Changing the way I include photos for the benefit of those that receive the daily email digests.
For Day 3 we planned on riding one of my favorites in the Stanely Area, Williams Creek as an out and back. Others would continue on Warms Springs and would be picked up at Sunbeam Resorts. We loaded the majority of the bikes on my truck and the rest of the passengers that would not fit in my truck rode with Dave.
It has been four years since my last ride here and at that time it had been burned by a recent fire. It should be interesting to see what has changed in four years as the nature rebuilds the area.
The views of the sawtooth Mountains are spectacular as you are driving up and over the pass towards Stanely Idaho. As we are driving I notice Dave is no longer behind us and figured they stopped to take some photos as it was a beautiful morning. I continue on to the Williams Creek trail head we unload and get ready to start our ride.
After getting ready we walk around to stretch take in the views, but never see Dave's truck arrive. We wait for maybe a half hour and then figure something has happened, loaded up everything and started back toward Ketchum. After driving for a while we see Dave coming down the road. We turn around and find out they have a story to tell... Here a few photos and will let those riding with Dave tell the story if they want too.....
The climb on Williams Creek is one of my favorites it is not overly steep, but steep enough to give you a great workout and offers a very fast ride on the way back to the trail head.
After two days of riding under my belt the start of Day 3 has me feeling the best. I am able to breath well and legs are firing on all cylinders. Day 1 had me thinking I did not get enough riding under me for this trip, glad to find that was not the case.
While it was hot out a nice cool breeze was blowing down the trail helping to keep the bugs down and cooling us off.
Eventually we reach the 8000' point and looked like a good place to have a snack before heading down for a bit.
What goes up must come down for a bit. After lunch\snack it was time to continue down the trail. From here it was a nice flowy section of trail with a few creek crossings.
All smiles after several sections of fun trail.
Group photo before we went our separate ways one group following Warm Springs to Sunbeam Resort and the remainder heading back to the Trail Head to get the trucks.
Riding up the trail the were very few differences compared to four years ago. The trail was less sandy and loose there was also lots more green grass than I recall.
After the group split it was time to ride back up to our lunch spot then head back down to the cars.....
Reached our earlier lunch stop and waited for the group to climb up. My wife commented earlier on this photo. By asking is this what you call "Bike Porn", Yes it sure is!
After climbing a gradual trail it kicks up a bit making it a steep climb to the top. From this spot there are no photos the trail is downhill with a few quick climbs thrown in. The trail is fast, smooth and great sight lines to watch out for up hill traffic if any. We had none this day.
After coming down a trail that just goes on and on, then on some more you come out of the tree's with a few steep short climbs out. Then the trail points down making for a quick ride as you make your way to the trail head.
Eventually you popout of the trees to the following view before rolling into into the trail head.
Everyone was all smiles rolling into the trail head. Loaded up and then started for Sunbeam Resort west side of Stanley. There is a convenience store we met the group at four years ago and looking forward to some cold drinks and a snack......
