Freezing Saddles Mountain Bike Ride – Laurel Hill Park (Lorton, VA) – 3/8/20 (@10)

[drevil]

REMEMBER THE TIME CHANGE TONIGHT 3/7-3/8!

Hey Freezing Saddlers,

I’m going to lead a mountain bike ride at Laurel Hill Park in Lorton, Va on Sunday March 8, 2020 starting at 10. I know most folks here don’t mountain bike, but if you do and want to meet up with other dirt-minded folks for some non-tarmac fun, come on out!

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32053046

Start location and time: Start from the Disc Golf Course parking lot (https://goo.gl/maps/HMDjtddqVzLmhT817). Gather at 9:30, but rolling at 10.

Pace: casual to moderate, but no-drop! Sometimes there are folks that want to go faster, but we’ll regroup and keep it together. Faster folks can session/practice stuff or goof off while they wait for others and give them a chance to catch their breath.

What to bring: A good attitude, helmet, water bottle, patch kit, and a working mountain or dirt-capable bike. I’ve seen some people (including myself) do it on skinnier/cross bikes, but using that type of bike is usually more difficult than on a bike with fatter tires and some squish. If you think you can handle the dirt singletrack on a non-mountain bike, please feel free to join us!

More info: https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5298304/laurel-hill

If the weather looks iffy and I think the trails will be bad to ride, then I’ll postpone. I’ll let you know that morning if we’re going to do that though.

Crisp Day at Laurel Hill by ricky d, on Flickr

Topic

[Sunyata]

OMG! Anyone who has ever thought about trying mountain biking should do this. The trails out at Laurel Hill are absolutely do-able on a CX or gravel bike, but definitely more fun on a mountain bike.

I wish I could join in, but already have plans to head out to Stokesville for the 60/40 MTB race.

Photos of a fun “rock” feature on the Slaughterhouse Loop:

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[Steve O]

Note that Daylight Saving Time will have begun a few hours earlier, so remember to set your clocks ahead.

[accordioneur]

Your route includes Slaughterhouse and Power Station? I’m not sure I’d consider those non-dirt-rider-on-a-gravel-bike-friendly trails. But I may be the wrong person to comment – I’m not a strong mountain biker and walk some spots on Giles Run. Or maybe I’m representative of your target audience …

[drevil]

@accordioneur 199016 wrote:

Your route includes Slaughterhouse and Power Station? I’m not sure I’d consider those non-dirt-rider-on-a-gravel-bike-friendly trails. But I may be the wrong person to comment – I’m not a strong mountain biker and walk some spots on Giles Run. Or maybe I’m representative of your target audience …

Good point. I did throw in that it’s doable, but it ain’t easy. I’ll try to do a better job of setting expectations.

On “intro” rides like this, I usually get a pulse of the riders’ abilities and fitness and tweak the ride so they aren’t suffering too much (and hopefully have fun). Slaughterhouse is certainly skippable, where those who don’t want to do it can stay at the bottom and wait for others to return from that mini loop.

You coming out accordioneur? Steve-O is joining.

Should I ride my Brompton to level the playing field?
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/49608987147

[trailrunner]

I’ve ridden my cross and gravel bikes dozens of times on the Power Station loop without any issue (except for fallen trees).

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[drevil]

@trailrunner 199025 wrote:

I’ve ridden my cross and gravel bikes dozens of times on the Power Station loop without any issue (except for fallen trees).

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Join us Trailrunner!

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[Pablo]

Count me in.

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[Eddie R]

I’m in. See you tomorrow

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[accordioneur]

@drevil 199023 wrote:

You coming out accordioneur? Steve-O is joining.

Is that meant to encourage or discourage me? :p

[drevil]

Thanks to all that came out today. We had a good showing and a great time (I hope)! Flickr Album

Conga Line by ricky d, on Flickr

G by ricky d, on Flickr

Pablo by ricky d, on Flickr

[Steve O]

@drevil 199150 wrote:

Thanks to all who came out today. We had a good showing and a great time (I hope)!

This was a blast. Thanks drevil!!

More photos on my strava feed: https://www.strava.com/activities/3167495042

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[Author]

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