Hookie ride at EF

[joep]

Just wanted to plug this Friday's Hookie ride (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=449&c=2) at efurnace. I went there last week and had a blast. The leaves were near their peak for color, which made for some nice pictures which I put on this slide show:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinoy1x1/sets/72157594353442294/show/

So come out if you have vacation time to burn. Heck, come out even if you don't have the time. That's what sick leave is for ;)

[tkavan01]

is there much in the way of single track at EF? is it basically like gambril?

[DKEG]

Joe are you going to do the Massenuten trail then up to signal knob and back down bear wallow. I may try to come if you are.

[armcalmtb]

i'm in joe.

i had this day off planned, but just wasn't sure where to ride.

too bad it's not going to be 20 degrees or colder. the ideal temps for a ride at EF.

:D

[jvanbrecht]

Just wanted to plug this Friday's Hookie ride (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=449&c=2) at efurnace. I went there last week and had a blast. The leaves were near their peak for color, which made for some nice pictures which I put on this slide show:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinoy1x1/sets/72157594353442294/show/

So come out if you have vacation time to burn. Heck, come out even if you don't have the time. That's what sick leave is for ;)

I would call out sick, or even say I am just taking the day off (I work for the gov. I can do that), except 3 of my co workers (there are only 4 of us) will be offsite on Friday.. means I am alone here and unable to leave, unless I come down with a case of the plague, then they may let me leave, but only if other people start dropping dead.

Jason

ps, you guys look so cute in those pics </mocking> :D

[johnikeda]

What's the pace going to be like?

I'm a moderate rider, but haven't ridden EF before

[mtbmore]

EF was the first real moutain Bike trail I rode over 10 years ago. the Bear Wallow downhill is still one of my favorites. If there is a need for a slower group I will be glad to lead it.

Scud

[joep]

is there much in the way of single track at EF? is it basically like gambril?

It's a good mix of fireroad and singletrack. The fireroad climbs are long but not steep, the singletrack going down is heaven. A little more technical than Gambrill, but most of it is rideable.

Joe are you going to do the Massenuten trail then up to signal knob and back down bear wallow. I may try to come if you are.

It will depend on the group. Anne (TBLGirl) called the ride so the final decision is her's. If we get a HUGE group then we'll think about how to split it up and routes and stuff. Dave, you ask too much. I'm so confused. There, you ruined my day. Thanks.


too bad it's not going to be 20 degrees or colder. the ideal temps for a ride at EF.


:D

What's the pace going to be like?


A monk asked Master Joshu: "Does a dog have Buddha-nature?" Joshu replied: "Mu." ;) (er, the pace will depend on the group, but I'm leaning towards a casual/moderate pace with short stops to regroup)

[ridethewomble]

Who caught the picture of the scary Halloween monster (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinoy1x1/284434754/)? :eek:

[DKEG]

Joe, I really don't care too much about speed. But I diffintely want to do the Massenutten trail (woodstock tower). Let me know by thursday, and I will grace you with my presence :D

[johnikeda]

A monk asked Master Joshu: "Does a dog have Buddha-nature?" Joshu replied: "Mu." ;) (er, the pace will depend on the group, but I'm leaning towards a casual/moderate pace with short stops to regroup)

Moo.

I'm in. Is there anyone in NoVa who might be interested in carpooling down there?

[TBLGirl]

Some of us are meeting at The Bike Lane at 9:00 in the parking lot to carpool down. So, we may need to make the Ride start time at 10:30 am to give us time to get down there. We would meet earlier but those of us with kids gotta get them off to school first.

Anne
and by the way, there is a Starbucks in The Bike Lane shopping center :)

[tkavan01]

Some of us are meeting at The Bike Lane at 9:00 in the parking lot to carpool down. So, we may need to make the Ride start time at 10:30 am to give us time to get down there. We would meet earlier but those of us with kids gotta get them off to school first.

Anne
and by the way, there is a Starbucks in The Bike Lane shopping center :)


what time does bike lane open? I have to pick up my t-shirt :(

[rusog]

If you dont mind a newbie tagging along I'm 50-50 right now. I'll know for sure by thurs am. I've been wanting to ride there.

Cheers!

