Middle fork broke both my legs

I got to the trail head at 9:15 thinking I would be the first one there (except for Peat, who I was sure would have been there and done a lap or two). But when I pulled up the parking lot was full DRJ guys and a bunch of Big shark riders. I was surprised to see so many riders there but then again I wasent, it was an awesome day. Peat was there, so was Yielding, Ferman hadn't shown up yet, and by 9:45 the group couldn't wait any longer and rolled out. I think we had 15 riders in that group and we all stayed together for the first 2 or 3 miles.

 

 Eventually the group broke up and I was riding alone in between the slower group and the fast group led by Chris Plock. Of course Ferman caught up by mile 10. By the time we made it to Barton Fen my legs were smoked, I told Peat and Jeff that I was taking the gravel back but they convinced me to keep riding. A few miles up the trail we came to another gravel goad bail out, and again they convinced me to keep riding, until we finally made it to the tailing pond.

 I was sure this is where the entire group would take the gravel road back, but Ferman wanted to ride the rest of the way into the town of Oats, so we trudged on.

 We road a bit of gravel then hopped back on the trail, and starting up the first climb I decides that was enough for today and turned back.

I guess I got in about 35 miles, not a huge ride but still a good ride. The trail was in great shape, the weather was perfect, and my bike was quiet and smooth. I have never driven down to the Middle Fork and have a bad ride and even though I suffered on this ride a little more than I wanted to, I cant wait to go back and do it again.