Ramble Post 4: Respite

This Labor Day Weekend, I hosted an old work mate and his brother for a few days camping and riding.  These guys have only ridden Fantasy Island in Tucson....so I knew they were in for quite "the ride".  Given they are taken to triathalons and such....I knew I could throw them a challenge and they would not complain....especially when they saw what was blowing up at the base of Schultz.....

 After setting up their camp, I took them out for a quick late afternoon ride up Little Gnarly and Brookbank with a zoom down Sunset.....the smiles on the obligatory HAB let me know this crowd was high on morale and low on the "gripe-factor"....

Given that these guys don't really ride mountain bikes and don't spend much time above 2,000ft.....they held their own with the zoom down Sunset generating comments like, "that was the best ride I've ever been on".....mission accomplished.

The next day, I planned for a bit more mellow, but longer loop around the NW side of the peaks to include some AZ trail goodness.....the robust ferns this late in summer leave me speechless.....

Heading south on the AZ trail from 418, we took the Bismark turnoff to start our loop....Tanner playing on a trail that was under 3 inches of water last time I rode it......

As we headed south on 151....I heard the guys jaws hit their toptubes as they came around Fern Mountain and took in the Kachina's for the first time.....

Late summer color was all around in the form of yellows and a few elusive blues.......except for the bluebird which was dominating the day..........

 Transitioning back to the east towards Aspen Corner, we slowly gained elevation on Hart Prairie.....

The prairie grasses were in full late-summer effect......lichens and tundra flora above treeline were just starting to show a hint of color which forebodes the coming change in season and it's sunburst of yellow in the Aspen below.........

Pausing for a burrito break at Alfalfa Tank, we watched dogs play in the water and clouds march north......

The grasses were starting to dry with the end of the summer rains...........

Yet the color freak-show continued along the AZ trail as we returned on our loop.......

I was so stoked to be able to share the passion with two folks who had limited experience on the mountain bike; but solid fitness and even greater attitudes.  By their comments this weekend....I know they'll be back.