Last Friday's ride weighed heavily on me all week long. Physically, it took me more than a couple of days to bounce back from bouncing off of the unforgiving ground that makes up Rocky Ridge County Park. Mentally, I fell into that "mountain biking funk" where I knew that all I had to do was get out on my bike and have a good ride...but my body, my schedule and the weather weren't being cooperative. Truth be told, I wasn't even planning on riding on Friday until some already established plans fell part early in the afternoon...allowing me a small window of time to get out on my bike and rebound from last week.
 |
| My Stumpjumer on the ridge above Lake Williams. -- October 26, 2018 |
I opted for a ride around
Lake Williams over, what would have been, my fifth consecutive mountain bike ride at
Rocky Ridge. Besides, after last week, I figured a change of scenery (and terrain) would be a good thing. Fall has finally arrived in south central Pennsylvania turning the leaves around, what use to be, Lake Williams brilliant oranges and reds. As for the lake, it's gone...at least for now. The water company recently drained it to fix the Lake Williams dam...turning the area that was the lake into a barren landscape. The only visible water is the East Branch of the Codorus Creek snaking through the dry lake bed, which...when dammed up, creates Lake Williams.
 |
| The East Branch of the Codorus Creek carves a path through Lake William's dry lake bed. -- October 26, 2018 |
 |
| I took this pic of the now dry Lake Williams from the trails near Water Street. I find it fascinating to see the man made structures that are below the normal water level. Off the left of this pic you can see an old spring house. On the right, you can make out the foundations of structures that once stood there. Super cool. -- October 26, 2018 |
 |
| Arriving back at the trail head on South George Street you can clearly see the East Branch of Codorus as it spills out of Lake Redman in into the area that is Lake Williams. -- October 26, 2018 |
I wish I could have let some of my riding partners know my plans...but it really was an unexpected development. With the weather forcast for the weekend looking downright miserable I was stoked to be able to get out for even a short ride. I felt great to pedaling the six-ish miles of trail that runs the perimeter of Lake Williams. It's the perfect loop for a solo ride...flowing single track with climbs, descents, and plenty of options to add extra adventure to the ride. It was the perfect way for me to rebound, get back into my groove, and remind me of why I love mountain biking so much.
 |
| Signs around the Lake warn visitors not to walk out on the dry lake bed. Lake Williams will be empty for the next few months as the Water Company fixes the lake's 106 year old dam. -- October 26, 2018 |
Life is a journey...not a destination.
David A. Raymond -- October 28, 2018
 |
| Just as advertised...the weather sucked today which led to a lazy day at home with capped off with an Italian dinner (and dessert) at the Moonlight Cafe with my beautiful wife, Robin. -- October 27, 2018 |
Feel free to give me a FOLLOW on TWITTER and INSTAGRAM @mountnbiker73
Here's the Garmin map and data from my rebound ride at Lake Williams...Happy riding!
"WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING OR DO SOMETHING WORTH WRITING..." Ben Franklin
Comments