Casual Ride: Elizabeth Furnace: Sunday, 11-26

[jabberwocky]

Ok Guys and Gals, I'm gonna need to work off some greasy thanksgiving food this coming weekend. What better way to do it than climb up Elizabeth Furnace? And of course, I get that splendid downhill as a bonus. Want to join me? I can't think of a reason you shouldn't, so c'mon out.

First, the Ride Details:

Where: Elizabeth Furnace

When: Sunday, 11/26. Ready to ride at 11:00 am. I prefer a later start this time of year to give things a chance to warm up.

Terrain: Advanced.

Pace: Casual. Nobody gets dropped.

Distance: We will be doing the classic MORE loop. The fireroad climb through mudhole gap to the hike-a-bike climb and then descending bear wallow. The loop clocks in at around 13 miles.

Directions: See the MORE Elizabeth Furnace page (http://www.more-mtb.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1210). The ride will be departing from the gravel lot on the right (immediately before the day use picnic lot on the left). Look for my blue Subaru.

Contact info: Chris Chatfield, chris[]intensity[]org. I can be reached at home after work during the week at 703-467-9211.

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Ok, now that thats out of the way, I'll give some in-depth info for those who have not done this loop.

Starting at the lot, there is a short road section to the base of the fire road. We climb the fire road for a while (about 5 miles). Its a long, steady grind up the face of the mountain. Not too steep, but it is a constant uphill that gets your legs and lungs burning.

Once we get to mudhole gap, we enter the woods and get some sweet singletrack. Note that we cross the same creek several times in this section; some sort of warm, quick drying socks are nice. This section is rocky and fun.

Once through mudhole gap, we get some more fire road climbing up to the reservoir. If this were summer, its fun to take a break and go swimming. I imagine it will be too cold to do any voluntary swimming this time of year. There is another short fun section of singletrack that loops around the reservoir, which we will probably do. Shortly after popping back out on the fire road, we make a right and start going straight up the back of the mountain.

This is the hike-a-bike section. If you ride the whole thing, you should be wearing a red cape and a big 'S' on your chest. Its about a mile and a half of steep, rocky uphill. I ride as much as possible (which isn't much) and walk the rest.

At the top, we take a break and regroup. Enjoy the view (which is amazing this time of year). Eat some goo, get our breathe back, relax, and get ready for some fantabulous downhill. Once everyone is ready, time to start the descent. The bear wallow descent is, in my opinion, one of the best in the DC area. Its about 4.5 miles of nearly constant downhill. The upper section is more technical, very rocky and twisty. As you move down the mountain, it gets less steep and faster. I usually am flying by the time I get to the bottom. The downhill dumps you right into the parking lot.

For more info (pictures and topo maps), I recommend taking a look at Pete's Elizabeth Furnace page (http://www.peterbeers.net/peters_roadtrips/mbrt/5Elizabeth_Furnace/EF.htm).

As for pace, and required riding ability for the ride: Elizabeth Furnace is rated as an advanced trail, and they mean it. The uphill (other than mudhole gap and the hike-a-bike) is pretty non-technical, and could probably be ridden on a road bike. It does require some fitness to make it up, but I am planning on a relaxed, casual pace and I won't drop anyone. The downhill, on the other hand, is quite technical, so if you aren't used to the Gambrill level riding, you will be walking a lot.

I don't want to scare anyone off, but be objective about your ability. I will say that if you show up, I will get you through the loop.

Standard MORE rules apply: Helmet required, non-MORE members welcome. Post up or contact me with any questions.

[Squirrel Girl]

Hey Jabs, Yesterday before you posted up your announcement I chatted with wren/Ken and Scud about how to do EF in the winter, given how deep the water was when 1der and I were there a week ago (all stepping stones were submerged). Scud said he's been there after a snowmelt and the water was thigh deep and said you have to wander around looking for a crossing point.

Scud, of course, also pushed Sealskins. I actually want to buy a pair for kayaking. So I don't mind forking out for a pair. But still.... My brand new Lake 301s (I kept the biggest pair of the several I tried, and after wearing them, I'm happy).... But, get them all soaked???????? Scud says it's OK and they won't be ruined.

