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Return to Pine Log WMA for some sweet jeeproad MTB

I have finally ventured back out to Pine Log WMA after about 6 years away and getting horribly lost and dehydrated my last time out. It's funny what 6 years of biking will do for your confidence and skill development!
Today was the 2nd official group ride for HPEDXC, the name I've given my work cycling club.  I like that the name has Ped(Pedal) and XC(Cross-country). We were originally going to Blanket's Creek but it was closed due to wet conditions. Tom showed up but had a flat tire after about 4 miles so he had to hike it out. I kept on and did 2 clockwise loops on Grassy Hollow Rd, which I dubbed the Circle of Doom route. Not sure why, just like the sound of it.  This is a great place to work on climbing and get some mileage in and is frankly a refreshing break from the local trail systems.
It was a relatively cool start at 9:15 and immediately we were greeted with uphill climbs.  I decided to do all jeep-road on this ride and save the singletrack exploration for another day.  I was feeling comfortable and legs were decent despite running the day before. About 2 miles in we came up on a group of wild pigs in the road.  I've heard they can be aggressive but luckily they scurried off as we approached.  We kept on then Tom flatted and my pump was of no use.  Go Tubeless!
I proceeded on up the "Everest" climb and cleaned it, which really pleased me. This is also the most technical section of the route with plenty of rocks (babyheads) going up the climb.  This would make a really sketchy downhill run! After more climbing I got to an open area that flattened out some then had an awesome downhill run and must've hit 30mph. For the most part, after Everest, the route back is downhill with one more mellow, sustained climb.  Important to note: there are 2 right turns you must take to continue on the route. Do not take a left if you are going in the clockwise direction! Back to the Stamp Creek gate in about 46 minutes and feeling really good.  Decided for another lap and felt strong on lap 2 also and am slowly getting my climbing legs back! Next time I think I will start at the gate and go counter-clockwise.
Really excited to get Pine Log back into my training arsenal and super-stoked to get back out and explore some more of the area!

Until next time!

Jonathan



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