Members in attendance: #2, #5, #23 Location: Pittsfield State Forest Weather: Not Fall > Winter
Wether was overcast gray at daybreak. We set out with two bikes loaded in the truck and one on #23 trailer (you'll see why this is the first detail to be reported). Departed on time after getting lights in working order (ground issue). Unremarkable drive due to #2 multitude of electronic wizardry where something the size of a deck of playing cards talks with multi-billion dollar space equipment circling above the Earth. amazing - I still don't know how record players work.
As we gained elevation climbing into the Berkshires on the Mass Pike, we drove into literal white out conditions with accumulations starting to stack up on the roads. We were in no rush to hit the trail so we found a nice breakfast bistro in the center of Pittsfield. But before we arrived curiousity made me wonder if we were driving to the only place seeing snow. My question was answered as the quick witted #1776 answered the phone to the famous lyrical line of "oh the weather outside is frightful". jackhole.
the delicious and cheery western omlette was doing it's best to keep up our spirits as the giant snowflakes gave way to small ice balls and finally steady rain. Today all high technology performance appearel would be tested to the limit of its worth. By the time we unloaded the bikes, there was a thick solid glaze of ice on the handlebar controls.
In the parking lot, a crew of eastern m*******s on 4x4 atv's jeered at us as we suited up for our 2-wheeled ride. they didn't have to say we wouldn't make it far because it was too appearant in their smirks and remarks. but we would show them. of course we would do it from behind them too. moments after they set out, we were in their footprints. Fact: 3" of fresh snow makes a dirt motorcycle virtually unrideable. we swished and swashed. we slipped and slided. we swayed and swooped. we also ran beside our bikes a bit too. this was not exactly a workshop on how to ride snow that much was clear.
But we made out allright and as time passed we got better and learned and were actually making progress through the forest. until the hill. now when I get nervous that something is coming, I feel the urge to pee my pants. Some kind of large vehicle was trying, but not succeeding, to climb the trail we were on. It's a natural feeling, like a cat or bird lightening itself for the chase. we were climbing an ever increasing slope to try and make the Skyline Trail (which I missed earlier). I felt obligated to lead us forward for that exact reason. While climbing (read: pushing and clutching) my bike was less and less responsive. Until finally I realized I had not fixed my leaking hyd clutch issue and had no disengagement at all. I had packed extra fluid and #2 and #23 had a nice rest while I bled my system on the trail. The distant truck never appeared and my urge to pee myself went away accordingly. Ok, now it was easier to climb to the top. They dutifully followed.
The ride actually got quite fun at this point. As the day slightly warmed, the grip seemed to be getting a tad bit better and I think we were figuring out how to ride in these conditions too. The scenery was quite beautiful with a new blanket of snow and we had the woods to ourselves. At the top we decided today would be a one loop day and the chili dogs would be a ride ending meal instead. so off we went to the southern part of the woods.
another challenging climb to a river crossing (bridge) with a very technical climb awaiting on the other side. I rode ahead but turned around as #23 was not enjoying his predicament and #2 just relaxing on the other side. with energy and daylight waining it was decided to head back. the chili dogs were calling. the ride back was fun as it was mostly down grade and muddier than most of the peripheral trails we rode in the morning.
back at the truck, the food was hot and delicious (thanks #23 wife) and we were all satisfied we were not hurt or lost or wet or cold or dead. we decided not dying today was good. as we loaded up and packed up who came thundering back but the 4-pawed crew. it was more than satisfying to see and hear their surprise when they saw us still there. the comments, in my ears, turned more to respect and appreciation for our determination. WPR was well represented.
I guess that's really it, we just drove home after that. oh yeah, we did get a flat on the trailer on the way home.... but that's a whole nother report.....