You have a pair as well. What do you think?

I'm still not sure I can make it that Sunday, but it is enticing. Be warned though, that coming back in on Sunday on I-66, the traffic will probably be AWFUL. Fortunately I can turn at Gainesville.

[jabberwocky]

Hey Jabs, Yesterday before you posted up your announcement I chatted with wren/Ken and Scud about how to do EF in the winter, given how deep the water was when 1der and I were there a week ago (all stepping stones were submerged). Scud said he's been there after a snowmelt and the water was thigh deep and said you have to wander around looking for a crossing point.

Scud, of course, also pushed Sealskins. I actually want to buy a pair for kayaking. So I don't mind forking out for a pair. But still.... My brand new Lake 301s (I kept the biggest pair of the several I tried, and after wearing them, I'm happy).... But, get them all soaked???????? Scud says it's OK and they won't be ruined.

You have a pair as well. What do you think?

I'm still not sure I can make it that Sunday, but it is enticing. Be warned though, that coming back in on Sunday on I-66, the traffic will probably be AWFUL. Fortunately I can turn at Gainesville.I use my lakes for commuting in the rain, and they do fine. They come with a waterproofing wax you need to apply, but as long as you do, they are pretty good (also, you either need to have the toe spikes in or the blank screws. Something to fill the holes up under the toe). Of course, if you totally submerge them, they will hold water like a bucket. But I don't think it will hurt them or anything, just make you wet and cold. :)

As an aside, I'm going to get a pair of sealskinz gloves for winter rain commuting. The socks may not be a bad idea. They certainly get good reviews from people who own them.

Good point about the traffic, but I'll be out of town Thursday and Friday, and Saturday is a bit iffy for me. I think we will just have to brave it.

[Squirrel Girl]

Of course, if you totally submerge them, they will hold water like a bucket. But I don't think it will hurt them or anything, just make you wet and cold. :)That's the problem! We should count on our feet being totally submerged. Don't tell BikerMike, our bottom brackets will get totally submerged, too. ;) I may consider wearing one pair o footwear that I don't mind submerging for the way up (sealskins to keep my tootsies from dying). Afterall, the effort of pedaling uphill will hopefully provide some extra warmth. Tennies for the hike a bike, and the Lakes for the downhill. I'll have to think on it. I don't know if I can make it, but it's a good thought process for any other ride up there in winter, too.

[jabberwocky]

That's the problem! We should count on our feet being totally submerged. Don't tell BikerMike, our bottom brackets will get totally submerged, too. ;) I may consider wearing one pair o footwear that I don't mind submerging for the way up (sealskins to keep my tootsies from dying). Afterall, the effort of pedaling uphill will hopefully provide some extra warmth. Tennies for the hike a bike, and the Lakes for the downhill. I'll have to think on it. I don't know if I can make it, but it's a good thought process for any other ride up there in winter, too.I've ridden EF a few times in the winter. I wear wool socks, which stay warm even when wet. For the climb its not a problem, because you are moving and stay warm. I am going to stuff a dry pair of socks in my camelback, and switch into them before starting the descent (not really any major stream crossings on the way down). I know my shoes may still be a bit wet, but it will still be nice to have warm dry socks on. :)

Honestly, the stream crossings aren't usually that bad. You can normally get across without getting wet if you want (although I ride through regardless).

[1derwoman]

Honestly, the stream crossings aren't usually that bad. You can normally get across without getting wet if you want (although I ride through regardless).

Barbara's not kidding that of the 5 crossings, week-and-a-half ago, at least 4 were up to your pedals IF IF IF you were able to hold them perfectly parallel. And you have to be damn good to get across the width of the streams and all those rocks, in one stroke with no pedal action. There was more water than just the streams, too, and you could just as wet putting a foot down in a rock garden on the trail.

So, the streams were high two weeks ago, who knows if they'll be that high again this Sunday? But, this is one case were carrying extra shoes--like I do ;)--makes me one smart gal! In any case--lotso adventure to be had at EF! I hope I can make it, but not sure about my riding vs. hiking vs. running plans until later this week.

