E M E R A L D   L A K E

Gallatin National Forest
Southern Montana

The lake isn't very big but its a pretty one. I get a relaxed, peaceful feeling when I look out over its calming expanse. How about you? I notice the fish are really jumping now, no doubt at all the mosquitoes and black flies that are buzzing around.

Some surrounding geography.

All my sweating during the climb has saturated my bandana, so much so I have to wring it out before heading back down the mountainside. Unfortunately, the picture doesn't do my wring job any justice. I swear, I wrung torrents of water out of it. It's kinda gross but it's just one of those realities of biking, no sense in hiding the ugliness from you. I'm all about sharing.

The way down turns out to be a regular "bumpfest." Unfortunately, I'm unable to gain much speed, primarily for safety reasons. However, if I was sporting body armor and riding in the company of others, only then would I have pushed the envelope of my abilities. But it makes no sense to push things when riding alone with no protection. I don't wish to cut my trip short due to a broken arm or leg. Or worse yet, cut my life short because I died on the trail, all broken and alone.

Amidst my downward bumpfest I stop from time to time to snap a few shots of my now downhill perspective of things. I finish out the ride feeling great after polishing off 4 miles of serious singletrack downhill. Looking back on the ride, my most favorite part was seeing Emerald Lake. I also liked the downhill portion of the ride as well. It's rides like this, the challenging ones, that make me a better cyclist. I grow more confident as each ride passes me by.

This ride deserves a solid 4.5 thumbs out of possible 5 thumbs-up.