TX: Big Bend - Lajitas Trails (Airport Loop)

 On our drive home to Arizona we spent a night outside of Big Bend Nat'l Park. I knew there were trails nearby and I made a deal with K that I would wake up in darkness and be back at our place before 9a. That would give me about two hours to check things out. I reached out to my buddy, Derek, who I rode with in Austin, for some ride recommendations. I opted for the Airport loop as it looked to be about the right mileage and was closest to where we were staying.

My alarm went off and I was up an moving. I arrived at the trailhead area in darkness and didn't quite see where exactly to park. One area I thought would be good, off the side of the main road, had mailboxes in the middle, so not ideal. Then I noticed a faint image of a kiosk sign, turned the car around and the headlights picked up the official trailhead. Score! It was vague at best in the darkness, but somehow I found it.

I got myself ready as daylight slowly crept in. Another car of hikers arrived and they took off in the wee light, I wanted a bit more daylight so I hung around for another 10 minutes or so.

Glad I spotted this sign in the darkness.

Suddenly, I feel like I'm almost back in Arizona.

So far, it was a fast track parting the rocks.

Ocotillos were everywhere out here. Trail followed a rocky wash for a short bit.

This bit reminded me of the 18 Road Trails in Fruita, CO.

The sun was creeping near the horizon and I was hoping I'd reach my turn before it popped up, blinding me. I barely made it, but was stoked to have the sun at my back and over 3 miles down before sunrise.

I was glad I had loaded a track to follow as it was a bit vague through this wash area.

Clinging to the hillside here.

The sun makes an appearance when I spotted what appeared to be an abandoned van.

Yep, looks like it's been there a while.

Not enough bullet holes to be found in Arizona.

Someone had a good time here.

Fix'er up'er.

Truth. Preach it.

More fun, fast riding along this shallow ridgeline.

Sort of looks like a dirt road, but rides like singletrack.

From barren rock moonscape to thick grass and shrubs. It was a checkerboard of terrain.

A Javelina darted out in front of me and I chased it for a while through here.

Shadow guy needs to get on the trail.

There were some looping options as the nice metal signs indicated.

Ocotillo forest higher on the flanks.

Fun, contoured climb.

The terrain had a bit more character here.

One final trail to complete the loop.

What a fun route, thanks for the suggestion, Derek. Much more to see here. It'll be fun to spend a few days in the area next time. I needed to get back and was happy to wrap up the ride by 8:30a, on schedule, heck even a few minutes early. That rarely happens...

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FL: Tallahassee - Goldmine Trails

 We had been in town for almost a week, it was now Saturday and more riders could join the fun. We'd be hitting the road back to Arizona the following morning, so I wanted this final ride in Tallahassee to be good. During one of the earlier rides, Matt suggested I come over to these social trails on the opposite side of Munson Hills. Nothing is really published about them, they remind me of some our our State Trust Land trails here in AZ. The locals refer to it as the Goldmine Loop or Trails. I was down for whatever.

We met behind a Marathon gas station. Then took off on a short bit of pavement.

Seven strong at the start.

The pace quickened as we entered the forest.

I was trying to keep the group in sight, mostly successful.

As they say: Keep Singletrack Single. The trails were narrow and fast!!

We were only crossing this dirt road, but would you attempt to ride through that?? Nah.

My one photo of proof that Mark and I rode together!! He wasn't feeling it and cut out early.

Slight detour to see this massive sinkhole. Photo doesn't do it justice, but you'd be in trouble if you went in.

Some random trail markers out there.

I'm certain you can see the humidity in this photo.

Mullet bike cairn!!

Really fun group to chase around: Myself, Matt, Chris H, Tom, Chris W. & Melvin - rocking the skinny tire bike!!

This loop was a hoot and really made you feel like you were out in the wilds.

More trail marker art.

Practically a jungle.

I really enjoyed this one, plus there's a few more trails in the area to explore.

Tom broke out his singlespeed too.

In fact, everyone was on a singlespeed except Melvin, but he had the skinny tires.

Caught this fella crossing the trail.

Chris W. coaxing him into the trees.

What a perfect way to wrap up the riding here. Five different areas, many of which you could link for bigger days. Great group of guys too, now they just need to head west for some spinning. The AZT and Queen's Ransom are calling... I'm sure it won't be the last time I ride there. 

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