[dcraider]

This ride has been on my to do list for the last two years. Now that I'm leaving for Belgium in two months, I have some motivation. I'll see yous guys and gals out there.

Kris, the tall guy on the XL Trek.

[liltommy]

This place has haunted me for the past 2 years.
Seems like a good ride to make a return on.

I'll make the 2 1/2 hour ride to walk up a mile of rock.

seeyall

[Squirrel Girl]

So, the streams were high two weeks ago, who knows if they'll be that high again this Sunday? But, this is one case were carrying extra shoes--like I do ;)--makes me one smart gal!We've had a fair bit of rain between then and now. My money is on the streams being higher. But who knows? I don't think it's supposed to rain significantly between now and then. I'm thinking of normal bike shoes up to the base of the hike-a-bike. Then either tennies or my new Lakes. We'll see.

Hmm DCraider AND LilTommy on the ride. I haven't seen Tommy in over a year, since the Seneca Greenway, I don't think. And DC, wasn't he the guy who said he doesn't bathe? I'll just have to push him in some of the streams! :D

[Squirrel Girl]

Oh, yeah, and while pre-planning for wet feet would be a good thing for this ride. I think Peace would concur with me, that it would not be a bad idea to bring along some light. We're getting some pretty darn short days, and all it takes are a few unplanned events to slow us down, and you might get caught really wishing you could see on your way down the mountain. Word to the wise.

[jabberwocky]

There was more water than just the streams, too, and you could just as wet putting a foot down in a rock garden on the trail. As long as you don't do this (http://www.peterbeers.net/peters_roadtrips/mbrt/5Elizabeth_Furnace/2005-02-12/I_MG_2040.JPG), you should be fine. ;)

I hope I can make it, but not sure about my riding vs. hiking vs. running plans until later this week.Hopefully you can make it out. I know how much you like to climb. :)

Oh, yeah, and while pre-planning for wet feet would be a good thing for this ride. I think Peace would concur with me, that it would not be a bad idea to bring along some light. We're getting some pretty darn short days, and all it takes are a few unplanned events to slow us down, and you might get caught really wishing you could see on your way down the mountain. Word to the wise.Hmmm.. An 11 o'clock start gives us close to 6 hours to complete the loop before dark. I doubt it will take that long, even at a very casual pace. The first time I rode this with Pete, We had a huge group and went very slow and I don't think it even took 4 hours. What time did you guys start riding that darkness caught you?

And stop implying that I'm wise. You know better than that. :)

[dcraider]

Hmm DCraider AND LilTommy on the ride. I haven't seen Tommy in over a year, since the Seneca Greenway, I don't think. And DC, wasn't he the guy who said he doesn't bathe? I'll just have to push him in some of the streams! :D

Don't threaten me with a good time. I can throw myself in the stream with out your help, thank you very much :( You may have to pass me the soap though.

[Squirrel Girl]

Hmmm.. An 11 o'clock start gives us close to 6 hours to complete the loop before dark. I doubt it will take that long, even at a very casual pace. The first time I rode this with Pete, We had a huge group and went very slow and I don't think it even took 4 hours. What time did you guys start riding that darkness caught you?Listen here, Wise acre.....

We got an even later start. Just after 1 pm, if I recall. I remember thinking how it wasn't going to take us as long as Peace planned for. Wrong-O! It took a little longer. But on the other hand, we got to the top at 4:30, and then it took a while to get down. We did the lower half or third or so in full dark.

In all likelihood, we will make it down with no problems. If I thought otherwise, I would urge you to start earlier. But it should be fine. However it does get dark even earlier now. And things happen. The hookie ride had someone get dropped, and others had to go after her. Ya never know, and the margin isn't huge. Enough, but ya never know, and it's not all improbably to need a light. I will NOT take my 2 lb (or whatever) Jet battery along. Instead, I'll bring my bitty, superstrong caving headlight (with the 3W LED). It's not as much as I'd like, but it'll be good enough in a pinch.

