Two Knobby Tires Guide to Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Camping

Huckleberry Trail - Running, Commuting by Bike in Blacksburg, Virginia

2010-03-15T16:33:00.001-04:00

The Huckleberry Trail is a paved trail that runs from Blacksburg, VA to Christiansburg, VA. Primary activities on the trail include running, cycling, commuting by bike, leashed dogs, and walking with kids. Free parking can be found along the trail. There are no water fountains or restrooms but some trail signs include free pet waste bags. Cell phone service is strong while on the trail. Click on the picture at the Christiansburg end of the Huckleberry trail in the map below to see a picture of what the trail looks like from that location.

Huckleberry Trail

The Huckleberry Trail is 5.75 mile paved trail that runs from the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library in Blacksburg to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg. The following elevation chart was generated by my Android phone and estimates that the trail declines 100 feet when riding from Blacksburg to Christiansburg.

Biking to the library is an eco-friendly and healthy way to check out books, movies, and CDs. The following picture shows where the trail starts on the northeast corner of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library in Blacksburg.

The trail is less congested after looping around the southern end of Virginia Tech's campus. The following picture shows the trail as it leads up to a tunnel that goes underneath US-460.

There are at least three street crossings while riding on the trail so beware of passing motorists.

The trail runs by the Coal Mining Heritage Park; which we have not explored yet.

There is little to no shade on the trail except for areas like the one seen below where rocks and/or trees provide some coverage.

The following picture was taken at the end of the trail and faces north.

Commuting by Bike to Virginia Tech and its Corporate Research Center

Both Virginia Tech's campus and Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center include paved trails that connect with the Huckleberry trail. Cycling commuters can safely ride on a network of paved trails from the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg to all of the following: downtown Blacksburg (near the Blacksburg Library), Virginia Tech's campus, and Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center. The following picture was taken at the intersection of Washington Street and Tech Center Drive (near Lane Stadium) and was the starting point for a 2.0 mile ride to the Corporate Research Center.

The subsequent picture shows the trail at the intersection of Southgate Drive and Tech Center Drive.

The trail has a short, aggressive climb after crossing Southgate Drive and before it intersects with the Huckleberry Trail; intersection seen in the following picture.

After crossing the Huckleberry trail, the paved path loops through and into the heart of Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center providing safe access for cycling commuters.

In sum, the network of paved trails that connect Christiansburg, Virginia Tech, and Blacksburg contribute to a high quality of life in the New River Valley because they can be used for both recreation and commuting. Planned expansion of this network includes adding trail that will connect to areas north and west of Virginia Tech's campus.

Heritage Park - Family Hiking, Dog Walking - Blacksburg, Virginia

2010-03-15T11:07:00.000-04:00

Heritage Park is located five minutes northwest of downtown Blacksburg, Virginia and off of Glade Road. Primary activities include family hiking, running, and dog walking but horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed. Mountain bikes appear to be allowed but the trails are better suited for hiking. There are two free parking lots: one off of Glade Road and the other off of Meadowbrook Drive. There is no water or restrooms at either parking lot. The following Google Map shows recorded GPS coordinates for our walk on the paved trail that goes from the Glade Road parking lot to the Meadowbrook Drive parking lot. Cell phone service was strong while in the park.

Paved Trail

We walked heading north out of the Glade Road parking lot on the paved trail. The paved trails runs from the Glade Road parking lot to the Meadowbrook parking lot and is about 0.75 miles long. The following pictures were taken on an overcast day in March.

There were several bird boxes near the trail. Do you know what species these boxes are targeting?

A person we talked to on the trail said that the following area was under water as recently as Saturday.

It looks like the paved trail connects to the network of grass trails but we could not find a suitable place to cross the stream because it appeared to be running higher than normal.

Grass Trails

In addition to a paved trail, there are several grass trails. Heading east from the Glade Road parking lot there is a pond with an accessible shoreline for identifying aquatic plants and animals.

The following pictures are from the southern most grassy loop and were taken on a sunny October day. There is no shade on the trail so proper sun protection is advised.

All of the hills in the park are small so elevation changes are minimal. The subsequent picture peers north to the mountains that are home to the Poverty Creek Trail System.

In sum, Heritage Park is low stress, peaceful place to visit that, because of its close proximity to Blacksburg, is ideal for repeated visits by families and dog owners.

Poverty Creek Trail System - Mountain Biking in Blacksburg, Virginia

2010-03-12T17:16:00.002-05:00

This blog post is a work in progress because I still have a lot more exploring to do on these trails...

The Poverty Creek Trail System is an extensive set of trails located about 20 minutes northwest of Blacksburg, Virginia. Primary activities include mountain biking, trail running, hiking, hiking with dogs, and horseback riding. Most of the trails are multi-use but some near Pandapas Pond do not allow mountain biking or horseback riding. All of the trails are clearly marked with full size maps at many of the intersections. Parking is free, abundant, and accommodates horse trailers. There are two parking lots on the east side of the park. One lot for mountain biking and horseback riding and the other for hikers seeking access to trails around Pandapas Pond. The parking lot for mountain biking and horseback riding does not have water or restrooms but the Pandapas Pond trails do include restrooms. In addition, there are spots to park along State Route 708 that provide access to trails in the center of the park. Finally, Gateway Park includes parking and access to the trail system. Cell phone service is weak while on the trails. A shooting range is nearby so gunshots may be heard while on the trails.

Poverty Creek Trail

Poverty Creek trail is a 7.2 mile multi-use dirt trail that serves as the main artery for a trail system boasting 17 miles of trails. The following is an elevation chart generated during my first attempt to map the trail using my Google Android phone. It conveys the elevation changes accurately except for the big dip in the middle; which is likely the result of my phone losing GPS signal for a brief period of time. I mountain biked east to west starting at the main parking lot and finishing at State Route 708.

From the parking lot, the trail starts fast because it is wide, smooth, and descending. This trail is very beginner friendly because of its characteristics. Further, I found it very suitable for testing out new clipless pedals because I fell over a dozen times without injury. There are very few rocks and the trail is wide.

The following picture shows the first climb which peaks at an intersection with the Prickly Pear trail.

The middle section of the trail is primarily flat as it traverses lowlands near State Route 708 and Poverty Creek (the stream).

The trail crosses Poverty Creek three times. All three stream crossings were much wider and deeper than they were last Fall and likely won't be this high for much longer, as the snow melt nears completion.

The second stream crossing is a quick dip. A close look at the subsequent picture shows an orange diamond on a tree that is used to denote this trail.

The following picture shows where the trail crosses State Route 708; which marks a significant shift in trail grade. From this point, the trail climbs steadily for a couple of miles; as depicted in the elevation chart above.

The trail currently includes some fallen trees because snow has made it tough for trail maintenance.

Most of the climbs on this trail are gradual, straight, and smooth so endurance, not skill, is the only requirement for conquering them.

At this point, the trail begins a gradual descent and becomes a little technical (i.e., narrower and curvier).

The following picture highlights a view to the south that most likely won't be visible once spring foliage has developed. In addition, it is an opportunity to point out that this trail is well shaded during the spring and summer.

The last mile or so of trail contained large dead trees that will require some serious work to remove. A US Forest Service employee on the trail said that they work with employees from East Coasters bike shop to clear and maintain the trails. I hope to join this effort soon.

The western half of the Poverty Creek trail was the starting point for the Rowdy Dawg mountain bike race; read my race blog post to see pictures taken while riding west to east. The following picture shows where the trail ends at the State Route 708.

Royale Trail

The Royal trail is a 0.9 mile trail that descends when riding north to south. The left side of the following elevation chart is incorrect. I don't think I gave my phone enough time to identify the starting elevation so it looks like the trail starts with a climb when in reality it is all downhill. The rest of the chart shows an accurate representation of the trail's decline whe riding north to south.

The following picture was taken from the beginning of the north end of the trail. This trail is marked as moderate in difficulty but is easy when riding north to south.

Trillium Trail

The Trillium trail is a 1.1 mile single track that connects Poverty Creek and Skullcap trails. Trillium is rockier than Poverty Creek and includes one prolonged climb.

It does not include stream crossings but does include a few areas where puddles develop.

Skullcap Trail

Skullcap trail is 1.6 miles long and includes a combination of both rocks and tree roots. It is more technical than Poverty Creek and Trillium and includes one tough climb. The following picture is backwards looking and shows a two foot drop.

Queen Anne Trail

The Queen Anne Trail is 0.8 miles of fast, smooth, and descending trail that connects with Skullcap and ends at State Route 708.

The following picture shows the Queen Anne trail ending at State Route 708. The final 100 foot approach to State Route 708 contains a set of gnarly tree roots hiding under leaves and that caught me off-guard.

Indian Pipe Trail

From the Poverty Creek trail, the Indian Pipe trail is a 0.4 mile fast, almost straight down hill descent that ends at FS 708. Riding down Indian Pipe was easy but climbing it looks challenging.

In sum, the Poverty Creek Trail System is a fun set of trails that should be attractive for beginners and experts. I still have lot more riding to do including some of the more difficult trails. In addition, I plan continue to improve the GPS mapping and elevation charts by riding on each trail several times.

