Wow...

[SilverMantra]

Well... I wanted to get out this morning so I parked at sunrise and geared up and made my way in. I've gotta say that there was a certain element of eerie'ness this morning. The sky was a blood red and that color shown through the trees unto the forest floor... It was really neat.

This place is unreal. It was my first time here and I was blown away. I had no map with me so I winged it. I started up the trail head behind the pond and just creeped my way up to the top of the hill where there were some amazing rock structures unlike anything I've ever seen.

Granted I was on foot a whole lot. So it was really more like a hike but I really did give it my all. It really is advanced and out of my league but... I will be back. I dig a challenge.

At the top... I came up on what looked like a fire road... The view was phenominal. There was some fog in the air and the bright sun shining above the tree line... breath taking...

I realized I had no idea where I was so I figured I would ride the downhill fire road and hope I was going down the right side of the mountain. Way off in the distance I some some runners. They were the first sign of man kind I had seen in a while so I figured I should head in their direction.

The downhill was technical and rode my breaks a whole lot... but all in all... it was fun!

I'll be back but I wouldnt mind getting a guided tour of the place. Either that or carry a trail map with me! hehehe

Off to bed for me!
Laters

 

[THATmanMANNY]

Cool man. That's one more ride here than me in the past... err months.

Man, you have some weird hours but post up if you want a tour

Yea, the Boro is a breathtaking town haha Represent!

 

[clarkenstein]

as you know i'm always up for an early ride and love this place. let me know you are heading out next time. the weather looks awesome through mid-week next week, so conditions will be prime.

 

[blackburn1973]

Yeah, SL is an amazing place ... I'm hoping to get out Sat/Sun, but likely won't be there 'til afternoon (got the kiddies in the morning). As far as route, I usually follow what Clarkenstein provides here: http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22231 ... From your description of your ride, sounds like you didn't get to Three Amigos (red blazed trail), which you should definitely check out. First part's got a lot of technical climbing, but the top's got great flow to it and some nice rock features. Enjoy!

 

[barleymashers]

So, I went to Sourlands...

first time at Sourland mountains this evening. I thought I was ready for it, I heard it was tough but figured I had been riding better at Chimney Rock and some new trails would be good as well as fun.

I was wrong. Sourland kicked my ass ( in a fun way ). Started out on the White Trail, up and to the left, over pipeline and up towards the red trail. Decided to stay on white, but ended up somehow on Red. Took red all the way until white again. Kept taking lefts... I thought ( was hoping ) I had left all the rock gardens behind. No such luck. Almost went over my bars two, maybe three times until I finally did. Thankfully, no injuries. Probably hiked half of the 5.38 miles I did, all in a 'blazing' time of 2:36.

Looks like it is back to CR to improve my skills.