Weekly Slow Intermediate-Level Ride -- Rocky Hill Ranch (16 miles)

About my riding style

I am a technical rider with advanced skill, but I am not a racer by any means. My goal is to clean everything, not necessarily to finish quickly. I like to stop and session the more difficult obstacles, and I may need a breather after the climbs. Thus, if you're trying to get the best time on Strava, you might find it annoying to ride with me (but you're welcome to come out and ride at your own pace.) I have trouble getting motivated to ride on my own (running two businesses will do that to you), so posting these weekly rides is a way of forcing myself to ride at least once a week. It's also an opportunity to ride some of the trails that I don't normally get a chance to ride. The pace of these rides may increase as the weeks progress.

About the trail

Rocky Hill Ranch is mostly flowy, undulating dirt track through the "Lost Pines", a relic stand of loblolly pines near Smithville (NOTE: this section of Lost Pines was not affected by the 2011 fire that destroyed Bastrop State Park.) It is continuously rolling terrain, so your legs will definitely get a workout, but apart from a couple of loose and rocky grinds in the front part of the course, there is nothing too technical or steep out there. It rivals the intermediate loop at Walnut Creek in terms of difficulty.

This will be a good ride for experienced riders who, like me, are looking to improve their stamina. The ride will be no-drop (within reason. There are bailout points that can cut the distance down to 6, 9, 10, and 12 miles if you're really struggling.)

Cancellation

The ride will be cancelled if:

• There are less than 2 people signed up within 48 hours of the ride

• It has rained heavily within 72 hours of the ride

• Rain is likely on the day of the ride (I will make the call the night before)

• The forecasted high for the day of the ride is less than 40 degrees

Otherwise, we ride. The ride may be rescheduled to Sunday if the trail and/or weather conditions are likely to improve in 24 hours.

Gear:

• Mountain bike in good working order

• Helmet required

• CamelBak or other hydration backpack. 3-liter carrying capacity recommended unless you're in really good shape

• Gloves

• Spare inner tube & tire pump if you aren't riding tubeless

• Inflater and CO2 cartridges if you're riding tubeless

Meet at 10:45 in the parking lot. Wheels down at 11:00. Text me if you'll be late.