I can't recall the last time I was on the White trail. I knew there was something of a hill on it, and that it led to Pellet road, but that's about it.
So when I headed there this afternoon it was like riding a new trail. The trail is nothing crazy except for the single up and over hill. Up wasn't too bad, though still challenging. Down had a couple of switchbacks that are pretty tight. I felt proud that I made it to Pellet Road with no dismount. The way back was harder because those switchbacks are steep and sharp. I was one root away from making it my first attempt, but only succeeded after 3 or 4 tries.
So I can now officially say that I've climbed every hill in Whiting! Someday maybe I can ride every trail in both directions with no dismount. That would be tough.
Webster Park has many trails but I tend to follow a single path through it. There are a few challenging hill climbs going counter-clockwise, but I make them all most of the time. Today I rode clockwise because I knew of one hill that I had never successfully climbed.
It's pretty steep and has some tricky roots. I saw three paths to try, and graded them as gold, silver, and bronze. I failed gold a few times, and worked on silver probably about 10 times. I was so close, but I decided it wasn't in the cards today. I went for bronze and made it my first try.
Along the way I saw two small snakes and a small snapping turtle. I removed the turtle from the trail and put him in some nearby water. I also unblocked a section of trail by removing a small tree that had fallen. I brought my folding saw in my pack because I noticed it on my last ride.
I feel like I've leveled-up in my climbing ability today. I also had about six successful side hops up onto bridges. These might only be about 8" high, but I was successful and consistent.
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