The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) has 10 trails around the world they call “IMBA Epics” – sort of like the Seven Wonders of the World for mountain bikers. Atop IMBA’s list is the most famous ride, so famous that Pink Floyd named a song after the trail, Comfortably Numb.
I’m in Whistler, BC at the moment, at a training camp with the national team, Sun Valley, Steinbock, NEG, and more. The training and conditions have been awesome all week. Check out TeamToday for pics and updates on the camp. The great weather we’ve had finally gave way to rain this morning.
Time to ride Comfortably Numb. It wouldn’t be an Epic without wet roots or an overcast view. Pete & I hit the trail early Saturday morning, heeding trailside warnings to “Leave with plenty of time to return before dark.” The 17 mile trail had over 1500 vertical feet of climbing–that’s about 25 round trip rides from Fish Hatchery to OO on the new Makwa Trail in Hayward. Success is measured on this challenging trail not by how fast you can ride it, but how long you can ride without unclipping from your pedals. My record was about 3 minutes. It was an awesome ride, despite the bone chilling rain. Kicking back in the condo this afternoon, I understand why they call the trail, Comfortably Numb.
