Yay! I rode my bike!
"Father forgive me, for I have sinned. It's been 22 days since my last bike ride."
I haven't done any cardio since my last ride, so that was a little rough. The first part was also very muddy. I'm not sure I should have been riding. I sort of excused myself because there were so many other riders out there anyway ... my presence wasn't going to make or break things. I'm sure that's flawed logic right there.
Anyway, it was muddy from the base of the Antelope trailhead to the big intersection. From there, the dirt was perfect - tacky and grippy. I rode up to the loop and found out it was closed. Probably just as well - I'd forgotten the time change when planning my ride.
Downhill was super fun! The tacky part for sure, but I didn't even lose traction in the mud except once or twice. On the upper parts, the stuff I remembered as intimidating wasn't, and I could tell I was pulling up the rear tire more on the mini jumps. I think my lifting routine - currently deadlifts, shoulders, and abs - helped with, well, everything - but especially balance.
I also encountered a small group of deer - one with a big rack, one with a tiny rack, and a few does. They seemed to be wandering back and forth near the trail, and in fact I had to wait for one to clear the way when I headed back down.
Colorado views don't suck!
Deer! Good pictures eluded me, of course.
My muddy bike with my new car, now with freshly muddy interior! (I have a hitch rack, but it seemed unnecessary .. until I realized how much dirt I'd be "tracking" into the interior. The rubber mats are one thing, but of course I left dirt streaks on the sides etc.