Challenging yourself to the unknown
Is there a particular mountian bike trail you have been wanting to ride
but weren't sure what it was like or if you could find your way? Have
you ever just wanted to ride a trail to see where it might lead you?
Then maybe you should challenge yourself to the unknown.
I have often given in to that urge and found myself in some of the most spectacular locations, seeing some fantastic landscapes, rock formations, deep dark forests, and beautiful meadows you could possibly imagine. Of course I have also found myself on some of the nastiest, rockiest, steepest, hike-a-bike trails you could ever want as well. Although, those have been seldom. Even most of those difficult trails were a welcome challenge and change that seem to rejuvenate the passion we call mountain biking. On some of those difficult trails have also been some of the most beautiful scenery along the way. In some cases I have used my gps route from my explorations to create maps for others to use because there were no other maps available. Don't just give up on the unknown, you may not know what you are missing.
I had often wanted to ride a particular loop in the Wayne National Forest and for some reason, likely others telling me you don't want to go that way or ride that particular trail, I had not committed to do so. With the reopening of a connector trail early this year it sparked that urge even more and with fall quickly approaching I decided it was time. I was familiar with some of the trails I would be riding and knew where the unfamiliar trails began and ended so I didn't take maps of the area. . . .
. . Note: Some pictures from last year on Ohio View Trail are added so you can see some of the trail I would have completed. .
Going into the unknown can sometimes be unnerving, however I had to challenge myself and see if there was anything I might have missed. To add to the challenge, I was limited on time with a storm front moving in by mid afternoon.
There are those who may question my sanity as I mention my route. Just remember, if you have a route in mind for your own challenge, you will never know if you like it or not unless "YOU" try. Others may say it's a bad route or they wouldn't ride it. That doesn't mean you will have the same opinion especially if you enjoy more than just keeping the wheels turning.
I began my ride at Leith Run Campground off Ohio Rt.7 south of New Matamoras Ohio. I took Scenic River Trail right out of the parking lot and made my way along the river, across Rt.7 and on to Co.Rd.9 at the end of that trail. I was aware of the tough climb with several switchbacks before reaching the top in this direction, yet with the fallen leaves already strewn on the trail and a few of the trees beginning their color change it was quite serene.
Once at the end of Scenic River Trail one of my challenges began. I had never been on the section of North Country Trail (NCT) that connects between this point and Archers Fork Loop trail. Though this section of trail ended up having a few difficult spots (short hike-a-bike climbs) there were several beautiful spots and awesome rock formations I enjoyed along the way.
In one spot I came out on a gravel road, just to an oil well I believe, and had to check out the trail and all signs to determine which way to go. From the grass and wear on the trail it appeared I had to go left. I also found a sign that pointed at the road, but figured it meant left. In about 50 yards I saw a trail go up the hill on the right with no markers. I rode up it just a short distance and looked for the blue diamond markers I had seen along the first portion of the trail. Nothing at first however When I turned around and looked back I saw one pointing back the way I had come so I figured this was the correct trail. In about another 30 yards I saw another marker and felt comfortable that I was on the correct trail.
This is a good spot to remind you to always check out trail markers at the beginning of any trail and keep watching for these markers along the way. Be especially careful and any intersection. Stop and take a moment to review before continuing. You always have to be on the watch for intersections or forks in the trail. You should see the markers again shortly. If not you may need to return to that intersection to make sure you are going in the correct direction.
While enjoying the forest the trail ended before I knew it and I came out at a familiar trail sign, Archers Fork Loop. I had helped work on some of this trail and had ridden it a few times. A light shower passed through while I took a short break. Everything became more brilliant in color and the trail condition spectacular. Check the photos from this section.
This portion of Archers Fork Loop is one of the most beautiful sections of trail in the Wayne, in my opinion. There are fast and flowing sections, tight and twisting sections, some challenging climbs and one section along a cliff that is just awesome.
I had helped reopen a portion of the Ohio View connector from Archers Fork Loop over to Ohio View Trail early in the year however had never been on it with my bike. So I watched for it along Archers Fork Loop trail. The forest was awesome along this portion of Archers Fork Loop and before I knew it I saw the connector trail. It was marked well and easier to find than I had expected.
In a short distance I met the only other trail user that day. A box turtle making its way down the damp trail. A good place to take a break for a photo-op and to take on some fuel myself.
The climb ended up being a challenge in places especially just before reaching the old dirt road crossing I remembered from one of our trail work days. Going down the other side toward County Road 9 was just how I had imagined it. Fast and flowing all the way to the bottom. And even the short little climb to the first flat and around the remainder was just plain awesome. Some of the sweetest singletrack I've been on in the Wayne.
By the time I reached County Road 9 I heard distant thunder and after checking the time I decided it would be wise to shorten my intended ride on up to Ohio View and down it all the way to Beavertown. Instead I took a quick fuel break (granola snack and energy shot) and took the road the rest of the way back to the campground. After all that singletrack the road ride seemed fast. I was able to keep a good speed all the way to the campground and didn't see one vehicle on the road. Though I didn't get to complete my intended route, I was not disappointed. I am very familiar with the last portion of the route and have been on Ohio View Trail numerous times so I didn't feel I had missed anything. I was pleased with the ride.
I had challenged myself to at least a little unknown and feel great about it even though a few spots were unrideable. The natural wonders and awesome sections I enjoyed overwhelmed those few spots and made the ride enjoyable. Problem is, these challenges often lead me to other challenges as this one has for me. Now I need to ride it the other direction just to see if I might enjoy it more. Get out there, whether with a friend, a group of friends or on your own and challenge yourself to the unknown. If on your own, please be sure to leave word of your intended route and options as I did.
Life is short.... Enjoy the ride....