[Squirrel Girl]

Don't threaten me with a good time. I can throw myself in the stream with out your help, thank you very much :( You may have to pass me the soap though.Oh, the streams I've bathed in over the years!

On our big expedition to Mexico, we'd camped underground for days. My then BF said, "You smell" so we stripped down on the side of the river running through the cave, and like Neanderthals, soaped up with about 4000' of rock over our heads! I think I was underground for 13 days on that particular trip. Later I was in for 18 days. At least the water was 64 degrees. But a lot of the time I was wearing a wetsuit.

[dharma]

Hmm DCraider AND LilTommy on the ride. I haven't seen Tommy in over a year, since the Seneca Greenway, I don't think. And DC, wasn't he the guy who said he doesn't bathe? I'll just have to push him in some of the streams! :D

be careful Barb, dcraider gets a little sensitive when "some girl" manages to muster some of the skill needed to ride a mtbike using anything that resembles guts or technique on a complex trail. So i second that, except let him fall in the stream on his own as you ride on by, pointing and chuckling. ;) :D

Kris, now we're even. :)

[Squirrel Girl]

be careful Barb, dcraider gets a little sensitive when "some girl" manages to muster some of the skill needed to ride a mtbike using anything that resembles guts or technique on a complex trail. So i second that, except let him fall in the stream on his own as you ride on by, pointing and chuckling. ;) No problem. I'm too old to be a "girl" and I have neither guts nor technique.

But I do like the idea of holding him down under some icy mountain stream and scrubbing any exposed skin with some Lava soap and a loofah.
:eek: :D

[1derwoman]

Squirrel Girl, I say no more of our good advice for "the boys". Just stroke their fast-riding egos and let them get lost in the dark, wet and stinky, and have to "spoon" to stay warm overnight. They can beg for our lights, dry socks (and my emergency sleeping bag) and we'll just blow past 'em! Hah!

If I CAN make it Sunday, I will climb to the top quicker than anyone and then hold up the line of folks on the way down. Hah! (I did the loop in 4 hours the day after Barbara and I, but then I was bookin' it b/c I didn't want to be lost on the mtn by myself).

One day down, two more to go until I have the weekend to blow off all this freakin' energy!!

[Squirrel Girl]

1der, you go downhill faster than I do, unless it's dark. But that aside, I agree. Why give advice to ungrateful louts? Let 'em suffer. They can then feel good about themselves for having endured. We can feel good about not needing to endure.

[dcraider]

be careful Barb, dcraider gets a little sensitive when "some girl" manages to muster some of the skill needed to ride a mtbike using anything that resembles guts or technique on a complex trail. So i second that, except let him fall in the stream on his own as you ride on by, pointing and chuckling. ;) :D

Kris, now we're even. :)

Whoa, I never threw you under the "public" bus missy. :mad:

That's one of the funniest things anyone has ever accused me of. Seriously, that is funny.

Yes, consider us even for now. I'm up next. :D :rolleyes:

[dcraider]

But I do like the idea of holding him down under some icy mountain stream and scrubbing any exposed skin with some Lava soap and a loofah.
:eek: :D

Oh, I just remebered I have to do other things on Sunday. I told my dog I'd take her to the zoo and then I'm volunterring to wash trains on the green line, yeah that's it. I couldn't live with myself otherwise. :)

[jabberwocky]

In all likelihood, we will make it down with no problems. If I thought otherwise, I would urge you to start earlier. But it should be fine. However it does get dark even earlier now. And things happen. The hookie ride had someone get dropped, and others had to go after her. Ya never know, and the margin isn't huge. Enough, but ya never know, and it's not all improbably to need a light. I will NOT take my 2 lb (or whatever) Jet battery along. Instead, I'll bring my bitty, superstrong caving headlight (with the 3W LED). It's not as much as I'd like, but it'll be good enough in a pinch.Really I just want to be in the woods alone with you at night, Barb. :p

I think we will be fine. You could probably walk the whole trail in 5 1/2 hours. If we are pushing time, I know a few of the cutouts to get from Bear Wallow back out to the fire road, which would allow us to shoot down pretty fast. Thats a last resort, though.

be careful Barb, dcraider gets a little sensitive when "some girl" manages to muster some of the skill needed to ride a mtbike using anything that resembles guts or technique on a complex trail.So, I guess he doesn't get the chance to be sensitive all that often. ZING! :) Please don't kill me.

