Echoing what many have already mentioned here. What an awesome weekend. Took Friday off to make the trek north from proper SJ to get the riding started.
@KenS and I met up in the lot at Jungle Habitat, which for me would be my first time. Knowing that we were meeting up with
@V-Dub to be our tour guide, I was excited. I've had the pleasure of riding with Dave previously at Wawayanda, but J.H. is his spot, so I knew we'd be seeing all the goods. Also got to meet and ride with
@Stef. Very cool seeing the new trail being built there. Met
@Bleeder for the 1st time, as he was at the build site, and he joined us for the 2nd half of the ride.
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This spot was no joke for a SJ flatlander like myself. However, rocks don't scare me. Photo credit:
@KenS
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With Ken, DVW, Steph, then Tom H
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Post ride we talked in the lot while the temps started to drop. Made the trip from J.H. to Shepherds Lake and set up camp before dark.
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Ken and I then huddled up behind the vehicles trying to escape the stiff wind and kept adding layers until we couldn't take it anymore. I retreated to my heated space inside the camper complete with full kitchen, hot water, and bathroom.
Morning view of the lake a little later than the pic Ken posted.
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Saturday after the morning warm-up, DaVW and DiVW joined us for the ride over to Art's house to then continue onto Sterling. I've done this ride before and couldn't wait to get there. Was introduced to Steve and Darlene, then we set out. Early highlight of the ride for someone like me from SJ was the spotting of 2 black bear cubs hanging on a tree adjacent to the trail the 7 of us were climbing. Then to hear Art shouting, "Keep moving!", not that any of us had stopped, but... Saw the new trail being built and then got some pics of Ken and Dave dropping down these rocks after Dillon showed us how it's done.
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Finished up the ride back to Ringwood, got some dinner and beverages, and some time around the campfire. Talked with
@onetracker about my camper.
@Jefflenosky showed up and there was some Giant/Eagles talk as
@robcleary was sitting there in his E-A-G-L-E-S chair. There was other talk about the pork roll/Taylor ham debate. Is Central a real location in NJ? And some other subjects that are better left unspoken. If you were there, you will know what I'm talking about.
Art W, DaVW, DiVW, Ken, Steve and Dar
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Sunday morning, slowly made my way over to the festival to meet up with DVW again, for my 3rd day of being guided in another unfamiliar to me trail system. This would be the 9am Advanced Ride. Good morning chat with
@Frank and
@UtahJoe. Had a quick talk with
@jmanic about beer and weigh-loss. Coincidentally, there was 3 of us signed up for the ride, and we're all named John. There was John B, John D (me) and John G. Got to ride watching John G and Dave put on a rock riding clinic which inspired me to try things out of my comfort zone. Actually didn't want it to end.
Jorbafest Advanced ride lead by DVW
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Got back to the festival area, rolled around to check out the vendor tents. Made it just in time to order a burrito from the
Broritos truck before the line got too long. Was joined by
@Norm,
@Kirt,
@UtahJoe and
@MadisonDan. Wasn't much talking until the burritos were finished. Heard something mentioned about
@Stef and cookies. In passing on my way back to camp, she politely offered, and I gladly took a few. Watched
@KenS do what he's good at, rallying up the NICA kids for a ride while I was saying goodbye. Another quick chat with
@Dominique and then it was time to go pack up and try to beat the storm home. Unfortunately it started raining really hard before I made it to Exit 7, but we need the rain.
Last time I attended a Jorbafest was Sept '19, so looking forward to coming north again sooner than later.
