Choosing the Steeper Grade

I headed out on the trail at 0650 this morning hoping to cram in 13k in 7 hours. I did a couple of lower Sheep loops (to last bail out - tree issues on top still) first coming down Three Pines (Larch?). There was a nice large black bear (w/in 20 yards - I did not stop) on second trip down. I was a little tired (from yesterday) and could not clear a tough section at the top until the third attempt. I then headed up to the Ravine Trail and over to the Bowl. It was my first time on the Ravine and what a sweet descent! Fun!

I then rode up the Beargrass for about two seconds until the first portage and said that was not going to work knowing that there were going to be too many to get things done in time. So I went up Second Thought and then to the Upper Lavelle Lift where the snow line is at present. Then down and then back up again, cutting it a little shorter knowing the Ravine should get the last elevation I wanted going back. Well, coming back down Second Thought the second time a "gun shot" echoed throughout the canyon as my rear tire (Race King 2.0) literally exploded after a sharp rock sliced through everything! This tire is A+ for XC racing, but not for this. So at 6 hours fifteen minutes it was game over.
As I was "repairing" things (dollar bill, some receipts and a cliff bar wrapper), Toby and Andrew (two seriously strong single speeders) came bombing down and we had a good visit. Toby is doing the Puff this year. Andrew rode in the Great Divide race last year. They came up the Beargrass and confirmed the downed tree situation. I managed to limp down to the lodge and then half way down the bowl road when my wife and kids met me and drove me to the truck at the Rattlesnake parking lot. I thought about going for it, but decided to make the call. Just another day! Life is good.

PS: Johnny, The shock now is working smooth - thanks!