between them for recovery, and none of the climbs are super long. That's why I tend to prefer CP this time of year as opposed to the seemingly continuous rock gardens of Barton Creek Canyon.

I'm a technical rider, but I don't ride particularly fast, especially in the heat, so I'll be making plenty of stops to gasp for air and/or to session the various obstacles. I typically clean most of the drops out there but am inconsistent on the climbs. This will be a good ride for experienced riders who, like me, are looking to improve their stamina or work on technical skills. This is a no-drop ride (within reason. There is a good bailout point halfway through if you're really struggling.) Walk whatever you don't feel like riding.

Gear:

• Mountain bike in good working order -- disc brakes and full suspension recommended

• Helmet required

• You might want to bring elbow and/or kneepads if you plan to go big.

• CamelBak or other hydration backpack (recommend filling half full of ice and half full of water.) 3-liter carrying capacity recommended unless you're in really good shape

• Gloves

• Spare inner tube & tire pump if you aren't riding tubeless (City Park is Pinch Flat City)

• Inflater and CO2 cartridges if you're riding tubeless

Meet at 1:45 in the parking lot. Wheels down at 2:00. Text me if you'll be late.