Solo Dawn Patrol on Fisticuff - UGH!

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Twas the best of times--I got a new Fisticuff bike, beeeotch;-)

Twas the worst of times--the trails are in no shape to ride;-(

Trails were pretty much trashed.  Standing water/mud by Belmont put-in of course.  Then too snowy to even ride downhill to Rockburn Branch. 

Creek crossing was deeeeep, but totally ridable;-)

Rockburn Branch was seldom ridable except for a few sections that do get afternoon sun.  Had to hike up the middle Rockburn Branch trail.

Worst part wasn't the snow though....Debris, trees down, saplings-bushes-jaggers collapsed across the trails everywhere. 

BaltCo side surprisingly not so bad.  Millstream/SwimmingProhibited is clear, except for one big tree fall.  Gristmill ridable, but you wouldn't want to ride it on a road bike b/c one tree is down, tons of debris, and a few snowy spots remain.  Vineyard wasn't too bad (I turned around at first sign of 2 inch snow) but if I'd pressed on I'm betting it would be more go than stop.

Rode up Ilchester to Landing and home.

Fisticuff feels great.  It handles like a mountain bike.  No toe overlap with the 35mm tires.  Shifts, brakes, pops over logs, climbs, and descends like a champ.  Loving it whilst in the saddle:-)  Not so fun to hike a bike;-(

Photos: L to R

1. Looking down river on old River Road towards Levering Ave and Lawyers Hill.


2. 4 way at top of Waterbars


3. 4 way at top of Waterbars


4. On the way up middle Rockburn Branch climb.  Downed saplings bring new meaning to Rockburn "BRANCH"


5. The high foot bridge at Rockburn Branch middle/left intersection.


6. Some spots are totally ridable:-)  Bottom of scarred hill after Rockburn Branch creek crossing.


7. Where the snow started.  Just after the mudfest by Belmont put-in.


8. Fisti on the skinny by Rockburn Branch after creek crossing.

See the full gallery on Posterous