tallsteve
05-19-2008, 02:50 PM
I met my bro-in-law from California in Hurricane on Friday. We rode Gooseberry that day and Thunder Mountain Saturday. Great weather although a bit warm at the Goose. Very clear, blue sky with nary a cloud. Hadn't done Thunder before so I was excited to finally ride it. Still not sure what I think. We parked at the parking lot and rode up the paved trail. I think I was expecting nearly all downhill once we hit the trailhead but noooo- much more climbing still to come. Beautiful views once you hit the north rim. I also got tired of the constant switchbacks going down. The trail itself wasn't in bad shape and I loved the last mile bombing down towards the parking lot. I don't think I would make this a 'destination' ride but connect it, like we did, with Gooseberry or something else down that way. Gooseberry was awesome as usual! I get better at clearing everything each time I go. My bro-in-law nearly got bit by a rattlesnake but other than that and a broken derailer hanger it was great. I only took my camera on Thunder- my bro-in-law has the Gooseberry photos. Enjoy!