Ah-burn

One of my many pet peeves is how people pronounce things! The title of this post is an example of how the name of the city of Auburn is pronounced. Even the local newsreaders on television have a propensity to say "All-burn!" How annoying!
Last Saturday, January 31, 2009, I drove up to Auburn to do some mountain biking on what is called the Foresthill Divide trail. To get there, we drove up Auburn-Folsom road to the city of Auburn and headed east for a mile or so on Highway 80. After exiting at Foresthill Road, we traveled over the famous Foresthill Bridge. This structure is the third highest bridge in America at a height of over 700' above the canyon below. People come from all over to see this landmark! Today was no exception as there were lots of folks walking to and from the closest parking area with their cameras! Didn't see any "base jumpers" but they too are very fond of this amazing bridge!
A few miles past the bridge is a big parking lot and we started the ride there. Our ride leader, Jason, told us "...this is world class single track!" Jason wasn't lying! The trails were in pristine condition and while we're in the midst of a drought, the trees and foliage were beautiful. I must admit that I walked up a few of the hills as they were longer and steeper than the trails at Granite Bay. The payoff being that the down hills were equally long and fast! Yes, Papa Regis did use his brakes!
After about five miles on the single track I arrived back at Foresthil Road and at this point, being way behind the kids, elected to pedal back on the street. Really steep to start but the payoff was hitting 33.4 MPH on the downhill. Pretty darn sweet to be sitting on my 29er and flying downhill that fast! For once, I arrived back at the starting point at about the same time as the rest of the riders. Sure, my ride was shorter but it was still a blast. I want to go back with the guys from work and do this loop plus the more technical loop on the south side of the highway.
The only change I'd make for next time out there would be clear glasses, it was too dark in some spots with the shades!
One of these days I'm going to get the hang of this mountain biking thing!