When a ride begins like this, you know it is going to be good.
The Blackhawk trail is a less known Gem that lies atop Payson canyon. Normally it is very dusty from the horseman who love the area and grazing cattle who share the trails.
We had been putting off the ride, waiting for rain, but we finally decided to make the trip...it was well worth every pedal stroke.
Both of us felt a little tired due to mid week leg workouts (give us a pacifier and blankie) but as the trail climbed amidst the slightly-passed-blooming mule ears, our weariness grew into excitement and anticipation for the trail ahead.
The trail climbed passed Blackhawk campground and begins to descend then ascend, via short, steep, punctuated climbs to the Nebo loop road. The picture above is looking down into beaver damn...gorgeous.
After crossing the road gravity took over and we rolled toward rock springs, Payson lakes and eventually Bennie Creek, where the gravity lovers with downhill sleds congregate.
Because of the popularity of Blackhawk there is very little opportunity to pin it, or really let the bike fly. It provided for a more relaxed, more flowing descent...essentially it meant I could keep up with Guthrie (downhill that is) for the first time in months.
Upon completing the loop and reaching the car, Guthrie road down Bennie creek and I picked him up at the bottom. When I got out of the car a family smiled oddly at me and the father offered a warm but slightly uncomfortable "hello". Seeing myself in the car mirror I saw the reason why...hair by helmet, punctuated by a gone-are-the-pink-bought-at-clearance-sunglasses, pair of Tifosi Ventoux with an irradescent lens.
Ending on Bennie Creek.
It was a Great Ride,
in a Great Canyon,
accompanied by Great weather.
All in all a Great day for seeing more of Utah...one trail at a time.
Blackhawk
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