Rode Deer Park First Time Last Saturday (9/8)
I rode this park for the first time last Saturday. The Lead Person of my school, Mr. A., took Ron and I on a nice 14-mile tour of the park. We hoped to get a few more miles out of the park, but had to bail early to make it to a family picnic that afternoon.
I had a tough time with the first few miles; it's not terribly difficult, but whenever I approach new terrain I'm a bit trepidatious. I rode a few sections in "do-over" fashion and found that I had plenty of skill to manage them.
I broke my poorly-lubed chain at around mile 3.7. Mr. A. had a spare link and we fixed the chain and rode back to the lot to grab some lube. Then we rode on back to where my chain broke and picked up the trail. About one mile or so into Phase II, Mr. A.'s tire went flat so we had to change the tube and repair the gash in his tire before moving on. After that, no more mechanicals. Around mile 5 I suddenly remembered how to ride an effing bike again and had no more trouble with obstacles, rocks, streams or the somewhat squirrely downhills in the park.
I loved this park and hope to ride there again soon. Next time I want to explore the North side and challenge myself to clean every roller and rock pile to be found in the park, bruised legs be damned.