July 24th through the 27th, Young adults, past, present, and future, along with Eastern Division YAP Supervisor, Eastern Division OEC Supervisor, and NH Region YAP Advisor gathered to take on the challenge of the mountain bike craze. Thursday we met at Country Aire campground, where we set-up a variety of stays, everything from the good ole Tent set-up, all the way to what some would call Glamping (I prefer to call it staying in comfort and style). That night sitting around the campfire, we discussed our plans for the next few days. It was decided we would take on the challenge of Thunder Mountain Bike Park on Friday.
Friday came and after a hearty breakfast, we loaded up the trucks with our Bikes and headed over to Thunder Mountain. After signing the standard waivers, we donned personal safety gear and headed to the lifts. We were led by Jason Tamulen, Eastern Division OEC Supervisor, and Thunder Mountain Bike Patroller to the top. After some discussions and planning we learned the moto pre-ride, re-ride, free ride. No different than doing a trail check, warm-up lap, and then letting it rip.
With 9 people in the group, we had all skill levels; from 1st timer (this guy) to experienced YAP’s who race and compete. With coaching from Craig Larson, Eastern Division YAP supervisor, and Jason we learned how to ride within our abilities and try new skills while expanding our riding boundaries. We zigged and zagged, twisted and turned, up and down as we made our way down the trails.We learned about riding strategies and how to use our momentum to carry us through various obstacles along the way. After each run, we assessed our ride and talked about how to improve all while riding the lift back to the top. After a much-needed lunch and many bottles of water and Gatorade, we went back out to try some more challenging trails. Through the woods and along the trails, you could hear the whoop whoops, yeehaw and hang on snoopy all the way down.At the end of a jump trail there was a large ramp where if you didn’t carry enough momentum, it would roll you back down the hill. One last run down a technical trail (means lots of rocks to this guy) we were physically spent, well at least the adults of the group. Fortunately, our leader treated us to some ice cream from a local food truck which tasted way too good after the day we all had.
At a great dinner and sitting at the campfire, it was decided we would try and tackle some local cross-country trails. After some research using an App, the trails of Catamount state forest were our targets.
Saturday’s breakfast was eaten and we loaded trucks with as many bikes to minimize our parking and headed to the trail head. Well after slowly working our way up a dirt road that ended more like a 4×4 trail,
We found our parking spots. Some had to park further down as their vehicle just did not have enough clearance for the trail.
We met up and under the navigation of Zach Lawson we headed out, then turned around and headed a different way. Well, let me say this, these trails were not well traveled and were quite an adventure. Some of us felt like we were just taking the bikes out for a walk (lots of hills to climb). Did I say we were all in shape? Well, maybe not enough. Anyway, we scrambled up, up and more up, and then a little down, but came across a great little spot to dry camp back in the woods alongside a small pond.
From there we kept our adventure going with everyone encouraging and cheering. The YAPs would find lines to take their bikes on that we adults would just stop and watch with big smiles as they negotiated through the challenges. Along the way, we came upon a large stone with an American flag flying over it. It stated this was the 1st Flag raised over a public-school house in 1812. Pretty amazing and odd thing to find in the middle of the woods.
Further up the trail we found a sign pointing to a Bear Cave.
After checking things out, we continued along our way making a 5-mile loop back to the vehicles. Loading up we headed back to the campground and quickly changed to head to a local swimming hole we passed along our drive. Once there we all jumped in for a refreshing and well-deserved swim.
Then it was back to the camp for some dinner and story time. Sunday morning, we were met with some light rain while packing up camps, but all was done with big smiles from an adventurous weekend with family and friends.
