Trail work & SS at Freedom

The EVMA was working on a new trail at Freedom Park, so LD and I loaded up the rakes and bikes and headed out early Saturday morning. Since it was my turn to drive, my rigid and hardtail bikes would come out and play. I like my Suburban, 3 bikes, 2 people, our gear, all inside. Gas mileage... whats that?

The weather was a perfect for trail work mid 50's. With about 25 people we split up into groups and started looking for the little flags leading off into the woods. Penny took a group to do a bench cut at the entrance from the fire road, which turned out really good. One group started at the end of the trail and worked backwards, while we short cutted to the middle and started raking. Right away I took out my aggression on some saplings that were too close to the trail. Using the Maddox, I was able to dig them up, roots and all. Larry likes to rake. Clyde showed up and tried to steal my thunder, but I would have none of it, he would have to rake. After the slaughter of countless hardwoods, 3 hours of work, 2 Cliffbars, and 1 bottle of water, we wanted to ride!
Wanting to try the SS everywhere, it got first ride. Freedom is much more SS friendly than expected. The downhills are not too tore up, uphills are not too steep, roots are not too exposed. Larry and I took off on the old trail, soon to catch Pat Hurley, who was riding with his wife. Soon Pat asked to let "us" by. "What do you mean "us"?" I said, "Your supposed to be riding with your wife." Without reply Pat accelerated and we pursued. With 15lbs in the front tire this time, the ride was much better, but I can tell rolling resistance is high. This bike is not about speed, its about having fun and getting a workout, both of which I did. We all stopped to look at a new drop put into the trail by Mike Benton. I rolled it, and Pat pussed out, so we made him lead again. He claimed he was going to slow down. I knew this was a trick. I stuck to his wheel the rest of the lap.
Knowing the new trail was really soft, I pulled out the geared bike. This trail is fun. It will be great when its finished. Lots of variety on this one! Cant wait to get back this weekend.