Using a Google Android Phone to Map Trails - My Tracks, My Maps Editor, and Google Maps

2010-03-12T13:55:00.003-05:00

In mid-November, I purchased a Samsung Moment with the Google Android mobile operating system running on Sprint's network. Similar to an iPhone, a Google Android phone allows you to download a wide variety of applications. I chose a Google phone over an iPhone primarily for the My Tracks application.

Recording GPS Coordinates of Trails

My Tracks records GPS coordinates onto my phone while I am hiking and mountain biking. After I have completed an adventure, I upload the corresponding coordinates from my phone to Google Maps; at which time they become viewable on the maps displayed on this blog. The following map shows the Huckleberry Trail; a paved trail that runs from Blacksburg, VA to Christiansburg, VA. It includes a green marker point for my starting point and a red marker for my ending point.

As I am riding or hiking, My Tracks records GPS coordinates, speed, distance, and elevation changes. The following is the elevation chart generated by My Tracks during my ride on the Huckleberry Trail. As you can see it is mostly a downhill ride going from Blacksburg to Christiansburg and an uphill ride on the way back.

Tagging Pictures with GPS Coordinates

The camera on my phone automatically tags all pictures with GPS coordinates. The Google My Maps Editor application allows me to upload pictures from my phone to the same Google Map that includes the GPS tracks described above. There is a caveat in that you have to use the My Maps Editor application to take the picture. I have not figured out how to upload a picture to my Google Maps that was taken independent of the My Maps Editor application. Click on the picture at the Christiansburg end of the Huckleberry trail in the map above to see a picture of what the trail looks like from that location. Currently, the Google My Maps Editor application is unable to load my Google Map and, thus, I am unable to add new pictures to my map.

Carrying My Phone

I squeeze my Google phone into an iPod athletic armband so that my phone has a clear path to GPS satellites while I am hiking or biking. This armband hack works well because the phone is stable and protected from dust. It does not protect my phone from rain or a fall into a puddle. I rotate the armband towards my chest so that a fall off my mountain bike and onto my shoulder won't result in a smashed phone.

Accuracy of GPS Data

The accuracy and effectiveness of using a phone to record and document trails is somewhat limited so recorded tracks, elevation charts, and picture locations are more like estimates rather than products of an exact science. Specifically, the accuracy of GPS points can be as good as +-20 feet or much worse if trees, buildings, or other obstructions are blocking GPS satellites. The elevation readings are less accurate than the GPS coordinates and can be off by hundreds of feet. However, a set of elevation readings should generate a chart with an accurate representation of incline and decline.

There are handful of adventures yet to be documented on this blog that took place before mid-November 2009 and, thus, those blog posts will not include these nifty new features.

Blue Grouse Trail to Mule Deer Trail - Golden Gate Canyon State Park

2010-03-02T14:44:00.002-05:00

Blue Grouse Trail Map and Parking

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is 30 miles and about an hour drive from downtown Denver, Colorado. The Blue Grouse trail head is located in the western end of the park on Golden Gate Canyon Road. Activities include fishing, hiking, hiking with kids, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking with dogs. Parking can found at Kriley Pond and above Kriley Pond at the end of a roundabout; which includes space for horse trailers. A daily park pass or annual state park pass is required at all parking lots. The roundabout parking lot did not include restrooms or water but the Kriley Pond parking lot did include restrooms. Cell phone service is intermittent while in the park.

Kriley Pond

Kriley Pond was bustling with families picnicking and fishing along its edge. It is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and includes enough accessible shoreline to support numerous fishermen. Kriley Pond's close proximity to the Blue Grouse trailhead make it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy fishing and hiking from one location; similar to Ramsay-Shockey Open Space west of Loveland, CO. A Colorado fishing license is required to fish the pond and park officials should be consulted regarding a daily bag limit.

Blue Grouse Trail

Blue Grouse trail is a 0.7 mile multi-use trail that starts at 8,400 feet and gently climbs to 8,800 feet. It starts with a short climb but is an easy trail to hike. Several mountain bikers were seen (not heard) screaming down the trail with enthusiasm.

After the initial climb, Blue Grouse trail levels off and gradually climbs via gentle twists and turns. Our 2 1/2 year old enjoyed walking along this trail and climbing the small boulders found along the way.

During our mid-July hike, there were numerous blooming plants which I have yet to identify. Do you know what the following orange colored flower is?

Mule Deer Trail

The Blue Grouse trail ends at an intersection with the Mule Deer trail. Mule Deer trail is 5.2 mile multi-use trail that runs from Ole’ Barn Knoll to Panorama Point. At its intersection with Blue Grouse, we took a right and headed east towards the Rim Meadow. The trail starts by running along the edge of a ridge and provides unobstructed views to the south.

We only hiked about a mile east before needing to turn around. We needed to carry our daughter in a child carrier on this trail because it was steeper and she was getting tired. We were hoping to make it to Rim Meadow because other hikers said it was beautiful but we ran out of time. At our turnaround point, the trail was beginning to ascend via switchbacks and the forest canopy was becoming more dense. The following picture is westward facing and was taken at our turnaround point. It includes the western rocky mountains that come into view as this trail continues to climb.

In sum, Kriley Pond, Blue Grouse trail, and Mule Deer trail are a hub of activity because fishermen, hikers, families, and mountain bikers can all experience Golden Gate Canyon State Park from one trailhead. In addition, we enjoyed camping at Reverends Ridge campground, which can serve as a home base for exploring all of the trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

Virginia Aquatic Ecology and Management - Vernal Pools, Water Monitoring

2010-03-01T20:59:00.004-05:00

The following is what I learned about Virginia's aquatic ecology and management during my second session of Virginia Master Naturalist training. The Appalachian Mountains are home to a high concentration of fresh water bodies that include rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, lakes, and vernal pools. Wildlife and insects congregate around water bodies because they serve as a source of water, oxygen, food (e.g., crayfish), and shelter (e.g., bank hangovers, rocks).

Importance of plants near water bodies

Water bodies provide an environment for plants; although most do not do well with wet roots. Virginia plants that can be found near water include cardinal flower, joe pye weed, alder, shadbush, sycamore, river birch, and cottonwood. Plants near water bodies serve several very important functions:

Provide ground cover for insects that are eaten by animals.
Control pH of soil and water to stabilize them at a slightly acidic level that is beneficial for both plants and animals.
Control temperature of air and water
Limit erosion and sediment pollution by stabilizing stream banks; sediment pollution is when too much of a stream bank is sliding into the water.
Remove heavy metals from soil - Some plants (e.g., willow, water hyacinth) can remove pollution from air and soil via phytoremediation; the absorption of heavy metals.
Food source for insects and animals - Animals attracted to Virginia's water bodies include deer, otter, mink, raccoons, muskrat, beavers, insects (e.g., mosquitoes, butterflies), and birds. Many animals and insects rely on stream side vegetation for food. Animals help plants by eating seeds (e.g., berries) and spreading them via their movement, followed by defecation. Notably, beavers often cannot be relocated because of concerns regarding disease and/or genetics so protecting their natural habitats is important.

Factors that affect a water body's function

Pollution - Air pollution (e.g., acid rain, heavy metals), sediment pollution, and people littering (e.g., banana peels, apple cores) all negatively affect a water body's ability to function. Littering is enough of a problem at Douthat State Park that the lake has to get drained from time to time. In addition, the presence of black flies can be an indication of human pollution.
Flash flooding - Healthy water has various speeds of water flow and a flash flood can disrupt water speeds.
Climate change - Increases or decreases in temperature affect a water body's ecosystem. A reduction in plants and trees near a water body can increase sun exposure and, ultimately, the temperature of a water body.
Defoliation - Pests eating all of the leaves of a tree forces the tree to expend energy growing a second set of leaves (e.g., oak) when its energy would be better spent preparing for winter. In addition, human development (e.g., destruction of plants) can disturb a natural ecosystem.

Vernal pools

Vernal pools are an important body of water for some of Virginia's keystone species. Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that typically exist from September to June. Although snapping turtles can find their way into a vernal pool, fish typically only get in via flooding. Skinks, lizards, salamanders, frogs, amphibians, and other species critical to the food chain are able to reproduce in a vernal pool predator-free because most predators (e.g., fish) require a year round water body to survive. An additional ecological benefit of vernal pools is that some amphibians live miles from their mating place (e.g., a vernal pool) which means that during their migrations they can collect and spread seeds; which is beneficial for native plants. Douthat State Park has both natural and artificial vernal pools. Finally, controversial mountain top mining can inadvertently create vernal pools; which facilitate the continuation of keystone species.

Citizen scientists

Anybody can be a citizen scientist by volunteering to perform water monitoring tests, pulling invasive weeds, counting migratory birds, counting plant variations (i.e., biodiversity count), and working with vernal pools. World Water Monitoring Day is non-profit program that raises awareness about protecting water resources by helping citizen scientists conduct basic water monitoring tests (e.g., dissolved oxygen checks). It is recommended to wear gloves and waders during water monitoring and to wash hands afterward to prevent food poisoning.