[joep]

I just wanted to let folks know (especially first timers) that there are many options for routes at EF. All of them are worth the drive. Here are my suggestions:

The "Traditional" Loop (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showpost.php?p=29799&postcount=2) : Documented by Dirt the Great. Signal Knob Lot -> roadie section -> fireroad climb -> Mudhole Gap -> Reservior -> Hike-a-Bike -> Bear Wallow. About 13 miles according to Dirt's map (btw, his other map shows 18 miles(??), but I think it's closer to 13). Sweetness!

Extended Loop: Same as above but instead of the "Hike-a-bike", we climb all the way to the signal tower and do the rocky goodness of the Meneka Peak trail to Bear Wallow. About 16 miles. Sweetness and a bag of chips!

"Epic" Loop: Same as the Extended Loop but after Mudhole Gap, add a road climb to Woodstock Tower and do the Massanutten trail. Spectacular views, sharp pointy rocks-- what more could you ask for? About 27 miles. Sweetness and a bag of chips AND a can of Pringles!!

We can decide on the route once we get there. If we have enough people, we might be able to break into groups for different routes. Some advice: no matter where we go, there's no such thing as an "easy" ride at EF. Plan accordingly (i.e., bring your cameras to capture the carnage as it unfolds. heh heh...).

[extrafunky]

No drop ride or should I bring a map?

[joep]

No drop ride or should I bring a map?

No-drop ride AND bring a map (for me). :o

[TBLGirl]

what time does bike lane open? I have to pick up my t-shirt :(
The Bike Lane opens at 10 am but I can get you a t-shirt that morning.

If you have never been to EL- it can either be the most fun you have ever had or the worst ride and you will never want to go back. My first experience with EL was the later. I was not aware of how much climbing and how much of a hike-a-bike there was so I was a little caught off guard and cursed and complained for half of the ride, until we got the downhills which were AWESOME! I have since gone back and truly enjoyed myself because I knew what to expect.

Friday's ride is not a beginner ride by any means. Although, it is a casual pace ride it is still a very challenging place to ride. We will wait for everyone who comes along but just be aware that the trails are tough.

[tkavan01]

The Bike Lane opens at 10 am but I can get you a t-shirt that morning.

If you have never been to EL- it can either be the most fun you have ever had or the worst ride and you will never want to go back. My first experience with EL was the later. I was not aware of how much climbing and how much of a hike-a-bike there was so I was a little caught off guard and cursed and complained for half of the ride, until we got the downhills which were AWESOME! I have since gone back and truly enjoyed myself because I knew what to expect.

Friday's ride is not a beginner ride by any means. Although, it is a casual pace ride it is still a very challenging place to ride. We will wait for everyone who comes along but just be aware that the trails are tough.


Thanks for the offer, unfortunetly my friday that was free just became very busy, I really wish i could go though, it sounds like my kind of terrain.

[eloach]

I was out there last Sunday at 9:30 AM. A great day for a ride! I wish I'd known about the "Epic" 27 mile route. I will grab my map when I get home and check it out.

How technical are the added miles of the Epic route? Are there restrictions on MTBs on any trails in GWF or can one explore at will? I thought about doing some exploring after my ride, but it was unclear to me if MTBs were allowed anywhere except the fireroads, Mudhole gap and Bear Wallow. Apparently they are, but does anyone know the full scoop on this?

Thanks!

[gchusker]

As a general rule, mtb bikes are permitted on any trail in a National Forest (unless it is designated as a wilderness area). As a general rule, bikes are not permitted off-road in a National Park (like Shenandoah).

In the GW forest, bikes are permitted on any trail but so are horses and other users. You can always expect rocks and a few hike a bike sections. Get a good map, compass, water, snacks and positive attitude. It is great place to explore in my opinion.

[eloach]

Thanks! I have the tools but didn't want to break any rules. When solo I figure hike a bike beats hike a broken leg anytime.

I have a GPS, medkit, bear spray, compass, GeoMap, etc..

I saw a satellite phone at REI and was oh so tempted... but something about $700 for a phone made me think FOX FORK. :)

[bunky]

How technical are the added miles of the Epic route?

Pretty darned technical. For a long way. It is rocky but rideable, except for a few spots.

It kind of goes like this:
Get up to mudhole gap and you are stoked and ready to go.
Pedal along the road-you get some nice speed on the hardpack road
When you take the sharp righthand turn you start climbing up the road--gradually at first, but then it goes straight uphill for about a mile on the road up to Woodstock tower.

