By WoodsChick, 14 September, 2004

Framebreaker

Sunday August 15th, 2004 Baumgartner, Idaho

Key time for our ride on this day was set for 7am, in the hopes of leaving the Baumgartner campground by 8am. That is exactly what happened, much to my pleasure. Our group consisted of me, Eric, Dan, Tim Harrell and Mark Weaver. We were planning a big day, going up Big Smoky to the Smiley Creek Lodge, and then hitting some trails out past Alturas Lake that Eric had discovered while riding with Bad Brad McNew 2 years ago.

The ride out to Big Smoky Junction was a bit cold, as it was about 11 miles of road. We stopped at the junction and peeled off our warm layers, knowing we wouldn't need them on the punishing trails ahead. We headed up Big Smoky, Eric leading the way followed by Tim, Dan, then Mark and then me. This trail rocks! It quickly became my favorite trail so far. It offers up a bit of everything that makes Idaho special. It had some long scary sidehill sections, gorgeous views of the Big Smoky Creek down below, big gnarly rock sections, nice narrow trails through meadows complete with lurking toe-breakers, and a few creek crossings. I kept having to stop to take in the views. The creek was flowing pretty good and was very clear and blue-green.