Hike the Hill with American Hiking Society - Trails Advocacy Week 2010

2010-02-19T20:42:00.005-05:00

On Saturday February 20th, the American Hiking Society will kick off its 13th annual Hike the Hill Trails Advocacy Week which brings hiking and trail advocates together to learn grassroots lobbying skills and to promote increased funding for our national heritage, the hiking experience, and our nation's system of trails. Specifically, trail advocates will meet with federal land management agencies, members of Congress, and the Obama Administration to advocate for funding and policies that protect and promote trails and the hiking experience, and related conservation benefits.

The American Hiking Society is inviting the public to participate in the week's signature event: the first annual Hike on the National Mall. Everyone is invited to help celebrate our nation's trails by hiking from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building. Hike participants include local high school students, university students, hiking groups, The Conservation Fund, Student Conservation Association, National Park Foundation, The Wilderness Society, American Trails, Outdoor Alliance, Congressional Trails Caucus, The Trust for Public Land, and Partnership for the National Trails System.

Hike participants are asked to gather at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool steps (east steps) at 8:30 am on Monday morning. At 9 am, American Hiking Society President Gregory Miller will kick-off the event with introductions. The hike will begin at 9:40 am and end at approximately 11:30 am; at which time members of Congress will speak to the hike participants.

American Hiking Society on Facebook and Twitter

Follow the American Hiking Society on Facebook and Twitter. Hike participants are asked to share their photos on the American Hiking Society Facebook page.

Virginia Geology and Soil Sciences - Master Naturalist Training

2010-02-18T14:54:00.000-05:00

The following is what I learned about Virginia's geology and soil sciences during my first session of Virginia Master Naturalist training.

Virginia Geology

Plate tectonics drive a cycle for the creation and transformation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Plate tectonics includes divergent plates with fresh material in the middle, transform boundaries where two plates slip past each other (earthquakes), and convergent plates where one plate subducts underneath the other creating volcanoes (e.g., pacific northwest US).

Igneous rock are lava or magma cooled above or the the below the earth's surface. Intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly below the surface and have large crystals. Extrusive igneous rocks cool quickly above the surface and have small crystals. Chemical (i.e., dissolving) and physical (i.e., wind, ice) weathering on igneous rocks creates small particles that are transported (e.g., water, wind) and deposited. Weight pressure from layers of deposits create sedimentary rock. Sedimentary and igneous rocks that are forced downwards experience increases in heat and pressure that transform them into metamorphic rocks.

Virginia has a low risk of earthquakes because it is far away from convergent plates and relatively far away from the New Madrid Fault Line in Missouri. Eastern and western Virginia are comprised primarily of sedimentary rocks whereas the central regions of the state include metamorphic and igneous rocks. Virginia's caves are the result of chemically weathered limestone. An interesting note is that I-95 was built to connect port towns that ships used to be able to reach via waterways. Finally, North America is moving an inch/year towards Japan (human nails and hair grow an inch/year).

A high level geological history of Virginia includes the original super-continent Rodinia breaking apart putting Virginia on the continent's edge where thick layers of basalt and charnockite formed. In addition, remains of tiny sea creatures were deposited and have created limestone in the state that is 25,000 feet thick. Further, the Appalachian mountains were formed when the continent of Africa rammed into North America.

Soil Sciences

Soils are the interface between the earth and the sun's energy. They are a complex ecosystem comprised of living and non-living things. In addition, they grow plants, regulate water, and recycle raw materials.

Virginia's soils are typically red which means they are weathered and well drained (i.e., rich in oxygen). Grey/blue soils are saturated with water and poorly drained. Blacks soils (e.g., coal) are comprised of organic matter. Western Virginia has a moist climate and soils classified as inceptisols. Eastern Virginia has old temperate soils classified as ultisols.

Particle size affects soil properties. Sandy soils comprised of small particles do not hold water and are not compacted. Clay soils comprised of larger particles hold water and are compacted.

Weather and Climate - Virginia Master Naturalist Training

2010-02-18T12:23:00.002-05:00

The following is what I learned about weather and climate during my first session of Virginia Master Naturalist training.

Weather warnings

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the only organization that issues weather warnings and watches. Local TV and radio stations only relay information from NOAA and can never be the source of an announcement. Weather warnings are serious, only issued when an event is imminent (i.e., within the hour), and specific to a set of counties where residents need to take action. A weather watch is less serious, issued when conditions for an event are favorable (but not guaranteed to happen), cover a large area (i.e., region), and span a long period.

What is weather and what causes it?

Weather is the state of the atmosphere, ocean, and land over a short period. Climate is defined as weather patterns that occur over months, seasons, and decades. Climate averages are usually reported as 30 year averages with the most recent 30 year span starting in 1981.

The sun's influence on temperature, pressure, and air masses causes weather. The atmosphere is constantly trying to balance temperature (measure of heat energy); which is continually in flux due to the earth's rotation and tilt. The earth's tilt causes seasons and noteworthy is the fact the earth is farther away from the sun during the summer.

High air pressure results in tranquil conditions and clockwise wind rotations. Low air pressure causes inclement conditions and counter-clockwise wind rotations. Wind blows from high pressure areas to low pressure areas. Strong winds are located in areas where there are large differences in pressure.

Air masses include warm fronts, cold fronts, and stationary fronts. Warm fronts are warm air pushing on top of cold air. Cold fronts are cold air undercutting warm air. A stationary front is when warm and cold air are clearly separated.

Learning how to identify and report weather

Cumulus clouds are low hanging and, when vertically tall, can be bearers of thunderstorms.

Our local NOAA office sends up two weather balloons a day; one in the morning and one in the evening. A helium weather balloon carries a single-use radiosonde high into the atmosphere. A radiosonde is a small device that reports temperature, pressure, and humidity.

You can become a volunteer weather spotter through NOAA's Skywarn training program and/or a volunteer weather observer with CoCoRaHS; both of which help the federal government's scientists.

Virginia Master Naturalist Training - Roanoke Valley Chapter

2010-02-18T10:29:00.005-05:00

On Tuesday, I attended my first session of training to become a Virginia Master Naturalist with the Roanoke Valley Chapter. The course includes 11 three hour classroom sessions and a few weekend field trips. Maintaining a title of Virginia Master Naturalist requires an annual commit of 40 hours of volunteer service and eight hours of advance training. The mission of the program is:

The Virginia Master Naturalist program is a statewide volunteer training program positively impacting natural resource education and conservation across Virginia. We are a corps of well-informed volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our communities for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

My goal is to learn enough about Virginia's natural resources and history to confidently inspire others to have a deeper connection with nature. Specifically, I hope to lead interpretive programs at state parks.

There will be a test at the end of the course and to help me study I plan to journal some of my notes on this blog. The following is the course syllabus and I will link to a separate post that contains a class period's notes. I think my class notes will be interesting for others because each topic is taught by a resident expert in the field.

Ecological Concepts (and Nature of Naming)
Weather and Climate, Virginia's Geology and Soil Sciences
Aquatic Ecology and Management
Ornithology
Botany and Dendrology
Ichthyology and Entomology
Mammology
Herpetology
Forest Ecology and Management, Urban and Suburban Systems
Interpretation and Teaching Skills, Citizen Science and Research
Land Use in Virginia, Risk Management and Working with Youth

Colorado Nature Field Guide for Wildlife

2010-02-01T23:20:00.002-05:00

The following is a short list of Colorado's wildlife that we have learned about. We do not have a picture of a black bear but do have pictures of elk, gray jays, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. Click on the name of each animal to learn more.

Colorado Black Bears - Black bears are the only bears to reside in Colorado, are strong swimmers, and can run 35 mph. We have never seen a black bear on the trail but recommend that you read literature on what do in the event that you encounter one. The linked blog post shares what we have learned from others and includes tips for hikers, mountain bikers, and campers.

Elk - In Rocky Mountain National Park during the fall, elk can be seen in Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Kawuneeche Valley. In addition, we have seen elk roaming the YMCA of the Rockies property in late June. Unlike deer who fight with their antlers during mating season, elk bulls conserve energy and prevent injury by bugling to intimidate rivals.
Gray Jay - We have encountered gray jays a couple of times while snowshoeing at altitudes ranging from 10,000 to 11,000 feet. Most of our pictures were taken at Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park while on a snowshoeing outing that began from the Bear Lake trailhead. Interestingly, gray jays are a year-round residents of the subalpine zone of Colorado's Rocky Mountains and not afraid to approach humans for food (but please do not feed them).
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep - Colorado is home to more bighorn sheep than anywhere else in the world and, aptly, it is the state's official mammal. Remarkably, they have pliable hooves that help them ascend steep rock faces where predators are unable to follow. Unlike deer that shed antlers, bighorn sheep do not shed their horns and, thus, horns can be used to identify a sheep's relative age within its group.

Nordic Walking Trails in Colorado - Fitness Training with Poles

2010-01-07T14:05:00.010-05:00

Nordic walking is an emerging outdoor activity that promotes aerobic exercise, an upper body workout, and a connection with nature. It can be done year round and only requires a set of walking poles. The pole swinging motion is likened to cross country skiing without skis but somewhat counter intuitive because pole tips are supposed to remain behind the lead foot and not used as means to pull yourself forward. Instead, pole tips are only supposed to lightly touch the ground and serve as a mechanism for emulating a cross country ski workout.