If I CAN make it Sunday, I will climb to the top quicker than anyone...That sounds like a challenge! I'll race you up the fire road to Mudhole gap... ;)

[Squirrel Girl]

Really I just want to be in the woods alone with you at night, Ara. :p I'll send my friends, the bats after you! :eek:

I think we will be fine.I think we'll be fine, too. I don't expect to need it (really!), but I'm still bringing a light, just in case. If dark were to fall at 8pm, I might not bring it. But if someone broke their arm (that would NEVER happen, would it Pirate?), ya never know and we might be out there WAY later than expected.

That sounds like a challenge! I'll race you up the fire road to Mudhole gap... ;)Hmm, maybe we should start a pool. I would have originally laid money on Peace. But Jabs has been commuting pretty darn regularly, and on a fixie, no less.

[jabberwocky]

I'll send my friends, the bats after you! :eek:We can't stop here! This is bat country!

I'm really tempted to fix that quote for you, btw. ;)

Hmm, maybe we should start a pool. I would have originally laid money on Peace. But Jabs has been commuting pretty darn regularly, and on a fixie, no less.I would probably lay money on Peace too. :) The fire road climb is pure fitness, and I'm sure she kicks my ass in that department. But there is such a thing as going down fighting. :cool:

[Squirrel Girl]

We can't stop here! This is bat country!
EEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEE!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

[bacalhau]

Hi Jabberwocky,
At what time is this ride going to start? I haven't ride in more than a month - mostly been hiking or working in my backyard, but if BARBS is coming then I will have more motivation to show up. :D

[jabberwocky]

Hi Jabberwocky,
At what time is this ride going to start? I haven't ride in more than a month - mostly been hiking or working in my backyard, but if BARBS is coming then I will have more motivation to show up. :DPer my original post:
When: Sunday, 11/26. Ready to ride at 11:00 am. I prefer a later start this time of year to give things a chance to warm up. :)

As for Babs, she is going to come to this ride, whether she knows it or not (I know where she lives, I'm a relatively strong guy, and I'm good with knots. ;) )

[bacalhau]

oooops..
seems that I didn't look all way thru this thread. Thanks

[ezrider]

Is this ride still on as planned? Just wondering since no one has posted about it for a few days. I'm going to try to make this ride if so. I've never been there before and would like to have a guided tour.

Brian

[jabberwocky]

Is this ride still on as planned? Just wondering since no one has posted about it for a few days. I'm going to try to make this ride if so. I've never been there before and would like to have a guided tour.

BrianYup, still on. Hope you can make it out.

I'd just like to note that I'll be out of town tomorrow and Friday, but I'll try to keep en eye on the board to answer any questions. I just might not be real fast.

[philman]

I'm in. I've got room for one coming from Arlington.

Pat

[eloach]

The last stream crossing (not including the trail mouth) comming up the mudhole gap trail has a couple of loose, large, poorly angled, mossy rocks that have wedged down into "wheel grabber" ditch about two feet into the crossing. Be sure to look for that when you hit it if you intend to ride across it. You can get around it to the left if you are high (top left) on the trail.

I thought about adding or subtracting rocks but decided that was probably against some type of rule or forest morality so I left it as I found it. The water was just over two feet deep when I was there, which is just the right depth to tempt you even though you can't quite see the bottom.

On the bright side, the water is fairly clean, so the shoes did not stink when the finally dried out. :rolleyes:

[jabberwocky]

Ooh yeah, I've got room for one, coming from Reston. Anyone want to carpool?

[Squirrel Girl]

If no one else carpools with you, Chris, I might. Why not?

I'm sitting here in Indiana. I rode my sister/neice's road bike yesterday. The one where it's really hard to unclip from (wearing my niece's shoes that are only 1 size too small). I fell over twice. Then I did everything I could to not have to put a foot down, ever, even at intersections. It was tricky to keep pedaling up the steeeeep hill on the 2 lane road with cars coming both ways. Could not clip out and bail under any circumstances, so I stood up and forced my way up that and all other hills. Good practice in case I ever drink the koolaid.

This is the part of Indiana where Breaking Away was filmed. The hills are short compared to places like FH or EF! As I was pedaling around town, it was 60 degrees, ZERO wind, and bright sun. Why oh why did I have to go to Indiana for a winter paradise, and why couldn't the Dirt Road Ride have been like this????

[jabberwocky]

If no one else carpools with you, Chris, I might. Why not?Ok, I can probably get you on the way.

Looks like its going to be low 60's and sunny on Sunday. Perfect riding weather.

[gina]

is there anyone coming from the fairfax station/springfield area? i need a ride....thanks!

[Squirrel Girl]

is there anyone coming from the fairfax station/springfield area? i need a ride....thanks!I don't have to carpool with Jabber. We could split up and carpool with others to group more people up. I live just a few miles north of I-66, around the Centreville area. But you'd have to make it to my area. I'm not driving east (very far) to pick someone up to turn around and drive west to ride.

[denisvtt]

Chris, I'll be there.

If anyone wants to carpool with me, I live in Darnestown, MD (not too far from Schaeffer) and plan on taking River Rd, the Beltway and I-66. I could easily take I-270 in Gaithersburg as well if someone lives around there. Let me know by early tomorrow morning.

[armcalmtb]

Chris, I'll be there.

If anyone wants to carpool with me, I live in Darnestown, MD (not too far from Schaeffer) and plan on taking River Rd, the Beltway and I-66. I could easily take I-270 in Gaithersburg as well if someone lives around there. Let me know by early tomorrow morning.







Denis. I live off or River Road on the inside part of the Beltway, closer to Bethesda. I can pitch in for some gasoline fundage for the ride. Have you been to EF before? I also know directions!!! armcal@att.net for more details.

[1derwoman]

ha ha ha! I couldn't resist with the subject line. You get it, right? :confused:

Anyway, I have a hiking date at White Oak Canyon instead of riding with y'all tomorrow. Boo hoo! Have some fun for me--and see ya soon on another ride!

[gina]

I don't have to carpool with Jabber. We could split up and carpool with others to group more people up. I live just a few miles north of I-66, around the Centreville area. But you'd have to make it to my area. I'm not driving east (very far) to pick someone up to turn around and drive west to ride.


Thanks SG! Please PM me with your address when you can and what time you want to leave.

[denisvtt]

Denis. I live off or River Road on the inside part of the Beltway, closer to Bethesda. I can pitch in for some gasoline fundage for the ride. Have you been to EF before? I also know directions!!! armcal@att.net for more details.

Armcalm, that's a deal. I have been to EF several times before, and I should be able to remember where to go. One thing I never remember is how long it takes to get there, let's say from the Beltway and I-66. Anyone?

[jabberwocky]

Armcalm, that's a deal. I have been to EF several times before, and I should be able to remember where to go. One thing I never remember is how long it takes to get there, let's say from the Beltway and I-66. Anyone?Figure 60-70 minutes from the 495/66 junction. Its roughly 60 miles from the junction to the exit in Front Royal, and then another 8-10 miles or so to the parking lot.

Looks like we will have great weather and a good turnout. I'm looking forward to it.

EDIT: Just a note to everyone: watch your speed on 66. The cops will be out in force tomorrow, since it's a holiday weekend, and 66 is patrolled pretty heavily anyway. The last time I made this drive on a holiday weekend, I went through about 20 speed traps in the 60 miles between Front Royal and DC.

[Squirrel Girl]

I PMed Gina about carpooling. I flew back from Indiana today, and someone stole the cell phone out of my luggage (long story as to why it was in my luggage and not in my purse, but with Murphy's Law.....)

So, I'll be available by email/PMing, but not by phone. :(

[jagayers]

Is the start time still 11:00? Is parking a problem there?

