Mt Ashland Gravity Ride

As a competitive cyclist, avid mountain biker, backcountry skier, and climber I am all about the up as well as the much deserved adrenaline-overload-down. Now, the easier and faster I can complete the up the sooner I can get to the down. One of the best descriptions of this mentality I have ever heard was stated by our Black Diamond rep. Kurly described it as, "Usain Bolt up and Usain Bolt down!" Which, is why ounces get counted on all my equipment. I say all this to establish the fact that I feel you have to earn the downhill.

Frank taking his sweet time!


Mike trying to stay warm waiting for Frank

Well, all that being said, recently I was talked into doing my first every gravity ride with two of my coworkers. Normally this concept goes against everything I stand for and believe in. But, it sounded like something fun to do after a long day of work.

A trail view

We shuttled our bikes up to the top of Mount Ashland via Franks car. Within a couple minutes of enduring the cool refreshing gale of wind we were on our mountain bikes rolling down the path. We were meet with very little snow on the path for the time of year. From the very top of the mountain you ride down a forest service road until you come to an intersection. The intersection is a little confusing on your first ride, so make sure you stop and check the trail map that is posted there if you have any unsure feelings about where to go.

Mike (left) and Frank (right) tearing it up!

We descended, descended, and kept descending! It was awesome. Once we got down to the second intersection (Four Corners) we got off the forest service road and took the single track the rest of the way down. Our ride time was a little slow, but we were still done by dark. It was an awesome way to end the day.



Despite the fact that the concept of a gravity ride goes against my conscience, I will definitely be doing it again.