Or at least, those who braved the forces of nature were rewarded.
Taos area mountain bikers and their families descended on the boulders of Tres Piedras for two days last weekend. In conjunction with the Carson National Forest Tres Piedras Ranger District, the TMBA group established and cleared ~ 2 miles of new trail mileage in a recently fire-treated stand of ponderosa pines. A year of recovery yielded new growth of grasses popping out of the granite-flecked soil.
Local TMBA trail masters and volunteers helped the Forest Service to establish, work, and groom the burgeoning Aldo Leopold Interpretive Trail. The group worked efficiently hopscotching down the trail, clearing and working trail tread, and sweeping the area of refuse.
Once trail work was concluded, the TMBA crew then spread out for riding tours of the boulders interspersed through the forest. The riding opportunities included forest loam and granite slabs, leading to opportunities for the timid and the daring. The riding is untapped at the rocks, with many first descents to be had.
No trail work and riding is complete without some après time. A barbecue burned defiantly in the face of intermittent rain and hail. Tales of trails carried the night between bursts of frequent thunderstorms, as we stayed dry under popup tents.
The work/ride Spring Fling was a great success, bringing various rider styles and abilities together for fun in the woods. The Tres Piedras area has something that will entice every rider. Mellow single-track meanders amongst the boulders and their perfectly sculpted transitions while the monster piedras call to the bold.
– Spencer Bushnell
Note – To be sure to be notified of upcoming events, become a TMBA member now during our semi-annual membership drive and be entered to win one of several prize packages including a new Yeti bike!
