Two Elk to Minturn

#followcamfriday on one of the most classic descents in the state with James Weingarten. 

After riding Two Elk East a couple of weeks ago, I suppose it would have been rude not to go back and give traditional Two Elk a rip. We had actually planned to ride the chairlift at Vail on this fine day, but Vail decided not to open the chairlift. Thanks Vail. Never forget that Vail hates you. 

The jank is real. This trail is quite the contrast to the "East" Two Elk portion, which I much prefer, despite being considerably less vert and mileage. This Colorado "classic" is fun if you like to ride slow. It's scenic... I'll give it that. It's absolutely stunning in the fall actually. It's just not conducive to riding fast or with proper form. It's more of a fist-fight, which I normally prefer, but when the obstacles are hidden, we are engaging in a special game. Roulette. 

Timing on this one is important. The taller the foliage, the more danger is involved. There is a sniper rock hiding on the inside of nearly every turn. Don't even think of leaning your bike in the turns, using proper technique. You will lose a crank arm if you are lucky, a leg if you are not. This is one of the few trails where speed is actually not your friend. I am not entirely sure how James and I made it down without incident. So many close calls with the lurkers in the bushes. 

You can take James out of the street, but you cannot take the street out of James. Ride everything. Never not. This was the safest part of the ride somehow. Between the wildfires burning nearby, and the amazingly dry conditions, I might as well take up smoking. Nothing feels quite as satisfying after a big day on the bike as smoking a pack of darts. 

This one left me thirsty for some reason. I am always thirsty, if I am being honest, but the dust and smoke and lack of fucks given by Vail, was enough to drive a man to drinking. Don't get me wrong, we rode our bikes, and that is always better than not, but something inside of me was just craving whiskey.