joncmack
05-22-2006, 11:13 AM
A long time ago (May 20, 2006) in a land far, far away (Charlotte, NC), a group of battle tested riders set out to conquer the dreaded Rat. The journey began in the early morning with the trails still wet from the previous night’s hard rains. Their mission would lead them through many different lands including the kingdoms of Poplar Tent, Fisher Farm, North Mecklenburg, Renneisance, Anne Springs, and Francis Beatty. Each location with a different challenge for the riders to overcome. They only had one day to conquer these many trails.
It all began at 8:30 am at the first location, Poplar Tent.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0487.JPG
This 10.5 mile trail, with it’s winding, twisty singletrack had one of the greatest challenges of the day: slick-as-glass roots and rocks. Riders beginning at this point included: Tim, with his mighty Cannondale; Eric, with his ageless Trek; Steve, with the Intense-ity for all; two mythical creatures known as Singlespeeders (Mike and Camye); and myself with the mighty Titus. As the ride commenced, some blood loss and slight injuries ensued but all warriors made it through with the energy to continue. While the road ahead was long, the day was still early and everyone still willing to move on.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0483.JPG
From there, Fisher Farm was fast approaching and we were able to find assistance from the mighty Karen who had tamed her Yeti to assist in the battle. She was from a far-away land known as Delaware and was wanting to see each of these trails before moving to NC (unbeknownst to her it would be in one day). This 4-mile trail, again, proved to be a slick, muddy course due to the rains but we were able to keep everyone in one piece and able to continue.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0498.JPG
North Mecklenburg followed where the wizardess Jax joined with her Revolver for protection. This 3.7 mile trail proved to be an enjoyment compared to the previous ones, as the lap was turned out quickly and with no problems for the group. A mighty feast was in order after this loop, as the hunger was beginning to take its toll on our riders. A grand refilling station was found to refuel with the greatest food possible.
http://www-static.shell.com/static/images/shell_for_motorists/service_station_us_200x135.jpg
After our nourishment, Renneisance was next on the list. Sir Chico Demonte was able to join us at this point to boost the morale with his knighthood. This 6-mile trail definitely drained the group and left everyone feeling the effects of the massive feast we each enjoyed at the time. Even the mighty steeds were beginning to feel the effects.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0492.JPG
Anne Springs followed, as dark clouds began to accumulate in the distance. Our journey was beginning to get closer to the end and the ride gods must have been getting angry. This 10-mile trail began to test the limits of the riders by the end of it, and left everyone ready to finally complete the battle.
Last on our journey, was the 6-mile trail known as Francis Beatty. The storm clouds followed us to this point, intent on stopping us from finishing the journey. Luckily, everyone was able to defeat the mighty Rat on this day and enjoyed a refreshing Newcastle as our reward after approx. 41-miles of riding, and 110-miles of driving.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0503.JPG
It all began at 8:30 am at the first location, Poplar Tent.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0487.JPG
This 10.5 mile trail, with it’s winding, twisty singletrack had one of the greatest challenges of the day: slick-as-glass roots and rocks. Riders beginning at this point included: Tim, with his mighty Cannondale; Eric, with his ageless Trek; Steve, with the Intense-ity for all; two mythical creatures known as Singlespeeders (Mike and Camye); and myself with the mighty Titus. As the ride commenced, some blood loss and slight injuries ensued but all warriors made it through with the energy to continue. While the road ahead was long, the day was still early and everyone still willing to move on.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0483.JPG
From there, Fisher Farm was fast approaching and we were able to find assistance from the mighty Karen who had tamed her Yeti to assist in the battle. She was from a far-away land known as Delaware and was wanting to see each of these trails before moving to NC (unbeknownst to her it would be in one day). This 4-mile trail, again, proved to be a slick, muddy course due to the rains but we were able to keep everyone in one piece and able to continue.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0498.JPG
North Mecklenburg followed where the wizardess Jax joined with her Revolver for protection. This 3.7 mile trail proved to be an enjoyment compared to the previous ones, as the lap was turned out quickly and with no problems for the group. A mighty feast was in order after this loop, as the hunger was beginning to take its toll on our riders. A grand refilling station was found to refuel with the greatest food possible.
http://www-static.shell.com/static/images/shell_for_motorists/service_station_us_200x135.jpg
After our nourishment, Renneisance was next on the list. Sir Chico Demonte was able to join us at this point to boost the morale with his knighthood. This 6-mile trail definitely drained the group and left everyone feeling the effects of the massive feast we each enjoyed at the time. Even the mighty steeds were beginning to feel the effects.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0492.JPG
Anne Springs followed, as dark clouds began to accumulate in the distance. Our journey was beginning to get closer to the end and the ride gods must have been getting angry. This 10-mile trail began to test the limits of the riders by the end of it, and left everyone ready to finally complete the battle.
Last on our journey, was the 6-mile trail known as Francis Beatty. The storm clouds followed us to this point, intent on stopping us from finishing the journey. Luckily, everyone was able to defeat the mighty Rat on this day and enjoyed a refreshing Newcastle as our reward after approx. 41-miles of riding, and 110-miles of driving.
http://forum.bikemag.com/photopost/data/500/medium/CIMG0503.JPG