[Squirrel Girl]

Is the start time still 11:00? Is parking a problem there?No problem with parking. There are a couple/three parking lots in the area. Based on J's description of the ride ending at the parking lot, it seems he means parking at the BIGGGG lot. Then you ride up the road to the smaller lot where the fire road starts. Better to do that first, than at the end, IMHO.

[jabberwocky]

Is the start time still 11:00? Is parking a problem there?Yes, start time is still 11, and no, parking has never been a problem when I have been there (the lot we will be using is plenty big, and never has that many people in it).

[dcraider]

Chris, I gotta back out buddy. I know Barb will be dissapointed she doesn't get the pleasure of meeting the infamous DCRaider. Between back trouble and not really looking forward to the traffic after the ride, I have to catch you next time.

If the EF ride is anything like the FH ride it's sure to be a good time.

Kris

[denisvtt]

Yes, start time is still 11

Seeing that it will be warm fairly early, and being worried about coming back too late in the afternoon and getting caught with the returning Thanksgiving travelers on I-66, I would vote for starting the ride earlier, say at 10am.

But considering that we're now in the middle of the night and just a few hours before morning, I will certainly understand if it stays at 11am.

Just in case, I'll check this thread tomorrow morning, and will be ready to meet at 11am if I'm the only one who think that way, or any other time you guys may decide.

[Squirrel Girl]

Chris, I gotta back out buddy. I know Barb will be dissapointed she doesn't get the pleasure of meeting the infamous DCRaider. Between back trouble and not really looking forward to the traffic after the ride, I have to catch you next time.Hmmmphhhh! You're gonna pay for this!!!!!!

We're just gonna have fun anyway! So there!!!!!!

:p

[jabberwocky]

Seeing that it will be warm fairly early, and being worried about coming back too late in the afternoon and getting caught with the returning Thanksgiving travelers on I-66, I would vote for starting the ride earlier, say at 10am.

But considering that we're now in the middle of the night and just a few hours before morning, I will certainly understand if it stays at 11am.

Just in case, I'll check this thread tomorrow morning, and will be ready to meet at 11am if I'm the only one who think that way, or any other time you guys may decide.Yeah, its a little late to be changing the start time. It remains 11am.

[ezrider]

Thanks, Jabber for leading a great ride today! I bet there are alot more great tails out there. I'll most def be back to do some exploring. We didn't have any major mechanicals, or flats did we? I did see one very bloody sock though. It was nice to meet, and ride with some more of you. I hope you all did'nt run into too much traffic on the way home.

Thanks everyone,
Brian

[jabberwocky]

Yes indeedy, great ride today guys and gals! Hopefully those of you who were new to Elizabeth Furnace had a good time. We had a good turnout (12 people), and very enjoyable weather.

I think the ride timing was pretty much perfect. It started getting cold on the drive home. I think the ride hit the sweet spot, temp wise. I personally had no trouble with traffic at all going home, I hope this is the case for everyone else.

Heres a few pics from today:

Group photo: If everyone lets me know who they are on the photo, I'll create a labeled version (I need to learn everyones name).

EDIT: Heres my first stab at a labeled version, with those of you who I have ridden with enough to learn names. If you aren't labeled, post up to tell me what a forgetful idiot I am (and who you are on the photo would be helpful, too. :) )

EDIT 2: More people added.

EDIT 3: Even more people!

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/9919/groupshotlabeled3pq0.jpg

Tommy gets the "water splash of the day" award.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/2128/tommywatercrossingdy2.jpg

Pat looks very happy even though his sock and shoes are covered in blood and his leg is about to fall off:

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/5773/happypatpv5.jpg

[liltommy]

You couldn't ask for a better ride.
Great weather, great people, as Brian pointed out no mechanicals.
This goes down on record for me as 1 of my top 10.

This has officially changed EF from the worst place I've ever ridden to, well you get the idea.

And the traffic on the way home, I couldn't believe it.
No backups at all. I made just as good time on the way home as I did on the way there. You should have come Raider.

Thanks Jabber, I definately won't be avoiding rocky places any longer.

Tommy

[rockhead]

Yo Jab - great ride and great pics! Top-notch performance and fantastic day all around. Thanks for leading out. Can't wait for the next one.

Frank (second from left)

[jabberwocky]

You couldn't ask for a better ride.
Great weather, great people, as Brian pointed out no mechanicals.
This goes down on record for me as 1 of my top 10.

This has officially changed EF from the worst place I've ever ridden to, well you get the idea.

And the traffic on the way home, I couldn't believe it.
No backups at all. I made just as good time on the way home as I did on the way there. You should have come Raider.

Thanks Jabber, I definately won't be avoiding rocky places any longer.

TommySweet, glad you had a good time. You certainly didn't seem to have any trouble with any of it (other than that small washout near the bottom of the descent, but we can pretend that didn't happen ;) )

Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever ridden there without any flat tires at all. Maybe thats a record of some kind?

Yo Jab - great ride and great pics! Top-notch performance and fantastic day all around. Thanks for leading out. Can't wait for the next one.

Frank (second from left)Added, thanks. Sorry, I'm not that great with names.

[denisvtt]

Thanks Chris for a great ride and a great time.

PS: no problem at all with traffic on the way back home.

[Squirrel Girl]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the ride. Thanks for posting the annotated picture. The tall dude with the MORE shirt is "Craig." Not Craig2, but a different Craig, and I don't think he posts to MORE (but apparently reads! :) ).

The guy on the right is Scott (yaeger or something like that).

Boy, that's what happens when you're pokey like me. You don't find out about what happened on the ride until you get back home and read about it!

[jabberwocky]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the ride. Thanks for posting the annotated picture. The tall dude with the MORE shirt is "Craig." Not Craig2, but a different Craig, and I don't think he posts to MORE (but apparently reads! :) ).

The guy on the right is Scott (yaeger or something like that).

Boy, that's what happens when you're pokey like me. You don't find out about what happened on the ride until you get back home and read about it!Ok, I added Craig and Scott. I took a guess that Scott is jagayers, since thats close to what you said and he posted earlier in the thread. Apologies if I'm wrong.

You did good yesterday. I'm pretty sure you were quite a bit faster than last time we rode there, and you cleared some technical stuff I don't think you would usually ride.

[Squirrel Girl]

Ok, I added Craig and Scott. I took a guess that Scott is jagayers, since thats close to what you said and he posted earlier in the thread. Apologies if I'm wrong.

You did good yesterday. I'm pretty sure you were quite a bit faster than last time we rode there, and you cleared some technical stuff I don't think you would usually ride.Yep, I think you're right about jagayers. I think I punted, and wasn't quite right.

Yes, I'm sure I was better than last time I was there with you. I did 3 EF rides and fairly suffered on all of them. Then I rode a bit at the shed and Gambrill a few times, and the NEXT time I rode EF (solo this past spring), I did MUCH better. I still suck, but I suck less badly now.

[jagayers]

Jab & SG:

Yep that's me....in the Squatter's jersey on the right....

I had a great time yesterday... the weather was great, but I do believe I will invest in some winter socks, or at least wear some wool ones (thank goodness it was warm). I never had to cross that many streams before [well really it was the same stream over and over :) ]

Thanks to group ride leaders like yourself and the rest of the MORE gang, I see that my confidence level is increasing in the technical stuff and rocks.... for years I had shy'd away due to a crash in '97 where I broke my collarbone on a solo ride. Pretty bad one and I was lucky that was all that I broke [ a tree stopped my forward momentum as I tublemd over the bars] :mad:

I am by no means a confident downhiller, but I am improving and for that I am grateful. Plus, I hate riding alone [see above] :D

I look forward to seeing you all out on the trails again in the future.

Scott [jagayers]

[gina]

Awesome trails, perfect weather, and a nice bunch of guys and SG. I really had a great time. Thanks for leading Chris and SG, thanks for the ride. It's kinda nice to see grown up guys playing in the puddles :) But it's Monday now so back to "grown-up" world. Looking forward to the next one.

[philman]

A good time. When I walked in the door my wife just shook her head and said "Don't use the white towels." Good weather, good group, great ride and no traffic. Well worth a little blood!

Happy trails

Pat