Spring Run-Off and Rotten Snow Sampler

Took what was to be a quick test ride to check on some controlled burns in my local Dog Valley. Had so much fun somehow 3 hours slipped by.
Numerous snow flattened brush and residual snow banks stopped easy passage in places.
I've recently taken a lesson from Admiral's good ethics and no longer make go-arounds of the main trail. While I could tread lightly around this brush and snow but then other follow on riders might tear things up.


So I just take alternate routes instead.



Punched through some rotten snow, often being the first vehicle of the season.


Not always making it though.


Turned around and took another fork only to come around corner and see a tipped over very heavily loaded BMW GS looking for all the world like a silver and black water buffalo wallowing in the mud. Of course I stopped and helped rider lift that heavy beast back up and showed him a safer way back out to better roads.

Snow tended to be rotten and hollow underneath old wheel tracks from meltwater run-off. Easy but soggy riding.


Sometimes got a bit deep. Scouted this one and while I could have crossed over tip of downed aspen there was a deep drop off on other side before the rocky climb-out. Coward that I am I saved that one for another day.


Instead road more of these twin tracks that at times were more like one single track next to one steep creek.
Note my fancy new turn signal/horn/headlight switchgroup. Worked great, tested horn on some firemen dragging water lines through controlled burn policing up hot spots. Beep-beep, coming through.


Nice meadows are finally getting some wildflowers.


The firemen had done a good job with their controlled burns right up to road margins.


'twas another easy fun ride just enjoying being back in the saddle again. Repaired start/stop switch group on other side of handlebars worked flawlessly with me, bike, and terrain all happily interacting. A good ride.