At this point, you are nice and loose, but a little loopy from the climbfest. When I cut back into the woods on the Orange trail going back towards mudhole gap it feels really squirrelly, because you aren't used to the rocks. There are a couple of armored sections right away -which remind me a lot of the armoring used on the Southern Traverse in various spots.

Now it is a mixed bag of tiny climbs and tiny descents. Some of the mini climbs and descents remind me of the same kind of stuff you find early on Wolf Ridge. The early section of the trail you spend mostly on the southern/western slope of Three Top Mountain (so that there is uphill to your right). Then for a while you spend your time on the top. Ultimately you end up on the northern/ eastern side of Three Top Mountain with the uphill slope on your left. Keep on the trail all the way until it descends with the fall line straight downhill back to the road-- about 1/4 mile from Mudhole Gap--backtrack to Mudhole Gap.

NOTE: Some people are wary about this, so take it with a grain of salt. But since this is a long, technical ride, I have started to fill up my single camelback for what I would use in 2 hours and then fill it back up at mudhole gap, there is a spring by the side of the fireroad -fed by an iron pipe serviced by a pumphouse. The water is great--it always is really cold--a good sign that it came from deep underground and is free of contaminants. With a refill of water, you can eliminate a lot of weight and it should be a bit easier to do the remaining hike-a-bike and Bear Wallow.

Up the fireroad to the hike-a-bike, proceed very cautiously (and walk if necess) the first traverse on Bear Wallow, the the fun begins all the way back down to the parking lot.

Have fun!!!

[Squirrel Girl]

The water is great--it always is really cold--a good sign that it came from deep underground and is free of contaminants. The water may, in fact, be free of contaminants, but I would not use temperature as a quantifier of purity. Besides, how would you know? All you know is that it doesn't taste funny and it doesn't have enough biological contaminants to make you sick. It could be filled with arsenic or something and just at a low enough level that you didn't have an acute toxicity.

Sorry--but I'm a geologist and I couldn't let that statement go unchallenged. It probably is good, but there's so much more to know than just the temperature.

[gchusker]

I think the infamous Larry Camp posted a comment on the board once about how he has been drinking water from this site for the last 15 years. Maybe it has something to do with his riding abilities.

[Squirrel Girl]

I think the infamous Larry Camp posted a comment on the board once about how he has been drinking water from this site for the last 15 years. Maybe it has something to do with his riding abilities.Well! In that case, I think I'll be playing hookie TOMORROW! :p :D

[TBLGirl]

We have officially made the meet time for the ride at 10:30 am. It is posted on the calendar for 10 am but just to make sure everyone has time to get there we pushed it back a 1/2 hour.

Anne

[camp]

I think the infamous Larry Camp posted a comment on the board once about how he has been drinking water from this site for the last 15 years. Maybe it has something to do with his riding abilities.And I always take it as a good sign when locals drive up and fill their trucks with 5-gallon containers of said cold water.

Mr. husker, I am now a couple hours closer to you. Would love to show you and J around my new neighborwood some time.

[eloach]

Here is a link to the hunting seasons in VA, which covers GWF (EF and other rides).

http://www.dgif.state.va.us/hunting/0607seasons.asp

Currently there is only bow in season, but muzzle starts Saturday.

Even though it is only bow season I would recommend bright colors and not wearing any white. Riding in groups should also help. The bow hunters I have known generally do not drink (while hunting) and do not like to waste arrows, so they are very carefull about their release.

There is no hunting in VA on Sundays (as far as I know), so Sunday rides should be safe even in firearm season.

[wunderhorn]

Great hookie ride, everyone!

Hey, I rescued some gloves from Fort Valley Road, right after the lot. If they were on someone's roof they would have lasted up there about as long as they did. I have backed over my bike with my car before, so this was pretty minor. :)

Scud, could they be yours? You left right before me.

If these belong to someone, let me know and I'll get 'em to you. I guess I'll try "the Pit" if no one pipes up. . .

[mtbmore]

Black Pearl Izumis with long cuffs would be mine. I just realized I put them on the roof and drove off.

Scud

Thanks

[armcalmtb]

great ride. thanks bike lane, joe, scud, and the many folks who decided to take the day off.

what's next?

