Well…here it is, the first ever Edick family led ride.
It was a cold, rainy Saturday morning (actually, it was almost noon) in
early April. As we loaded our bikes
and gear, and headed towards Victor Falls, a part of us hoped that it would turn
into a no show…. so that we could turn around and head back to the warmth of
our cozy home, and make hot chocolate or something.
But alas…one lone rider saw fit to make the long journey (from Gig
Harbor, no less) to participate in the days ride. So here we are, Roy the trusty ride leader, Kathy, Andy and
Pat Sprouse. Turns out, that Pat
was actually hoping that “we” were a no show, so that “she” could head
back home. It really was a
cold and rainy Saturday. As we’re
preparing for the soggy ride, another die-hard mud lover shows up. Jim Goulet,
ready to tackle the trail with us. So
off we go, the five of us, heading up elevator, gale force winds, driving rain,
sub zero temperatures (slight exaggerations).
The pace was brisk, the mud was plentiful, and the roots were
treacherous. We cut over across the
road, and made our way to the Labyrinth (aka spaghetti factory), which we all
did with astounding agility (we were definitely flow riding).
With a few coin tosses to decide the correct way back, we continued on
our way, which included a spectacular Endo by Jim Goulet (no blood or broken
bones). As we neared the end of our
ride, a grueling 27.2 miles (actually, it was only about 8.5, but who’s
counting) the rain picked up again. As
we’re preparing for the drive home, we all agreed that it was a most awesome
ride, despite the rain and mud. Because,
after all…isn’t that what it’s all about?
Kathy Edick, Treasurer
What a day for a ride. 9 riders and myself meet at Sawyer Wood School for a 2.5-hour ride at Lake Sawyer. For those that have never ridden at Lake Sawyer, I would call it one of the premier cross-country riding areas in the South King County. There are miles of trails mostly for mountain bikers. Palmer Coke and Coal, and King County own the property. There are about 500 acres of wooded land that for now is open to recreational use. PCC does ask that you stop by their office in Black Diamond and get a free permit to access their land. They also ask that if you see motorized vehicles or dumping on their land that you report them to the office
Enough about the area how was the ride. In one word it was GREAT! The temperature was almost 70 degrees. The trails are however showing some signs of high use. The mud is deep and thick in places. That only makes us appreciate the conditions latter in the year.
The greatest part was the warmth brought out the shorts for the first time this season and the white legs. For some reason I didn’t realize how warm it was going to be and wore my long pants. I did get the scorn of the other riders.
The trail gnomes have been busy re-routing the trails on the east side of the assess road. We headed into the section between there and the Maple Valley Road to find the loop is now a little different. A new connection has been made brining the trail out right at the entrance. It’s now a big loop instead of a lollie pop. There are at least two new bridges in place that take you right over some of the muddiest sections. Over all this section of the Lake Sawyer trail system is one of the most challenging. There are numerous spots where just getting your handlebars through the trees is a challenge. Later in the season when the mud has set-up this area will be a blast!
Jim Grill (Web Guy)
Victor Falls and Logging March 15th 2003
Logging activity at Victor falls is under way. The area just northwest of
the tree farm parking area is in the process of being logged. This would
be the area just south of the Tacoma water line road. It is recommended
that bike riders and all other recreational users steer clear of this part of
Victor Falls until they complete the logging operation. This is for your
own safety. Also remember that this is the private property.
We are just visitors. Please be courteous to the people doing their jobs.
When they are done logging then we can replace the trails, and resume riding in
the logged areas.
Many areas of Victor falls have been logged in the past, and the trails have been restored. There are still plenty of trial to ride and enjoy on both sides of the main road. Go explore! You never know what you will find.