Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area, Montana, August 7th, 2004
(Mountain Biking)

This morning E, Ty, and I went mountain biking at the Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area. Although we've taken several rides this season that we've selected from the "Bitterroot Mountainbike Guidebook" my two favorite areas aren't really mentioned in the book: the Larry Creek Fire Ecology Trail, and now Calf Creek. These are areas that E has visited with her students on field trips... lucky thing for us. Calf Creek is an absolute gem of an area for mountain bikes, with a great combination of open meadows and woods all serviced by singletrack, dualtrack, and a large amount of what I would have to call "tripletrack" trails. The tripletrack areas are like a normal road that has two tracks, but there is a well formed third track in the middle. It gives you lots of options to change lanes if you want to avoid any obstacles. My favorite aspect of Calf Creek is the trail quality. The trails are generally nicely packed dirt, with very few rocks or other hazards. This is especially a plus for us since we don't have suspension of any kind. One of the greatest things about Calf Creek is that is's only about 9 miles from our house. It's a bit ironic when I think how much better it is than many areas we've traveled a lot farther to reach.


Summary

Bottom Elevation - 4,290'
Top Elevation - 5,275'
Vertical - 985'
Distance - 6.06 miles


E got to have the inaugural off-road ride on the new seatpost and saddle combination for my Cannondale.


Only 373 grams (~13 ounces) for the seatpost and saddle!



This my first experience with a cutout design
to relieve pressure in the perineal area.
I've been tweaking the angle of the saddle and its
distance from the handlebars to get the fit right.



Fortunately both the seatpost and saddle have
convenient markings for setting up angle and distance.



The Calf Creek entrance has a gate (unlocked). Is this to keep the wildlife in?



Some local scenery from the parking area.



Ty passed out about halfway through our climb.
I tried not to shake the bike too much so he
could rest, but I was still amazed he could sleep.



Ty is still asleep as we continue the climb.
It was a great morning for biking with a temperature of around 60.
I could swear it looked like snow across
the valley in the Bitterroots (background).



A junction of roads at the top of our climb.
We came up the road on the right, and if you look closely,
you can just about make out how it splits into three tracks.



Hanging out at the top of our climb (5,275')



Ty and dad cruising along on their downhill run.



E negotaites a corner on the downhill.



The terrain is a mixture of meadows and trees.



E heads off into the distance.



Ty and dad take in a meadow view.



E is really getting that hang of Jay's bike.
She's appreciating her padded bike
shorts while riding on the new saddle.



The Calf Creek area provides a unique variety of scenery and terrain.



E was in charge of the navigation?



E gets and action shot of Jay climbing near the end of the trip.
Ty is back there, but unfortunately not visible in the picture.



Our last leg was singletrack through grass and sagebrush.



Ty gets a chance to ride with mom for a change.



Big Sky Views



Dad, this can't be the end, I'm not even tired!