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First things first, no laughing. I only did 7.14 miles today which was a big enough disappointment for me. Now the excuses...
1. First time on this trail and no one with me.
2. No lungs. Legs were fine but the lungs couldn't take it.
3. Damn water bars on the climbs.
Now the good stuff. Having wanted to ride on Saturday, the real estate agent kept me busy the entire day so Sunday was going to be the ride day. I had checked the Internet for people or groups riding in the area (I hate riding unknown trails alone), but they were all heading to Summit county. I thought this would be a bit too much at this point, so I opted for what I thought was an "easy" trail. Since Golden is where I am looking for permanent residency, I thought I would ride one of the local trails - White Ranch. It was considerably smaller than Golden Gate State Park and by the looks of the trail map, everything looped around. In other words, no getting lost.
I guess my first mistake was not knowing where to park. I opted for the top of the mountain lot, but it looks like most people to the fire road climb up Belcher. Oh well, save it for next time.
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the views from the parking lot instantly reminded me of why landing a job in Colorado was so special. This ain't New Jersey!
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A quick look at the trail map and I choose Rawhide to meet up with Longhorn. So far so good as it is mostly down hill.
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A Doe and her baby were running along side me for a good 300 yards.
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Although the first thing I figured was that an "easy" trail in this area is an intermediate trail in New Jersey. Rolling the rocks and water bars on the way down was not a problem.
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At the fork of Longhorn and Shorthorn, I chose Shorthorn. Again some down and then a rocky up which I couldn't figure out the line. Although now looking at the photo I can see it.
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I continue on Shorthorn until just before Belcher and take in the moment. The trail was empty (saw about four riders and two hikers).
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Then the climb begins and never seems to end. Starting with Belcher.
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Then to Mustang which was a pain in the ass! What happened to using switch backs instead of stinking water bars? I was doing great and then all my owies (and there were a few) were do to falling trying to climb the stupid water bars!
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Now I make a mental note to myself... This would be a blast going down!
![]()
This little guy landed right at my feet after one of my water bar incidents.
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Then I come to the longest boardwalk trail sanitization I have ever seen.
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I then tie back into Belcher and then a beautiful meadow singltrack ride on Sawmill back to the car.
![]()
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My legs kept saying go, go, go, but my lungs had given up. Another week and I should be more acclimated.
Here's the GPS stuff:
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1. First time on this trail and no one with me.
2. No lungs. Legs were fine but the lungs couldn't take it.
3. Damn water bars on the climbs.
Now the good stuff. Having wanted to ride on Saturday, the real estate agent kept me busy the entire day so Sunday was going to be the ride day. I had checked the Internet for people or groups riding in the area (I hate riding unknown trails alone), but they were all heading to Summit county. I thought this would be a bit too much at this point, so I opted for what I thought was an "easy" trail. Since Golden is where I am looking for permanent residency, I thought I would ride one of the local trails - White Ranch. It was considerably smaller than Golden Gate State Park and by the looks of the trail map, everything looped around. In other words, no getting lost.
I guess my first mistake was not knowing where to park. I opted for the top of the mountain lot, but it looks like most people to the fire road climb up Belcher. Oh well, save it for next time.
the views from the parking lot instantly reminded me of why landing a job in Colorado was so special. This ain't New Jersey!
A quick look at the trail map and I choose Rawhide to meet up with Longhorn. So far so good as it is mostly down hill.
A Doe and her baby were running along side me for a good 300 yards.
Although the first thing I figured was that an "easy" trail in this area is an intermediate trail in New Jersey. Rolling the rocks and water bars on the way down was not a problem.
At the fork of Longhorn and Shorthorn, I chose Shorthorn. Again some down and then a rocky up which I couldn't figure out the line. Although now looking at the photo I can see it.
I continue on Shorthorn until just before Belcher and take in the moment. The trail was empty (saw about four riders and two hikers).
Then the climb begins and never seems to end. Starting with Belcher.
Then to Mustang which was a pain in the ass! What happened to using switch backs instead of stinking water bars? I was doing great and then all my owies (and there were a few) were do to falling trying to climb the stupid water bars!
Now I make a mental note to myself... This would be a blast going down!
This little guy landed right at my feet after one of my water bar incidents.
Then I come to the longest boardwalk trail sanitization I have ever seen.
I then tie back into Belcher and then a beautiful meadow singltrack ride on Sawmill back to the car.
My legs kept saying go, go, go, but my lungs had given up. Another week and I should be more acclimated.
Here's the GPS stuff:
