Mountain Bike Monday - Can't wait to 'Go Ape'

Over the weekend while Grandpa and B.B. babysat Charlie, we went biking at Freedom Park. We were headed to New Quarter Park, but I directed us the wrong way, so we ended up at Freedom. It's ok, because they are both great parks.



I broke out Spot (the singlespeed) for this ride. Both Freedom and New Quarter are great trails for a singlespeed.



And, I just love my original Spot belt drive. It just fits me good. I felt good at the start, but seemed a little slower than usual. I guess that's to be expected since we haven't done much biking in about 3 weeks. Our baby has had us a little pre-occupied.



The forest was beginning to show its green. The trails at this park flow really well. This was only our second time at the park, but it's definitely worth the trip if you want to check out some new, different riding.



We did see our first snake of the year (on the trail that is). It was a baby. Dynamo ran him over by accident. I got off and planned to hike around him, but another rider came, ran him over, and then the baby slithered away before we could snap a pic.



Navigating to the trails is pretty easy. There is a main access road (multi-use trail, much like a fireroad) that goes down the middle of the trails. You can jump in at various points on the different trails.



We hopped on the end of Trail C to check out the new 'Go Ape' course. This was the perfect opportunity to check out what we'd heard so much about. We saw signs along the trail to watch out for 'Go Ape,' so naturally we headed towards the action. Earlier, when we arrived and got out of the car we heard screams and saw people zip lining across this big field. So cool!!



These people were above the mountain bike trail. We talked to some of them. Here's a guy zip lining into a net!



It really was like Tarzan!



People of all ages were out enjoying the course.



We just stood and watched for a while. We can't wait to check it out for ourselves!



Anyone up for joining us?



Come on! There was even what appeared to be a bachelorette party happening!



I mean...you are strapped in!



I'm sure we'll check it out sometime soon. They say it can take up to 3 hours to complete. No one was rushing. Everyone was just having fun with each other and enjoying the day. It was a lovely day!



We headed back across the Ferry...





Such a lovely day! We enjoyed the chance to be back on the trail together. I had missed our rides!



I'll leave you with this message!



Makes you really think huh?
Happy Monday!

Mountain Bike Monday - Freedom Fun and TTF Heaven

Having a long holiday weekend meant extra time to play and even take a little field trip! We decided to check out Freedom Park in James City County/Williamsburg!

We had heard great things about this relatively new park, and it didn't disappoint.



So...on Saturday, we ventured out after dropping Lexi off with Momma, Daddy, and Grams. We stopped for a ham sandwich at Edwards in Surry. Wonderful little place!



Then, we hopped on the Jamestown Ferry over to Williamsburg.



The park is easy to find. Take the Longhill Road exit off of Route 199 and you'll drive straight into the park, located on Centreville Road.



First thing was to check out the bathrooms. And...let me tell you they sure were nice! Yes, they were new, but it sure was nice to go to a park and see such nice clean fresh scented facilities. First impression was fantastic!

We snapped a self portrait before we got started...



We were told to check out Trails A, B, and C, so we started out on the very well-marked route from the parking area. The multi-use path took us shortly to the trailhead where we entered with Dynamo leading. On new trails I'm a little tentative and tend to be slower than normal, so Dynamo went first and signaled what was to come. This way I was more apt to go faster.



Trail A was fun. It was smooth and quick. The terrain reminded us of a mix between Poor Farm flats and Poco. Features were similar to that of York River (Marl Ravine Trail). There were some really neat bridges on A. There were well-marked obstacles with directional arrows giving you the option to choose the more difficult or less difficult route based on your riding level. I really appreciate the options. I know there's some debate about allowing options, but I am a big fan of having them. When I'm ready I will venture out of my comfort zone. I don't like to be forced. I like options.

The park was a nice mix of hardwoods and pines. The trail alternated between packed pine needle beds and packed leaf beds. It was pretty scenery.







We got to Trail B and took it. We had mapped out our planned route before getting to the Park, so we were prepared and didn't want to be wasting time on the trail trying to figure out which way to turn.



Trail B was quick, only 1.7 miles. It linked back up to A, and we finished the first 6 ish miles quickly. We were ready to check out Trail C. We had heard it had some pretty wild TTFs (Technical Trail Features) and it didn't disappoint. So, Clay...this one's for you!!!

At the start of the trail there was a sign...



We watched a couple of guys tackle it! From here it didn't look so threatening...



But, from here???



Or here...



How about here?



Then...a warning sign of a 5 ft. drop...



I took the left and snapped some pics of Dynamo going down it...









And...off to the next TTF...



They just kept coming...





One...after...the...other...



We just kept saying, "The Lyons boys would be in heaven."



This one was crazy! The signage leading up to the next one said enough...









No, we're not joking...people really do these jumps! Check out YouTube!



This is "The Big Easy"!





Or...the Three Ridges...



Dynamo did check out this pretty cool ramp though...



Lots of skinnies...



Including "The Logness Monster". What a name!



It was like it went on forever...



And...ever...



Dynamo also checked out the see-saws as we finished up Trail C. Talk about an awesome, wild ride! We had a great time watching others tackle the obstacles while snapping pics.

We finished up our ride with some history. After all, we were in Williamsburg. You can't go there without getting some history in. At Freedom Park there is a reproduction of the Free Black Settlement. Here are some pics...















Inside the houses were small and modest...





It was a very educational end to a great ride. We completed about 12 miles. And...we had a fun time! Next time, Clay...we're videoing you attempting some of these TTFs!