Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - A little off road riding in Freehold NJ

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JT Burkard
06-13-11, 11:57 AM
A buddy of mine had told me about some off road trails at Lake Topanemus park 1.5 miles from his house in Freehold Boro, NJ. This was about a week ago, after the 13 mile ride we did. I said we should do it one day. Today was that day. Wow, this kicked my butt. The ride to the park, then the mile ride down through the park on some nice fine gravel trails around the lake was nice and relatively easy. 2.1 miles in total from our start. Then the off road trails started. Wow, that kicked my butt. Nice narrow trails, up and down, over fallen trees, down into gullies, back up again. This was intense. The maybe 1 mile or so in the woods felt like a months worth of riding.

Instead of a steady pace you would have on the road, its some pretty intense bursts of pedaling where the tire was spinning out on the up hills and I realized the bike I was using has really bad brakes for the steep downhills. Half way through I had to stop as my heart felt like it was pounding out of my chest and I was breathing very heavy. I told my buddy Jeff we need to stop for a break. I was dripping with sweat and he can see I was in need of a 10 minute break. I took a few pictures when I regained my breath and got shots of the trail, the bike, and the both of us. We then headed back out and he showed me this great spot by the lake and I took a few more shots, including a friendly Frog.

I have really committed to riding now and this was something different then the usual road or paved trails I do, which was a welcomed change. I used to have dirt bikes and ride motocross stuff but haven't in years so it got me back in the woods on two wheels again. I am adding this to my riding plan every other week just because its about 30 minutes from the house. I think this will really bang me into shape as it did for Jeff last year.

So enough of the story, here are the pictures:

The easy trail into the park
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130571_sm.jpg

A self picture while riding
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130572_sm.jpg

Seating area by the lake
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130575_sm.jpg

One of the many paths in the off road area. This was on top of the hill that I had to rest at when I was spent half way through. It had three real steep descents and one that was easier that led the the lake.
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130577_sm.jpg

Picture of my ol' Magna bike I was riding. My BMW is not really best for these type of trails.
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130578_sm.jpg

Jeff hanging out by the tree
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130579_sm.jpg

Me loaded with sweat
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130584_sm.jpg

Second stop on the lake
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130585_sm.jpg
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130587_sm.jpg

A little friend
http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo320/jtformula/Lake%20Topanemus%20Trail/P6130590_sm.jpg

So that's my adventure.

ill.clyde
06-13-11, 12:10 PM
It's amazing the difference between riding on "trails" like that first one into the park, or on the roads, versus true single track type trails. It's a very humbling experience the first time. Kudos!
GeoBigJon
06-13-11, 12:31 PM
Looks like a good time, thanks for sharing.

JT Burkard
06-13-11, 02:11 PM
Humbling is an understatement. I think I am a fairly strong in the leg department so I should be able to do it with ease. I figured its only going to be a 5 mile round trip so I should be able to handle it with ease. Boy was I wrong. That knocked the heck out of me. But I am happy I did it and even though it was tough, I was able to do it, even with the break. I keep thinking I have the body of a person who is fit, not realizing I have limitations at this point in my beginning stages. The good thing is its been about 5 hours since the ride and I still feel good.

I can't wait for the next time.