The following are trails we have hiked that seem ideal for Nordic walking because each includes one or more of the following characteristics:

Wide enough to allow poles to be consistently swung shoulder width apart and to provide a buffer for pole-snagging vegetation.
Void of rocky terrain because rocks wear down pole tips and make it difficult to get into a rhythm of lightly touching poles to the ground. Use metal tips on a soft surfaces (e.g., dirt, grass, snow) and rubber tips on hard surfaces (e.g., concrete, asphalt).
Gentle changes in elevation and a small number of switchbacks because long, flat straightaways promote good Nordic walking posture.

Each trail's name is linked to an in-depth blog post that includes maps, pictures, videos, and more. Parents will find that the following trails are also good for family hikes and picnics. Hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy some of the following trails but should check out the map of all Colorado trails we have explored for more options.

Boulder

Sanitas Valley Trail - Only 10 minutes from downtown Boulder, the Sanitas Valley trail is a popular destination for runners, trail runners, and walkers. Nordic walkers can enjoy the wide, 1.0 mile long dirt path (or 2.0 mile round trip). Parking is free but limited.
Estes Park

Lake Estes Trail - Located in the heart of Estes Park Colorado, the Lake Estes trail a 3.75 mile paved path with gentle changes in elevation. In September and October, Elk can be seen along side the trail. The following picture was taken from the eastern corner of the trail and showcases Prospect Mountain in the background. Free parking can be found in multiple places.

Lily Lake Trail - Lily Lake trail is a flat, wide 1.4 mile long dirt path. It is a fishing haven for Greenback Cutthroat Trout and often the site of strong winds. It is one of the few Rocky Mountain National Park trails that includes free parking.
Fort Collins / Loveland

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area - Although the 4.0 mile Valley Loop trail includes some switchbacks, a 300 foot elevation gain, and a few rocks; it offers long stretches of trail that are suitable for Nordic walking. There are several interpretative stations on the trail that detail the historical and ecological significance of the area so there are plenty of good excuses for taking a break. Parking is free.

Cathy Fromme Prairie - Cathy Fromme is a small park with a 2.5 mile paved concrete path and a raptor viewing blind. Its wide path and close proximity to Fort Collins make it an ideal location for repeated visits. Parking is free at both ends of the park.

Coyote Ridge Natural Area - The first mile of Coyote Ridge trail is wide, flat, and smooth. Beyond the first mile, the trail narrows and climbs aggressively over a ridge. A 2.0 mile round trip Nordic walk is recommended using the restroom as the turnaround point (seen in the center of the following picture). Parking is free.

Fossil Creek Open Space - Fossil creek is an utopia for Nordic walkers with a passion for birding. The park includes three short trails with loose gravel and paved concrete surfaces. The grasslands and water habitat serve as a bird sanctuary so sections of trail are closed at various intervals throughout the year. Parking is free. Maxwell and Pineridge Natural Areas - The eastern trails in the Maxwell and Pineridge Natural Areas are wide and flat and, thus, are suitable for Nordic walking whereas the western trails are better suited for mountain biking and hiking. In Maxwell, stay close to Colorado State's football stadium and, in Pineridge, walk around the Dixon Reservoir. Both natural areas experience heavy usage by trail runners, bikers, dog walkers, and more so be mindful of your swinging poles. Parking is free and available in multiple locations.
Poudre River Canyon

Seaman Reservoir Trail - Seaman Reservoir is a flat, wide, 1.0 mile long dirt trail located adjacent to the Gateway Natural Area. It is a tranquil setting for a Nordic walk with fly fishermen quietly wading through the North Fork Cache la Poudre River. What's more, the end of the walk offers a scenic view of Seaman Reservoir. Parking fees apply.
North of Poudre River Canyon

Mount Margaret - The 4.0 mile dirt trail is wide, smooth, and only changes elevation from 8,090 to 8,180 feet. We hiked straight to Mount Margaret and enjoyed its panoramic views but there are several 1.5 to 2.5 mile loops that branch off of the main trail and head to Dowdy Lake and Red Feather Lakes areas. Explore the secondary trails for an opportunity to have a long nordic walk. Parking is free. It takes time to develop good nordic walking posture and rhythm so newbies should be patient. To learn more, we recommend Claire Walter's book Nordic Walking: The Complete Guide to Health, Fitness, and Fun.

Two Knobby Tires 2010 Corporate Sponsorships

2010-01-01T13:10:00.006-05:00

We are proud to announce that we are supporting the following non-profit organizations in 2010.

2010 will be our second year supporting Leave No Trace as a retail partner and promoting the seven Leave No Trace principles. LNT mission statement and seven principles:

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide.

Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors

In addition, we are a proud supporter of the American Hiking Society. AHS mission statement:

As the national voice for America’s hikers, American Hiking Society promotes and protects foot trails and the hiking experience.

We are corporate sponsors of the International Mountain Bicycling Association. IMBA mission statement:

The International Mountain Bicycling Association is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide.

We an official copper partner of Tread Lightly! Their mission statement:

Tread Lightly!, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible outdoor recreation through ethics education and stewardship.

We an elite backcountry partner of the Winter Wildlands Alliance! Their mission statement:

Winter Wildlands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization promoting and preserving winter wildlands and a quality human-powered snowsports experience on public lands.

We are a grassroots supporter of World Bicycle Relief. Their mission statement:

Our mission is to provide access to independence and livelihood through The Power of Bicycles.

We recommend signing up for the monthly e-newsletter of each organization so that you can learn more about their activities. Our bet is that it will not be long before you feel compelled to support each of these organizations with a membership and/or stewardship. Please tell your friends about these organizations.

Twin Sisters Peaks - Hiking Trail in Estes Park, Colorado

2009-12-23T11:40:00.001-05:00

Twin Sisters Trail Map and Parking

The Twin Sisters trail head parking lot is located 0.5 miles south of the Lily Mountain trail head on CO-7, across the street from Lily Lake, and is about 10 minutes from Estes Lake in Estes Park, Colorado. Parking is free even though the Twin Sisters trail cuts through Rocky Mountain National Park. The primary activity is hiking and backcountry permits are required for camping. Dogs, vehicles, and mountain bikes are not allowed on the trails. Horses are allowed on designated trails and there is an area large enough for horse trailers to park and turn around. The trail head does not have water or restrooms but Lily Lake across the street does. Cell phone service was nonexistent on the trail. The trail head parking lot is about 0.5 miles up and away from the street so do not be fooled into thinking that the parking lot directly across from Lily Lake is the best place to park for hiking Twin Sisters.

Twin Sisters Trail

We hiked to the summit of Twin Sisters Peak on a warm day at the end of June. Twin Sisters trail is 3.7 miles one way with an elevation gain of ~2,300 feet; from 9,040 to 11,428 feet. It runs through both Rocky Mountain National Park and the Roosevelt National Forest. The trail starts with a dense forest canopy that offers shade and eventually rises above tree line.

The trail boasts a series of switchbacks that ease the ascent and provide views to the west that include Longs Peak. The trail is rocky in spots but free of any exceptionally difficult stretches.

This was one of only a couple of hikes we have done without our 2 1/2 year old daughter so, although it was a long hike, it felt easy in comparison to shorter hikes we have done with her on our back in a child carrier. The final stretch of trail is through a boulder field with an open landscape and unobstructed view to the north. At this point, we were beginning to feel fatigued and pre-picnic hunger was setting in. The difficulty of this trail was consistently moderate which allowed us to maintain a fun hiking rhythm.

On a sunny day, the panoramic view from the summit is breathtaking and an exceptional reward for a long hike. The trail leads up to the summit of the northwestern peak which is in the foreground of the following picture; Longs Peak is in the background. Hiking the 8.0 mile trail to the summit of Longs peak is one of our personal goals. We felt like the Twin Sisters hike, which is 3.7 miles one way, was a good practice hike since it is almost half the distance and elevation gain of the Longs Peak hike.

The previous picture and following pictures were taken from the southeastern peak that does not have an official trail to its summit, so we followed the Leave No Trace principle of traveling on durable surfaces (i.e., we jumped from rock to rock without stepping on the vegetation). Our scramble to the top of the southeastern peak is not recommended because it is precarious in a few spots. The northwestern peak summit via the designated trail was safe.

The following is the view to the south.

Scurrying around the summits were a couple of yellow-bellied marmots; one of which can be seen in the bottom left of the subsequent picture. These large squirrels rely on the subalpine vegetation near the summits so be sure to not step on any of the delicate vegetation growing on and around the rocks.

The following video was taken from the southeastern peak.

In sum, Twin Sisters is a day long hike that was challenging and rewarding but I imagine its difficulty and enjoyment depend heavily on the weather. The following are other RMNP/Estes Park trails we have enjoyed:

Rowdy Dawg 2009 - Mountain Bike Race Results

2009-12-21T16:00:00.003-05:00

I am just now checking the Rowdy Dawg race results and I finished 12th out of 15 beginner men with a time of 1:41:59. The winner of the beginner men's group had a time of 1:09:47 so I've need to improve by 30+ minutes if I hope to compete for the top spot next year and truly earn my Two Knobby Tires sponsorship.

The 2009 Rowdy Dawg mountain bike race was a lot of fun because the race organizers did a great job setting up the course and configuring the racing groups. In addition, the weather cooperated by providing a cool but sunny October morning that left the trails dry; except for a few wet dips.

I am an amateur racer with amateur cycling gear and put in very little training so a lot could have gone wrong, but all went well. I ate a Clif Bar for Kids about 45 minutes before the race. I chose a kids bar over a standard bar so I would not fill up my stomach. In addition, I ate two PowerBar gel packets 20 minutes before the race to give me an energy boost after the first set of climbs.

From my perspective, the beginner group sorted itself out on the first hill on the Poverty Creek Trail. I saw only a couple of other riders after the first 0.5 miles.

My fully rigid mountain bike and I got bounced around on the Trillium and Skull Cap trails. I was forced to dismount several times and, for short stretches, struggled to maintain momentum. I attribute my struggles to my lack of training and racing gear. In my preview of the beginner's course, I pointed out a big jump on the Skull Cap trail where it would be really cool to have a video camera set up (jump seen in the following picture).

I got what I wished for with two guys perched down from the jump: one taking a video and one taking pictures. Unfortunately, I did not see them in time to muster up the courage to make the jump so instead I walked around it. Thus, there is an embarrassing video out there of me dismounting instead of making an awesome leap. Please let me know if you find this video.

The beginner course diverged from the sport and expert course when racers took a right turn onto the Queen Anne trail. I rode through a spiderweb on this trail which led me to believe I was really far behind the preceding racer; as it turned out I was.

The race finished fast on the Poverty Creek Trail so I felt like I was finishing strong even if I wasn't. By the end, the sport riders were passing me with grace.

I almost had a major gear failure because the metal brackets that bind my brake levers to my steering column had come loose on both sides and by the end of the race my brake levers were pointing to the sky instead of angling down. Luckily, they didn't completely slip until the last 50 feet; when I entered a small dip filled with mud.

In sum, the weather was perfect, the trails were in good condition, and the race organizers did a great job of making the event amateur friendly. I am enjoying the pint glass that came with my race packet and hope to participate in the 2010 Rowdy Dawg.

Safety Collars and Leashes for Dogs - Reflective, LED

2009-12-21T11:43:00.002-05:00

In the winter, it is important to keep your dog active and for most pet owners that means walking their dog at night. We are pleased to announce that we offer two types of safety leashes and collars for dogs: one that includes reflective 3M material and another that includes an LED tube inside of nylon.

In Portland, Oregon; Cycle Dog makes dog collars and leashes by hand from reclaimed bicycle tubes. Their dog collars and leashes provide comfort for both humans and pets because bike tubes are soft and smooth. Further, bicycle tubes are suitable for dogs that hike or play in water because they are quick drying and odor resistant. What's more, some are saying that their dog does not like the taste of a bike tube so they may chew resistant too. You can help reduce the number of bicycle tubes that end up in landfills by using one of their products. The neon green collars and leashes include reflective 3M laminate that provides luminance in times of low light.

The LED products are made by the Boulder, Colorado company Nite Ize. Nite Ize products utilize LED technology to increase visibility up to a 1000 feet in the dark and provide safety without compromising comfort or convenience. The following Nite Ize products are weather resistant, durable, and come with long-lasting replaceable batteries. Give these collars and leashes a try if you like to take your dog camping and/or go on evening walks.

All four products are eligible for free shipping. Happy Holidays!

Rowdy Dawg 2009 Mountain Bike Race - Beginner Course Preview - Blacksburg, VA

2009-10-23T16:25:00.007-04:00

This Sunday, I am shaking off three months of rust to mountain bike in my second career race. My first race was a Show-Me State games competition at Rockbridge Memorial State Park in Columbia, Missouri in the summer of 2006. The Poverty Creek trail system in Blacksburg, Virginia is very similar to the Rockbridge trail system in that both include rolling hills with challenging climbs and fast descents; all through dense forest that consist of a mix of logs, rocks, streams, and leaves.

Rowdy Dawg Trail Map and Parking

The Rowdy Dawg mountain bike race is taking place about 20 minutes northwest of Blacksburg, VA. The parking lot, starting line, and finish line are in Broce's field near the intersection of Lick Run Rd/State Route 781 and State Route 708/Straley Valley. I recommend approaching State Route 708 from State Route 781 to avoid the pothole laden sections of State Route 708. Further, the race courses cross State Route 708 northeast of this intersection so spectators should definitely take State Route 781 to State Route 708. I am not sure if restrooms will be provided but Boley Fields is a short walk away and has two national forest outhouses. Cell phone service is weak along State Route 708.

State Route 708

All levels of racers start and end on the southwestern end of the Poverty Creek trail. The 10 mile beginner race starts by riding northwest on a clockwise loop on the following trails in the following order: Poverty Creek, Trillium, Skull Cap, Queen Anne, and Poverty Creek. The trail starts in a field and hops onto a gravel road before connecting to Poverty Creek trail. Racers will take a left turn onto Poverty Creek where the trail sign can be seen in the following picture.

Poverty Creek Trail

The Poverty Creek trail begins with a long steady climb and then rolls up and down on moderately smooth single track. It is a great trail to start a race because it gets your heart pumping while providing some time to lock into the trail before it becomes more difficult.

Ride on Poverty Creek for 3.1 miles before turning left on Trillium.

Trillium Trail

All racers ride on Trillium for ~1.0 mile before turning left on Skull Cap trail. Trillium is rockier than Poverty Creek and includes one prolonged climb. In addition, the leaves are making some stretches of trail more slippery than they would otherwise be.

It also includes a few puddles that may widen and deepen with rain on Friday night and Saturday. Riders should consider wet conditions when selecting their cycling apparel.

Skull Cap Trail

Skull Cap trail is also 1.0 mile long but includes a combination of both tree roots and rocks. It is the most technical section of trail that the beginner racers will ride on. There is one noteworthy tough climb that will be even tougher if leaves become rain soaked between now and race time.

The following picture is backwards looking and shows a two foot drop that I will be walking my fully rigid bike around ;). A similar two foot drop on Young Gulch Trail in Colorado broke my rear axle so I have been avoiding them ever since. A video camera setup about 5 yards down the trail would likely capture some sweet jumps from the expert riders. Sport, Expert, and XXC racers will turn left onto Prickly Pear trail (not documented here) while beginner racers will turn right when Skull Cap dead ends at Queen Anne trail.

Queen Anne Trail

The Queen Anne Trail is 0.5 miles of fast, smooth, and descending trail that ends at State Route 708. This short stretch of trail is the fastest and easiest that the beginners will ride on.

Beginner course racers will turn right onto State Route 708 before quickly bearing left onto Poverty Creek trail. The following picture shows the Queen Anne trail ending at State Route 708. The final 100 foot approach to State Route 708 contains a set of gnarly tree roots hiding under leaves and that caught me off-guard.

Finishing on Poverty Creek Trail

Beginner racers double back on Poverty Creek for about 4.5 miles of mountain biking that consists of stream crossings and puddles. The first section of Poverty Creek trail is fast and flat as it follows State Route 708. Further, it provides an opportunity to recharge before tackling the final set of climbs on the other side of the road.

All racers will follow Poverty Creek trail back to the finish line including the State Route 708 crossing seen in the subsequent picture.

Riding on Poverty Creek trail in the reverse direction provides much of the same challenges as the beginning of the race and that include fast descents, quick climbs, and a few technical switchbacks.

In sum, the Rowdy Dawg 2009 Mountain Bike Race should be a huge success and a lot of fun because the trails are well marked and in good condition. On Sunday or Monday, I will post my experiences after, hopefully, completing the beginner course.

Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival in Christiansburg, Virginia

2009-10-21T14:38:00.001-04:00

Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival Map and Parking

The Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival is located near Christiansburg, Virginia. It is reached by taking exit 114 of off I-81 and heading south on VA-8 for 2.2 miles. The festival is taking place until November 8th and is open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm. Parking is abundant and free. Restrooms were provided in the form of port-o-potties. Go to http://www.sinklandfarms.com/pumpkinfestival.html for more information.

Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival Activities

Although it was cold, we had fun walking around the Sinkland Farms property and exploring its activities. The farm operates a corn maze for adults but we only patronized the toddler maze; where our kids had fun jumping off of and climbing on bales of hay.

The pony ride was $5 and more fun for us as parents than it was for our 2 1/2 year old; whose excitement was waning as the cold weather's bite penetrated our winter clothes. Other activities include face painting, live music, and an animal barn.

Hay rides are only $2/person but we chose to walk to the pumpkin patch instead. There were plenty of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from.

One of the highlights of the visit was the festival's pumpkin launcher which can launch pumpkins hundreds of yards. The following video shows the festival's pumpkin launcher in action. You have to look closely to see that the pumpkin starts beneath the launcher.

The following is our pumpkin carved to our daughter's specifications: two triangle eyes, a round nose, eyebrows, and three teeth.

