I tried something new for me last Friday – mountain biking.
The weather was perfect and I had a few free hours, so I took advantage of the opportunity. Carpe diem! I wanted to get in a bike ride before the snow and ice of winter arrived.
I went to Lowes Creek County Park in Eau Claire County, which offers a fitness course and trails for skiers, mountain bikers, and hikers. By the way, there’s also fishing in the trout stream that runs through the park.
A student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire told me that he was surprised to find such a high quality system of mountain bike trails in Eau Claire.
Trails of easy, intermediate and advanced levels were color-coded. Abundant signage displayed creative trail names like ‘Missing Link,’ ‘Willinator,’ ‘Tetanus Shot,’ and ‘Axed.’
I started out with easy trails – represented by the color green on maps and signage. At first I slowly navigated the S-curves, but built up speed with experience.
I biked through a series of pine glades, enveloped in an atmosphere of calm and beauty.
A doe jumped up and ran as I rounded one of the curves.
Then I decided to at least try an intermediate trail. The trails are multi-use and I could walk my bike if I felt unstable.
Well, I alternately biked and walked over roots; on a curved, canted bridge and a multi-level bridge; and on hills, jumps and bumps that were too steep for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed the new experience and the scenery!
