getting Fleeced

Yesterday's adventure was an exploration into new territory around Fleecer Mountain.  On the Forest Service maps it appears as though there are a fair amount of trails but I had heard that most of them are double track/4 wheeler trails.  None the less, I thought it would be fun to head out and see if that was indeed the case.  Worst case it would be a day of new scenery.

It ended up being a great ride.  Sometimes you just don't know how things will turn out and the spirit of adventure takes you into uncharted territory.  It was a 23 mile out and back ride with a fair amount of elevation gain (close to 4,000 ft).

There was some amazing views along the way and the route that I took pretty much follows a very small segment of the route that the Tour Divide Race racers take (2,745 miles self supported race)...

When I explore a new area there is always a little anxiety added into the mix...the anxiety of getting lost...the anxiety of wildlife (I did see some bear and elk scat but did not see anything live).  It always keeps you on full alert....as I pedaled up-hill, I came across the remnants of an old cabin:

The aspens are starting to change color and it will just continue to get better and better as the foliage gets brighter and brighter.  It was interesting to see the patches of aspens mixed in with all the evergreens.  As the trail meandered up, you had a couple of spots where you had great views of Fleecer:

 
There was still more climbing until a little spur off the main trail took you to an incredible vista that overlooked east/north where you could see for miles and miles....

The 'back' portion of the out and back was mostly downhill and was much faster than the 'out'.  On the way back, you could really appreciate the stellar views of Fleecer and even the Highlands of the last segments of trail back to the trail head.  The whole ride ended being a game of tracking the weather and seeing if the skies were going to unload.  There were some dark looking skies towards my chosen turn around point and it was a race to get back to the car before mother nature unloaded her fury.  I felt a few drops here and there but was able to dodge the big storm.  By the time I got to the car I looked around and it was pretty much raining everywhere 360 around me (Fleecer, Highlands, etc) except for the little pocket that I was in - bizarre but no complaints.

There is a lot more of exploring to be done out that way with many many more miles to ride and somehow try to link up.  As with anywhere, it will take a while to develop the comfort zone in this area.  Unfortunately mother nature is in the process of changing seasons and who knows how much longer that window will be open.