MudNCrud Forums
Out'n about... just not Climbing => Running => Topic started by: Roughster on January 19, 2009, 11:57:32 AM
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Brown's Valley Open Space Trail Run: 4.6 miles @ 10:38 (+/- 1500')
After running Cold Creek yesterday, I was reminded just how amazing trail running can be. Inspired, I decided to do my 1st 1/2 of today's double on the trails by my house in the nearby Open Space District. Two peaks site separated by a valley with technical single track circling the whole space and ridge trails connecting the two. With today's temps absolutely straight from a fall catalog, I couldn't resist. Taking pictures slowed me down, but I figure I could handle the ego hit by posting a slower running pace :) MB (http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/episode/view.do?episodePk.pkValue=7480836)
Jump the gate (legal access) and head up a nice hard packed single track contouring to the north around to the backside of Peak #1:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/3210608626_03cb39b435.jpg?v=0)
From here it is a small draw and meadow:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3210608728_6875d8f5aa.jpg?v=0)
Once out of the draw you gain the ridge leading to the peak:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3210607980_ea0fa66db4.jpg?v=0)
At the top, there is a bench and picnic table for those inclined to rest. The view isn't too shabby as well :) That is Peak#2 in the distance.
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3210608024_5fff3c8af0.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3210608106_2441dc12a8.jpg?v=0)
From here you head down the ridge to the south towards Peak#2. On the way down, I jumped a coyote. I tried to get a pic but he was too fast for me. I did get a picture of the local single track trail crew relaxing in the valley before heading up to Peak#2:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3535/3210608164_f28953ed43.jpg?v=0)
Jump a fence and pick up a bitchin single track on the other side:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/3209760881_a5cbd557d6.jpg?v=0)
Up a short draw passing an isolated oak that guards the ridge:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3210608298_b1129d586b.jpg?v=0)
Once on the ridge, you hit fun stretch before the 20% grade up the backside to the top:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3210608466_ab3c05f114.jpg?v=0)
Once at the top, it is a steep descent to a dirt road that weaves its way down to the side of the Open Space:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3210608564_a679d2a0fb.jpg?v=0)
Once down you negotiate some pretty technical single track sections due to the cows stepping on soft ground after rains. You have to watch your step to avoid turning/breaking your ankles!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3210607934_65c254f150.jpg?v=0)
Fortunately the section is short lived and it is back to perfect single track before the .25 miles of pavement back home:
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3210608658_efaacf9e69.jpg?v=0)