In sum, the Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival is a fun, autumn outdoor outing for families and is a good alternative to hiking on a cold day. A similar and equally fun fall activity is blueberry picking. Happy Halloween from everyone at Two Knobby Tires!

Travelers - Help Prevent Swine Flu (H1N1) with Neti Pot Sinus Irrigation

2009-10-16T09:50:00.006-04:00

Sinus irrigation (a.k.a., Nasal washing) is a natural treatment for allergies that can help prevent seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu. In addition, sinus irrigation with a neti pot is safe for pregnant women and young children (two and older). What's more, a recent study found that nasal rinsing is a safe and effective treatment option in pregnant women with seasonal allergic rhinitis.

A clean nose is important for overall health so cleaning your sinuses regularly is a proactive measure towards preventing sickness. Maintaining a clean nose is especially important for travelers because they are exposed to environmental pollution and irritants. The following diagram illustrates how Nasopure's patented neti pot bottle facilitates sinus irrigation with the head in an upright position; which makes it usable in the shower and over the sink.

With regard to the swine flu (H1N1), your nose functions as an external filter and the H1N1 virus can invade the nasal membrane lining causing your body to react to the virus invasion within just a few days. Sinus irrigation can wash away viral particles before they have an opportunity to invade your body's mucosa (i.e., the membrane lining inside your nose). Saline mixes vary in strength and effectiveness but a hypertonic saline solution is recommended for killing virus cell walls by osmosis (i.e., drying up the viral body).

We offer starter kits that include a neti pot bottle and salt packets for up to 20 weeks of use. In addition, we offer a travel kit that includes a four ounce bottle that is valid for passage through airport security.
We sell a traditional neti pot that is BPA free, recyclable, lightweight, and durable (salt not included).

In addition, we offer a bulk set of the neti pot salt packets that can make up to nine months of saline solution that soothes irritated membranes by safely washing away pollen, mold, dust, bacteria, viruses, and mucus. The following salt packets are compatible with all neti pots including Nasopure, Rhino Horn, Nasaline, SinuCleanse, NeilMed, Ayr, and Himalayan.

We endorse sinus irrigation because a healthy, active outdoors lifestyle exposes the nasal passages to environmental irritants such as allergens, viruses, and bacterial organisms. Being outdoors dries the nasal membranes and thickens mucus, both factors contribute to an unhealthy and improper functioning of your personal filter (i.e., your nose). Sinus irrigation is a natural and inexpensive prevention and treatment option for common nose and sinus problems and, thus, it can help you spend more time outdoors connecting with nature and less time stuck indoors surfing the Internet, playing video games, and watching TV. Sinus irrigation is not just for outdoor enthusiasts because it is also recommended for use by travelers, children, construction workers, athletes, performers, singers, seniors, firefighters, farmers, military, and anyone exposed to environmental pollution and irritants.

We wish you safe and healthy travels this holiday season.

Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve - Lake George Adirondack Nature Hike

2009-10-13T12:17:00.001-04:00

Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve Trail Map and Parking

The Pilot Knob Ridge Preserve is located on Pilot Knob Road in Lake George, New York. The trail is ideal for hiking and hiking with dogs but not recommended for small children because there are steep, challenging parts of the trails. There is ample free small parking and parking on the roadway or on neighboring property is prohibited. There are no restrooms or water located anywhere on the trail. Motorized or non-motorized recreational vehicles are not allowed in the preserve. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and there are no dog waste bags provided. There is cell phone service at the trail head and throughout the trails. At the trail head, there is a book you can sign to document your hiking date/time, how many people in your hiking group, where you are from, and your comments about the hike. In addition, there are free pamphlets that provide a brief history and general information about the preserve.

Orange Trail

The orange trail starts at the trail head, is 1.2 miles long round trip, and ascends 600 ft from 400 ft to 1000 ft. Although a short trail, it has a few long stretches of steep incline (can be seen in following picture), which makes the first half of the trail challenging. The trail has a lot of small to medium sized rocks and tree roots, which can be slippery after a recent rainfall. The trail sits beneath deep forest canopy and, therefore, it is a good option for hot summer days. If you decide to only complete the orange trail it is a challenging but short hike that provides wonderful views of Lake George without having to hike too far up.
The orange trail can be tiring but it does not take very long and, thus, you can easily get to the top in twenty minutes. The hike down is not difficult but you should be sure to watch your footing. The picture below shows the last section of the orange trail before you reach the top and includes the degree of incline and size of rocks on the trail.
As seen on the picture below, on the side of the trail there is Interrupted fern and Christmas fern. Some other plant life in the preserve includes red oak, striped maple, and white birch. The most common wildlife seen can be the gray squirrel, eastern chipmunk, and Fowler’s toad. Other examples of wildlife but are less commonly seen in the preserve include moose, coyote, wild turkey, and great horned owl.

Gazebo

At the top of the orange trail, a gazebo has been built on land that was formerly the site of an illegally built house. The house has since been confiscated by the authorities, torn down, and converted into a scenic viewing area. The illegally built driveway still exists and forms the southern half of the orange trail loop. The gazebo sits on flat ground with very high grass and is ideal for having a picnic using a lightweight backpack. From the gazebo, you can either turn around to complete the orange trail or continue on to the blue trail, which leads you to a small waterfall. In addition, there are two options for hiking down from the gazebo: you can either go down the way you came up or return on the old illegal driveway. The old driveway is mostly paved and steep but allows you to avoid hiking down on the rocks and tree roots. Further, it connects to the original trail towards the end so you will still finish at the trail head.
From the gazebo, there are great views of Lake George including the south end of the lake (see picture below) and all the way to the narrows (see picture above).

Blue Trail

The blue trail is a 1.3-mile loop that is an extension of the orange trail. It goes deeper into the mountain and leads to a small waterfall. It is much flatter and less difficult than the orange trail. The majority of the trail is flat and less rocky but there are a few short stretches of incline. At one point in the trail you can either continue straight or go left on the trail, it is just a loop so either way takes you to the same place. I would recommend going straight because it leads to the bottom of the waterfall and continues up and around to the top of the waterfall. If you go left, you reach the top of the waterfall first. The trail is a little buggy unlike the orange trail so bug spray is recommended. There are no views of the lake on this trail . After you have completed the loop, the trail brings you back to the gazebo area where you take the orange trail back to the trail head.
The waterfall is very small with weak water flow. I hiked this part of the trail in July and August so it is possible that the waterfall is more impressive in the spring when runoff from the snow is in full effect.
In sum, this is a fun, short hike that offers great views of Lake George. The gazebo area is ideal for picnics but the waterfall is not very exciting.

Colorado Mountain Biking Trails - Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland, Lyons

2009-09-23T13:47:00.008-04:00

Colorado's Northern Front Range includes lots of mountain bike trails that can be fun for everyone from beginners to experts. The following are trails we have documented with each trail ranked by difficulty within its region. Click a trail name's link to view maps, pictures, videos, and more information about the trails or view a map of all Colorado trails we have explored.

Boulder / Lyons

1. Rabbit Mountain - Rabbit Mountain has 5.6 miles of trail and free parking. Eagle Wind trail is a 4.0 round trip ride with 350 feet in elevation gain and not very technical. Rabbit Mountain is a great place to visit for a quick ride after work.2. Hall Ranch - Hall Ranch's 6.9 miles of mountain bike trails includes a mix of fast, easy single track and slow, challenging climbs over big rocks and around tight corners. Start from the Antelope trail's free parking lot for a less technical and simply fun ride. Or, start from the Bitterbrush trail's free parking lot for a challenging climb around and over rocky bends. Either way, Hall Ranch is a must-visit for all mountain biking enthusiasts because its varied terrain makes for an exciting ride.
Fort Collins

1. Mountain Bike Skills Parks in Fort Collins - Hone your skills at one of two mountain bike skills parks in Fort Collins. The Lory State Park skills park requires an entrance fee but has three areas (skills, pump, dirt jump) that support everyone from beginners to experts. The Spring Canyon Park mountain bike skills area is more challenging and less beginner friendly.2. Lory State Park Valley Trails - The trails that run along the eastern, western, and southern edges of the main valley in Lory State Park are a great place for a new mountain biker to start. Specifically, the single track trails form a 7.3 mile loop, are smooth, and include limited changes in elevation and manageable switchbacks. In addition, Horsetooth Mountain Park can be accessed from the South Valley loop to extend a ride. The aforementioned skills park is located near the eastern valley trail so new mountain bike skills can be practiced before hitting the trails. An entrance fee is required to enter the park.3. Maxwell to Pineridge Natural Areas - Riding from the Maxwell Natural Area to Pineridge Natural Area quickly became my favorite after-work ride because I was able to ride to the Maxwell entrance from my apartment. The 7+ mile loop is not very technical but does include some optional climbs. The Timber trail in Pineridge Natural Area offers a short stretch of technical single track. Parking is free and the trails are accessible from several locations.4. Maxwell to Reservoir Ridge Natural Areas - A six mile one-way ride from Maxwell Natural Area to Reservoir Ridge Natural Area is a very challenging ride because the trail climbs the ridge three times and spans elevations from 5,200 to 5,500 feet. The ride starts with a challenging switchback climb up and over a ridge. The next stretch of trail runs along the shoreline of Horsetooth Reservoir and is fast and easy. However, the approach to Reservoir Ridge is extremely rocky and can require several dismounts; including a few un-rideable stretches. Parking is free and the trails are accessible from several locations.
Fort Collins / Loveland

