It looks like you guys all had more fun “touring” than racing. Best part is you shouldn’t be nearly as smoked so y’all get to do the Grand Loop!

The route is awesome and the kind and quantity of hike a bike was just fine by me. Oracle Ridge, however–there must be a good explanation for why it exists at all and why anyone would bother spending the time or $$$ maintaining it?!

One correction: while Pete may have been smelling fries (or it could have been the grease from his natty lid…?) I was definitely smelling a non-dairy gum-based ‘beverage’. Skipping it was fine–It tasted just as good the next day…

MC

Yep – raw flagging after 2 miles back in December, and detour signs as usual just last month. Apparently it was mostly a done deal except for a patch in the middle. I’ll send you The File so you can see for yourself…

Thanks for that tip, Brett. I had no idea.

Looks like a little more time on FR4 will bring us mostly downhill to Trough Springs.

I thought on your hike you tried it and found a dead end?

Fred – The pleasure was mine. Always good to meet and ride with a capable and experienced rider. Good point on the pizza inspiration — those pieces made the last day easier than it should have been.

Pete’s just a grouch. I think he endured more than enough hike-a-bike in AK to sour him well into middle age.