Grafton Rocks!

So today was the Grafton Rocks! Mountain Bike Festival. What a great time. The weather was incredible, and every trail seemed to be in absolutely outstanding shape. I was blown away by the number of new faces and the great spirits everyone was in. I led a 9:00 AM ride with 4 novice riders. Three were roadies, and one was a young fellow who is just getting started. I checked out a sweet Jamis XC bike and took it for a spin. Other than a flat near the end it was a dream. I then got my own bike and went out with the intermediates for a quick spin up water tower before picking up my son and taking him out on the 11:00 kids' ride. He did such a great job.

I hung out with the family, got some sustenance and then led a 1:30 ride of novices. Only 1 roadie this time, and this time I got a full 5" travel suspension Jamis to test ride. Great bike, but a little soft for me. We hauled up Mill Pond road, then up fire tower to Little Johnny's/Chet Bell. The intermediate ride blasted past us halfway down a long descent, then we regrouped with them at the bottom and never saw them again. Finishing off on Johhny Cake was a bit much for these beginners, but we had fun anyway.

So, I rode about an hour at my own pace when I could and about 3 hours with the beginners. Not a bad day.

Pictures from Jen Harvey