We had perfect weather today for the Bridge over Troublesome Creek 66mi Gravel Ride, and a good group of seven that rolled it together.
It’s a longer haul than normal, but Bankhead National Forest is such an untouched, beautiful wilderness it is totally worth the trip. The first half of the route was nice and shaded, complemented with some climbing as we worked our way up to the ridge. The surface was great, and fast-rolling hardpack clay with some pot holes here and there.
We finally came down off the ridge and stopped at Beulah church to enjoy a spigot and some shade at mile 30. From there on we were out in the open fields with cotton blooming everywhere and 20mph wind gusts from the SW.
I got to the bridge first to position to get some pics. The hole in the middle of the bridge seemed bigger, and had some planks over the left and right side of it. I mistakenly thought they were secured and tried to ride the ones on the right as they shifted beneath me. I got lucky and called it out for the others while getting pics.
At Warrior Mountain Trading Post we refueled and got entertained by some kittens getting into everything possible on the front porch. After the stop we had some more wide open windy fields before getting back into the forest for the long climb back to the start.
It was such a beautiful early fall day to be in Bankhead. Thanks everyone for riding with me.