1. Blue Sky Trail - The Blue Sky trail is a 5.5 mile trail that connects Horsetooth Mountain Park to Coyote Ridge Natural Area and Devil's Backbone Open Space. The trail is a rolling, curvy single track with one prolonged climb. Further, it is fun for mountain biking families and beginners because it is a primarily smooth, fast trail with minimal numbers of rocks to maneuver around. Mountain bike rides can be extended by connecting to Indian Summer and Rimrock trails. Parking at Horsetooth Reservoir requires an entrance fee but parking at Coyote Ridge is free.2. Indian Summer via Blue Sky - Mountain biking from Horsetooth Reservoir to Indian Summer via Blue Sky is my favorite Colorado mountain bike ride because it is a fast ride with challenging climbs. Indian Summer is a 2.1 mile horseshoe shaped extension of Blue Sky that traverses open landscape at elevations ranging from 5,400 to 5,800 feet. Indian Summer by itself is not difficult but getting to it takes some work because the only way to access it is via Blue Sky. 3. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area - The 4.0 mile Valley Loop trail at Bobcat Ridge has about 300 feet in elevation change and offers short climbs and descents with minimal technical maneuvering. There are other trails at Bobcat Ridge that are more difficult but the Valley Loop is a great place to start. Parking is free.4. Coyote Ridge Natural Area - Coyote Ridge starts easy but then quickly becomes a long, steep 600 foot climb covering only 2.0 miles of trail. I recommend this trail only if you are in mountain biking shape because I showed up out of shape and got worked by the long climb. Coyote Ridge connects to Rimrock which connects to Blue Sky. Even though parking at Coyote Ridge is free, I recommend riding to Blue Sky from Horsetooth Mountain Park.5. Rimrock Mountain Bike Trail - Rimrock trail is 1.8 miles long and traverses elevations ranging from 5,400 to 5,600 feet. Mountain biking east to west, the trail starts at Coyote Ridge Natural Area at approximately 5,600 feet in elevation. The trail is very rocky in spots and includes some staircases that required dismounting. By arriving at Rimrock trail from Coyote Ridge Natural Area, you have already mountain biked a tough 2.0 mile, 600 feet elevation climb so fatigue can be factor while on Rimrock trail (at least it was for me). Rimrock can only be accessed from Blue Sky and Coyote Ridge. 6. Crosier Mountain - Crosier Mountain is a 4.5 mile trail with an elevation gain of 2,830 feet, from 6,420 to 9,250 feet. We only hiked the first ~2 miles of the trail with an estimated elevation gain of ~1,000 feet. The trail is open to mountain biking and would appear to be a very challenging ride because of tight, steep, and rocky switchbacks. However, 1.25 miles into the hike the trail levels off and would become an easier mountain bike ride. Parking is free.
Poudre River Canyon

1. Hewlett Gulch - Hewlett Gulch is my second favorite Colorado mountain bike trail because it has numerous stream crossings, long climbs, a mix of rock and dirt, and a serenely beautiful ravine as the backdrop. The main trail is 3.0 miles one way with a mild elevation gain from 5,600 feet to 6,200 feet. The additional unnamed loop trail is a continuation of the main trail, 2.6 miles long, and climbs 600 feet to 6,800 feet in elevation. The main trail is moderately difficult but the additional loop has stretches that are technical and steep. Parking is free.2. Young Gulch - Young Gulch is located a mile down the road from Hewlett Gulch so an ambitious rider can ride both in the same day. Young Gulch is similar to Hewlett Gulch because of its numerous stream crossings and gradual incline but more difficult because the terrain is very rocky in spots with drops up to two feet; one of which broke my rear axle. The trail is 4.4 miles long, single track, and gradually ascends from 5,800 feet to 7,100 feet.
North of Poudre River Canyon

1. Mount Margaret - The trail is a wide, fast 4.0 mile ride with a limited elevation gain from 8,090 to 8,180 feet and, thus, it is a suitable for families and beginners. We hiked straight to Mount Margaret and its panoramic views but there are several 1.5 to 2.5 mile loops that branch off of the main trail and head to Dowdy Lake and Red Feather Lakes areas. Exploring the secondary trails would be easier on a mountain bike or horse as opposed to hiking on foot. Parking is free.2. Red Mountain Open Space - I had the opportunity to hike in Red Mountain Open Space before it was available to the public but have not mountain biked in it. Based on my visit, it appears to have several fast, single track mountain bike trails with limited changes in elevations. In addition, Soapstone Prairie Natural Area borders with the park so visiting both in the same day can make a long drive worth while. Both are worth further investigation.

Rabbit Mountain Open Space Park - Lyons Mountain Biking Trails

2009-09-22T11:51:00.004-04:00

Rabbit Mountain Trail Map and Parking

Rabbit Mountain Open Space is located east of Lyons, Colorado. From Longmont or I-25, take CO-66 west, turn right on North 53rd Street, and follow it 2.9 miles to the trail head on the right. On CO-66, 53rd street and the park are not well marked so you have gone too far if you get to US-36. Primary activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, and hiking with leashed dogs. Camping and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park. Parking is free and includes restrooms and enough space for horse trailers but does not include water fountains. Cell phone service was strong while in the park.

Rabbit Mountain Open Space Trails

Rabbit Mountain Open Space has 5.6 miles of multi-use trail. The first 0.5 miles of trail connects to the three main trails: Eagle Wind, Overlook, and Indian Mesa. The park is unique because it includes a transition from prairie to montane ecosystems. Wildlife at the park includes prairie dogs, deer (white-tailed and mule), hawks, coyotes, golden eagles, and bobcats. Further, rattlesnakes can be seen from March to October. In addition, seasonal closures from February through July can be in effect to protect nesting birds but do not affect trail use. The first 0.5 miles is a mildly rocky 200 foot climb from 5,500 to 5,700 feet; as can been seen in the following picture.

Eagle Wind Trail

Eagle Wind trail is 2.0 mile loop with 0.5 miles of trail leading up to the loop. The ride on Eagle Wind totals 3.0 miles with less than 200 feet gain in elevation; from 5,700 to 5,850 feet. From the trail head, the total round trip ride is 4.0 miles with 350 feet in elevation gain. The trail is level to start and then turns right up a long straight hill.
The following picture was taken looking west and highlights how surprisingly scenic Rabbit Mountain is considering how far east it lies.
Eagle Wind trail is a loop than runs along the top of a ridge so views in all directions are visible and include the continental divide and Longs Peak.
The Eagle Wind trail has nothing exceptional about it (e.g, grade, rocks, switchbacks) but at 3.0 miles it is long enough to generate a substantial cardio workout. I rode Eagle Wind after a long ride at Hall Ranch so my fatigue from Rabbit Mountain may be overstated.
The Eagle Wind trail only has a few sections of trail that are smooth but the rocky sections contain small rocks so the ride was not too bumpy on my fully rigid mountain bike. The following picture shows the rockiest section of trail and includes some of the flora: Plains Prickly Pear Cactus, Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine, and True Mountain Mahogany.

Returning on the Trail Head

Returning to the trail head is a fast descent that is mildly rocky and includes a few switchbacks.
In sum, Rabbit Mountain Open Space is a small park that includes short, fun trails that are ideal for frequent visits after work or class. The following is a list of other mountain bike trails along the Front Range:

Boulder / Lyons - Hall Ranch
Poudre River Canyon - Hewlett Gulch and Young Gulch
Fort Collins - Maxwell to Pineridge Natural Areas, Maxwell to Reservoir Ridge Natural Areas, Mountain Bike Skills Parks in Fort Collins, and Lory State Park Valley Trails
Fort Collins / Loveland - Blue Sky Trail, Indian Summer via Blue Sky, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Coyote Ridge Natural Area, and Rimrock Mountain Bike Trail

Hall Ranch in North Foothills Open Space - Mountain Bike Trails

2009-09-21T14:49:00.006-04:00

Hall Ranch Trail Map and Parking

Hall Ranch is located in Lyons, Colorado. Primary activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking. Dogs, camping, and motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park. There are three free parking lots, restrooms, and enough space for horse trailers but no water fountains. Cell phone service was intermittent while in the park. We parked in the southern set of parking lots which was reached by taking US-36 west to Lyons, turning left onto CO-7 heading south for one mile, and taking a right into the trail head area. Of the three parking lots, we started from the southern most parking lot that accesses Bitterbrush trail. The parking just north is larger and includes space for horse trailers.

