Today was a great day to ride (what day isn't). But I decided to take the Single Speed out for a Solo Ride (S.S.S.R.). I packed up Purple Haze and headed to the other side of town to Sell's Park for some good ol' mountain biking. 
I headed up the usual way taking Rockhouse Trail blasting up the first climb (better than I ever had). I was riding great the trail was extremely dry and has definitely seen the recent weather. I last rode this section of trail in the Spring when it had been in great shape minus a few moist spots, this time it was the exact opposite dry with lots of roots and rocks exposed with lots of debris across the trail. I was flying down the trail making it up every climb and pumping the flat sections. I had just been thinking to my self "who needs gears? I'm riding great". When I made the turn to the final hill up Rockhouse trail to Athens Trail. And I had to get off and hike up the hill, way too steep for 32x16 probably too steep for my other combo of 32x18 but I'll try that next week. I don't think I've ever made it up this section even on my geared bike so I wasn't too bummed about having to walk.
After making my way onto Athens Trail I flew the rest of the way back to the Trailhead and after passing the only other person on the trail a man and his dog I had a serious decision to make. It had only been an hour and I was still pumped to ride so do I make another loop? Every time I find myself asking that question and I choose to ride or do something I hadn't planned on I end up breaking something or something goes wrong. So against my better judgement I hit the trail again.
I decided to ride the same trail I had just ridden only in reverse, I haven't ridden this way in at least 2 years so it was a welcome change. I had to hike the first hill but I knew that going into it. It was another great ride but I couldn't help but notice some of the damage to the trail and some even found a downhill trail that someone has decided to add off the trail only adding to the damage. The only reason I am dwelling on this is after I finished my ride I ran into a guy in the parking lot who mentioned that the Athens City Recreation Manager had been out to the trail and was seriously trying to consider what they would be doing with the trail system. So without some proper care it may end up getting closed down. So even though it ended on a sad note the ride was awesome and I couldn't had asked for a better afternoon.
Willis out!
