Stateline Loop, I'll call it, Truckee River Canyon.
Cranking up from high desert river canyon into national forest and big trees around 9.7 miles, descend trail x and finish rolling downstream on the river Bikeway. 21/3200/4:20 Found a new way through the forest, pedal-able on SS the whole way. No humans, one cautious deer, impressive views, beautiful forest.
Lush environs made me think of wildlife.
Hmm...
A few minutes later I heard some good-size branches snapping off the road. I dropped my bike and walked up for a vantage point. I saw a bear 15' up a rotten tree; it downclimbed and foraged 35' from my position on the edge of the road. I was sure the bear knew I was there, but as I got my last photo it saw me and bolted.
Brown black bear forages
Shyt, that was cool! A short time later I was dropping into the badass trail x. I've completed the transition from being gripped to having fun on this steep DL beauty. Cleanest run yet, and recovered the weez's lost waterbottle en route.
My SS was a little slow on the flats coming back, but otherwise it's hitting the spot perfectly. So fun hammering a few hours of quiet cardio then white knuckling with confidence. Don't be surprised if you see a Pike Ultimate 150 appear on it. Cuz, why not?
Bikes again!
