#Jank

#followcamfriday riding Herman Gulch with Jank Master James. 

Definition of Jank- Awkward, lacking flow, nonsensical trail construction, almost unrideable, not intended to be ridden smoothly on a bicycle. Jank. Trying to make sense of ridiculously eroded, and over-used hiking trails is an art. Live for it!

Of course, this trail is a 100 year old hiking route and was never intended to be ridden on a bicycle. That said, I have ridden a trail or two in my day, and this one has to be the most abused, and best examples of over-use, and lack of maintenance in the state. Maybe that is why I love it so much. It's close proximity to I70 has left this as the easiest option for hikers to get into the "forest".  Covid had exacerbated this trend. 

It is worth noting that as of October 21st, this trail and the entire Arapahoe and Roosevelt National forests are closed to prevent the further spread of wildfire.  Humans can't be trusted unfortunately and are banned from the woods. Basically, the entire Front Range is closed currently, so you are going to have to wait till the spring to give this one a go. Props to the people fighting the fires in our state and protecting the land. Please check into the local restrictions if you intend to ride anywhere in the state right now. Interesting times, to say the least. 

I prefer to ride this one from Jones Pass, but there was a closure in place on the CDT at the top of the divide due to the Williams Fork fire. So many fires.... We did this as an out-and-back, and it was still worth the effort to unlock the jank. Herman Gulch is basically a pile of anacondas with some gravel and rock mixed in. My happy place.

James is always keen for an adventure and keeps his hydration levels in check. Especially before stacking it to flat. Hydration is never more important. Herman Lake is likely very cold in the background. I do not recommend that you put your body into it. It does however make for a tranquil moment amongst the rocks.

You will notice that the aspens in this picture are devoid of leaves. This is due in part to the high winds the state has been experiencing for the last 2 weeks (also the reason the fires are spreading rampantly), but mostly due to the fact that winter is just around the corner. Colorado is setting up for a reasonable winter storm this weekend and I would be surprised if the alpine is rideable again this year. And so the cycle goes. Make the most of it friends. I am stoked to ski.