Bitterbrush Trail

Of the 14 miles of total trails, all are accessible for hiking and 6.9 miles are accessible for mountain biking. Bitterbrush trail is 3.7 miles long, starts just above 5,400 feet in elevation, and finishes at the beginning of the Nelson Loop at 6,400 feet.
The first 1.25 miles of trail is fast, rolling trail with some climbing mixed in. Bitterbrush intersects with a couple of old dirt roads which are in the process of being revegetated and assimilated into the park's natural habitat and, thus, it is important to stay off these dirt roads (seen at the bottom-right of the following picture).
We found the next 0.5 miles of trail to be very challenging because all at once the trail becomes steeper, rockier, and curvier.
We had to dismount in several places because the rocks narrowed beyond our skill level. In fact, when we returned through this section my riding partner wiped out face-first attempting a very technical downhill, 90 degree left turn. Without hesitation, I walked through the section so the fact he gave it whirl showed his courage.
After the boulder field, the next 0.3 miles is a long steady climb with some switchbacks to ease the incline. Thank you to Matt for taking some pictures which allows me to be seen chugging along at a slow, steady pace.
The trail continues to the top of a ridge and is designed to protect three wildlife habitats: one to the east, one to the north, and one to the west. At this point in the ride, the trail has climbed 600 feet; from 5,400 to 6,000 feet.
After crossing the top of the ridge, the trail dips down for a fast descent. Not seen in the subsequent picture is a park bench conveniently located for taking a breather and eating a snack after a long climb.

Antelope Trail

The following picture is backwards looking and shows the intersection between Bitterbrush trail and Antelope trail. We did not ride on the Antelope trail but several bikers who did said the 1.0 mile trail was significantly easier than the 2.5 miles of Bitterbrush trail that leads up to this intersection. Instead of starting on the Bitterbrush trail, the Antelope trail can make for a much easier ride because it is less rocky and only requires a climb of 400 feet (5,600 to 6,000 feet) versus 600 feet of rocky climbing on Bitterbrush. Notably, the Antelope trail head parking lot is really small so parking can be tough to find on a busy day.

Continuing on Bitterbrush

From the intersection with Antelope, Bitterbrush continues another 1.2 miles to the Nelson Loop trail and includes another 400 feet of elevation gain to an altitude of 6,400 feet.

The following video was taken as the Bitterbrush trail nears the Nelson Loop trail and captures the change in landscape from grasslands to woodlands that include Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine, Plains Prickly Pear Cactus, and Rocky Mountain Juniper. Wildlife in the park include black-tailed prairie dogs, white-tailed deer, rattlesnakes, mule deer, mountain lions, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

Nelson Loop Trail

We were exhausted by the time we reached the Nelson Loop trail but were holding out hope that we must be due for some fast downhill trail after all of our climbing. We rode clockwise around the 2.2 mile Nelson Loop trail and experienced another 300 foot gain in elevation. The protruding rocks seen in the distance of the western half the park are igneous (e.g., Longs Peak) whereas the rocks in the eastern half are sandstone.
After passing the intersection with the hiking-only Nighthawk trail, the northwestern half of the Nelson Loop transitions into a very fast downhill (i.e., 300 feet of decline) as can be seen in the following video.

The Nelson Loop reminds me of the Indian Summer Loop (via Blue Sky) because of its switchback climbs, smooth trail, and fast descents. The following picture captures the view to the north as we sped downhill.

Returning on Bitterbrush Trail

Our return on Bitterbrush trail was less exhausting because it was primarily downhill. However, we walked some of the boulder fields seen earlier in this post because they were too technical for us to safely maneuver. The last picture was taken riding east on Bitterbrush and before reaching the intersection with Antelope. The total distance from the beginning of Bitterbrush, around the Nelson Loop, and back is almost 10 miles.
In sum, the latter half of Bitterbrush and the entire Nelson Loop are fast, fun, and challenging single track trails. On the other hand, the beginning of the Bitterbrush trail includes extremely challenging rocky terrain that may not be fun for everyone. The rest of trails can be experienced without the challenging rocky terrain by starting on the Antelope trail. The following is a list of other mountain bike trails along the Front Range:

Boulder / Lyons - Rabbit Mountain Open Space
Poudre River Canyon - Hewlett Gulch and Young Gulch
Fort Collins - Maxwell to Pineridge Natural Areas, Maxwell to Reservoir Ridge Natural Areas, Mountain Bike Skills Parks in Fort Collins, and Lory State Park Valley Trails
Fort Collins and Loveland - Blue Sky Trail, Indian Summer via Blue Sky, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Coyote Ridge Natural Area, and Rimrock Mountain Bike Trail

Blueberry Picking in Blacksburg, Virginia

2009-09-18T16:45:00.004-04:00

Blueberry Picking Map and Parking

Last Sunday, we went blueberry picking at Windrush Farm. Windrush Farm is located 15 miles north of Blacksburg, Virginia and is reached by heading 11 miles north on US-460W, turning left on Spruce Run Road (VA-605), and driving 3.2 miles to a left turn onto Windrush Lane. Parking was plentiful and included a portable toilet. Cell phone service was strong while on the property.

Blueberry Picking

The blueberries at Windrush Farm are grown pesticide free and with organic fertilizers. We did not acquire any bug bites despite the farm being pesticide free. According to my wife, their price of $2.25/pound or $1.68/pint is significantly better than that of local grocery stores. What's more, we were able to pick succulent blueberries by the hand full without needing to do any serious foraging. Notably, the blueberries must be picked and are not available for sale pre-picked.Our two and half year old daughter had a lot fun tasting and picking blueberries because there were plenty at her eye level. However, the blueberry plants do not offer much shade so a floppy sun hat and sun tan lotion are advocated for children.
The following video shows the property and rows of blueberry plants.
In sum, Windrush Farm's blueberries were succulent and grouped together in large clusters so we had a lot of fun. Be sure to check out their web site for hours and conditions: http://windrushfarm.com/

Cub Lake Trail to Fern Lake Trail - RMNP Hiking

2009-09-10T10:40:00.001-04:00

Cub Lake and Fern Lake Trail Map and Parking

In Rocky Mountain National Park west of Estes Park Colorado, Cub Lake and Fern Lake trail heads are reached by driving west from the Beaver Meadows entrance station on US-36, quickly turning left onto Bear Lake Road, and taking the second right onto Fern Lake Road (not well marked). The trail head is typically open during the winter because it is east of the Trail Ridge Road; which is closed October to June. Primary activities include hiking, backcountry camping (with a permit), and horseback riding but mountain bikes, dogs, and hunting are prohibited. A park pass is required to reach the trail head. The trail head does not provide restrooms or water; and cell phone service is weak. Parking is limited to several small lots near the Cub Lake and Fern Lake trail heads so an early arrival is advised. We stayed in a YMCA of the Rockies cabin for two nights which provided easy access to the park.

Cub Lake Trail

We hiked a loop from the Cub Lake trail head to the Fern Lake trail head (i.e., in a clockwise direction). The 2.3 mile hike to Cub Lake starts at 8,080 feet and ends at 8,700 feet. The first mile of trail is flat, wide, and easy to manage.
From the beginning to the end, this trail provides scenic views that include the nearby mountains to the west.
The first mile of trail continues to run along the western edge of Moraine Park and is set inside the montane ecosystem. The montane ecosystem includes Rocky Mountain Ponderosa Pine, Colorado Black Bears, squirrels, chipmunks, and Elk.The following picture shows the view to east of Moraine Park that is visible before heading into forest canopy.
The trail begins a gradual climb up to Cub Lake from this point.
We were attacked by mosquitoes once we entered the forest and, unfortunately, did not have any bug spray with us because we had never experienced bugs in RMNP.

Cub Lake

Cub Lake is very similar to Dream Lake, Nymph Lake, and Emerald Lake in that it is nestled along side 10,000+ foot mountains and includes an accessible shoreline. The shoreline offers several eco friendly and durable spots (i.e., rocks) on which to set up a picnic.
The following video captures the serenity of Cub Lake.

The next picture is a backwards looking view of Cub Lake visible after hiking past it.
From Cub Lake, we hiked an additional 1.2 miles to The Pool; totaling 3.5 miles. After some climbing, the trail descends for a significant distance making the hike from Cub Lake to The Pool fairly easy but it would require more work to hike in the reverse direction. Specifically, the ascent is less steep when hiking from the Cub Lake trail to the Fern Lake trail than it is hiking the loop in the reverse direction.

The Pool

The Pool is a vibrant intersection of water and rock that generates both soothing sights and sounds.
The subsequent video shows The Pool's heavy flow generated from a very rainy spring.

Hiking to the Fern Lake Trail Head

Hiking from The Pool to the Fern Lake Trail head is 1.7 miles of mostly downhill trail that runs along side a stream. The total distance for this loop hike is 5.2 miles.
We hitched a ride 1.1 miles from the Fern Lake trail head to the Cub Lake trail head and then used our car to pick up the rest of our group from the Fern Lake trail head. Walking from the Fern Lake trail head to the Cub Lake head is easy but does add time to an already long hike.
In sum, hiking from Cub Lake to The Pool and returning back to the Fern Lake trail head was a long, easy hike with an eclectic set of experiences including stream crossings, a serene lake, a vibrant water flow (i.e., The Pool), following a stream, and being up close to 10,000+ foot mountains. The following are other RMNP/Estes Park trails we have enjoyed: