I also discovered that there was a dirt bike trail that should complete my proposed loop. And the best part was by my estimate it was going to be around 12 miles. I finally got a chance to test out my master plan last weekend. I had been on about half the loop previously but I had no idea what the second part really looked like.
I started early because I was worried he would get too hot and tired otherwise. It was great there weren’t any dirt bikes or buggies out that early and we made really good time for the first 5 miles. Since we had climbed quite a bit I gave him a rest and then led him for a mile. After I started riding again things started to get a little sketchy.
The road got really rocky and everything was loose and round and he was slipping quite a bit. I decided to try ditching the road because it looked less rocky. I was wrong. It was just as bad except there was brush and dried up cheatgrass to hide the rocks. I decided he was scrambling more so we went back to the road. He is getting more careful with his feet but it still makes me nervous.
We chugged along for awhile and finally the rocks cleared up and we could see the lake again. About this time Stinker decided he was headed home and picked up the pace. I cheated and peeked at my phone to make sure we were still on the right path. After a little ways I started seeing tracks from when my mom and I had gone on her grand adventure.
It ended up being 12.78 miles and we climbed a total of 1708 feet. I ended up walking him for about two of those miles. It took about 3.5 hours but considering it was nearly all at the walk I was happy with the time. Plus he was quite sassy when we got back so clearly despite being sweaty he wasn’t really tired. I wasn’t sure where his fitness was at since I haven’t been getting out as much and he got a couple weeks off plus more time in light work in January.
I can't even express how jealous I am that you have this in your backyard 😍
ReplyDeleteThere are empty lots 😉
Deletewhat a gorgeous ride. tho i'm legit not sure charlie and i could go for 12 miles.... maybe isabel could have but i think charlie would just lay down and die lol
ReplyDeleteStinker loves getting out on the trails. I’m not sure how far he can go but he has never been tired when we have gotten back. He will huff and puff climbing up the hills and I’ll walk the steep or long ones. But overall I’ve been really impressed with his conditioning
DeleteWow, what a ride! Pretty views too.
ReplyDeleteI love the views. It is fun to get out and see what I can find.
DeleteI can't wait to finally hit a real trail with Dante!
ReplyDeleteI love being able to get horses out on the trails.
DeleteSO jealous you got to go out for a trail ride. We have so much snow still. WAhhh
ReplyDeleteWe basically had no winter. I’m dreading what it will do to hay prices but it made for great riding all winter.
DeleteSo pretty. You should take up endurance; there's a bunch of rides in your area.
ReplyDeleteI thought about it but I feel like starting and vetting would blow his mind. He isn’t very good if he isn’t in the lead and activity always excites him. I might give an intro ride a shot but I think I want to watch a few before I make any decisions.
DeleteI'm glad that rocky part didn't trick you into turning around! Sounds like a great day, and that's fantastic Stinker wasn't even tired. I think my butt would be numb after all that time in the saddle!
ReplyDelete