Yesterday I did the Hard Guy trail for the 3rd time. I do like the trail because it is quiet. The 3 times I have done this, I have encountered just a few bikers and hardly anyone on foot. And I only do this trail because of the name. I’ma perv like that.
2500′ elevation gain is totally doable for anyone without keeling over. If you are the BF, you may not keel over, but you may never want to do it again. For me, I will gladly do it any nice weekend day. I’ma badass like that.
If you ever wanna simulate your own Hard Guy trail in the gym….
Stair Master for 2 hours.
Tire drills for an hour.
Stair Master for a half hour.
Treadmill at whatever speed/incline you want for 2 miles.
Serious.
I don’t really like doing trails, but I do like doing trails. I don’t like the rocks causing me to roll my ankle. I did that on the downhill around mile 7 but it didn’t bother me until the end of my trek, so we will see how this plays out in the next day or so.
I like that it is quiet. I can be alone with my thoughts. Totally alone, but not really alone. I still have cell reception. Hearing Rye Rye saying she wants to shake it to the ground (the 1st 30 secs is my ringtone) is a little jolting when you get a phone call like I do on the trail.
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| Mile 2-ish |
Far enough from the city but close enough to get back home. And to have amazing views of the valley.
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| Mile 5-ish. Crappy cell pic. Blame the gin that I spilled on my phone. |
I smelled skunk in 3 different areas within the 6 miles. I am not totally alone out there and really don’t wanna get sprayed. But there were less bugs hopping around then the last 2 times. I like less bugs.
I have a fear of the wildlife. I know there are deer running around with all the poo seen on the trail. I don’t know what other animals leave poo I have passed over. Also, with the threat of a cougar running around, I made sure I kept an eye and ear open on my surroundings.
People should have their dogs better controlled via voice command. I have had a few dogs run up to me & wanted to jump on me, while not listening to their owner was not appreciated. Although that Siberian Husky on a leash that walked up and put his head into my open hand to be petted as I was passing was welcomed. He was obviously a gentle lover and so freaking soft. Almost soft enough to consider getting my own Husky. The back and chest fur of the BF is not as soft as that husky. The BF may be replaced with a Husky dog.
I think my trail shoes make the arch of my foot unhappy. Thanks Salomon for providing arch support. Or that the trail grit that gets into my shoe decides it wants to hang out near the arch of my foot & really bothers me around mile 8 plus. I need to bring more socks and switch out? I may have to try Hokas. I don’t think I will like Brooks Pure Grit, and I don’t want zero drop Altras just yet.
I would like my own Husky to sherpa my clean & dirty socks on a pack. And if he carried a cask of rum under his chin, that would be freaking awesome.
And if I could ride on his back like a horse when my legs are tired, he would be the best pet ever.
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| At the top of Hard Guy. All downhill from here. |
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| Mile 5.5-ish. My fave part of the whole trail. |
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| Mile 5-ish. Almost to the top. |
What do you like/dislike about getting on the trails? What sort of trail shoes do you use? Do you wanna ride your dog like a horse? Can I ride your dog like a horse?