[TBLGirl]

Thanks everyone for coming we had a great group! A very special thanks to Joe P, Liz, and Todd for coming back to look for me and thanks to everyone else for waiting :)


what's next?[/QUOTE]

Here are the next 3 Hookie Rides:
Nov 10: Schaeffer: 10:00 am- this will be a casual paced 2 hour ride with short stops. We will loop around Scheaffer and possibly head over to Black Hills. http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1205

Nov 17: Gambril, MD: 10:30 am- This is for the more advanced rider with technical skills and some endurance. We will do the yellow loop. Please meet at 10:30 am in the first parking lot on the right when you get into park. http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1208

Dec 1: Patapsco, MD: 10:30 am- This will be a casual paced ride with short stops. I am looking for a leader for this ride....I don't know it too well but we can use maps if no one wants to lead. We will ride for a couple of hours. Please meet in the Park N Ride: Directions to Park n Ride:
From I 95, take the I 195/Rolling Road/166 exit towards Rolling Road. There will be a Park n Ride immediately in front of you. Park, then ride. The trailhead is across the street to the left of the guardrail. http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1212

If it rains or the trails are too wet we will road ride starting from The Bike Lane at 10:30 am for a 2 hour ride.

As usual, please email me info@thebikelane.com or post on the forum that you are going so we know to wait. And if you running late please call my cell 571-218-2002

[mtbmore]

It was a great ride today. Here are two pics of Anne and Todd at one of the Passage Creek Crossings.


http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/gal_imgs/2/AnnePassagecreek.jpg

http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/gal_imgs/2/ToddpassageCreek.jpg

Joe Penano will be posting more pics later.

Scud

[joep]

Thanks everyone for coming we had a great group! A very special thanks to Joe P, Liz, and Todd for coming back to look for me and thanks to everyone else for waiting :)


It was no problem Anne. I looove doing that fireroad climb and today I got to do it twice! Sorry you got lost in the first place. I thought Scud was taking care of you. Eh, Scud :p

Liz and Todd, I'm very sorry you couldn't stick around for the rest of the ride. There was definitely some bad juju going around that prevented us from starting on time. Just so you don't feel like you missed out, let me just say that the rest of the ride really sucked. ;)

[DaveG]

It was a great ride today. Here are two pics of Anne and Todd at one of the Passage Creek Crossings.


http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/gal_imgs/2/AnnePassagecreek.jpg

http://www.more-mtb.org/galleries/gal_imgs/2/ToddpassageCreek.jpg

Joe Penano will be posting more pics later.

Scud

That's right when my rear hub cracked in half. It was very enjoyable coasting back to the car :(

That was my only time out there. My buds said the ride was great.

Dave

[rusog]

Hey! I had a blast today! especially being a learning tool for the horses to chase after me on my bike. I've got a few pics I'll post Sunday or Monday when I get a chance, especially the ones of Scud mastering the rocky switchback. Good stuff!!

Thanks again for letting me tag along!

Mike

[wunderhorn]

Black Pearl Izumis with long cuffs would be mine. I just realized I put them on the roof and drove off.

Scud

Thanks

That would be them! I'm down in C-ville for the weekend but I can get 'em to you early next week. I've got your phone number so I'll give you a ring. Hope your hands aren't cold today and tomorrow.

[drevil]

Hey! I had a blast today! especially being a learning tool for the horses to chase after me on my bike. I've got a few pics I'll post Sunday or Monday when I get a chance, especially the ones of Scud mastering the rocky switchback. Good stuff!!

Thanks again for letting me tag along!

Mike
Thanks for loaning me your geared dually on the climb up to Bear Wallow. I enjoy attempting stupid climbs, and that one's about as stupid as it gets! :D

Cool meeting all the new folks also!

[wrench177]

Cool meeting all the new folks also!
I'll second that. It was a great day for a ride, lots of nice people and EF is incredible. I will have to get back out there ASAP. The drive out there is well worth the trip (sans traffic) and the trails are just the gravy. I wish we could have stayed longer, but I was pushing the wee ones pickup as it was. I had just enough time to stop for a six of DFH chickory stout :D

Good meeting everyone. Anne, I hope you didn't hurt Todd too much ;) Hopefully I'll see you all out there on the next Hookie ride.

Wrench Out!!

[joep]

I've posted some of my pics from the ride here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinoy1x1/tags/efhr/) . I hope none of you took sick leave. :(

[rusog]

Here are the few pics I took... www.myspace.com/rusog

[joep]

More pictures by Scud on Rickyd's site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikecentric/