Well, listees, I had a decidedly off-topic ride. After finishing up a board meeting in CO, I came over to Crested Butte for Fat Tire Week festivities, at least for a couple of days, as my schedule allows. The bike was a rented Gary Fisher hardtail. (Put on my saddle and Speedplay Frogs.) The route was Snodgrass singletrack followed by Washington Gulch until there was too much snow. Superb ride. For anyone who has never been to Crested Butte, I think it is one of any cycler's must-dos, but I may be biased, having ridden here for more years than I admit.
Completely overshadowing any scenery on some pretty epic riding was something that occurred about 75% through the singletrack-- a big bear standing in the trail less than 100 feet in front of me. We were both surprised! As he ambled to his left, I negotiated the aspen roots for a gentle u-turn which would have made Peggy Fleming proud. Rode through with 2 other riders about 15 minutes later-- no incident. So what if it hailed near the end of the ride!
Classic content: Later, I'm going to see what is new at the MTB Hall of Fame Museum. Lots of Mafac and TA on the historically significant machines.
Ken Wehrenberg, recovering in Crested Butte but normally in Hermann, MO