My son Kyle and I are in final prep to bikepack the Colorado Trail next month, riding every day. Yesterday we did the Picture Rock / Wild Turkey Loop in Lyons, CO, my favorite ride on the front range.

Kyle wasn’t psyched, as he had done this last year. There is quite a bit of rock hopping. But sure enough, he was ahead of me the whole uphill.

At the top of the loop you hit a rock outcropping with great views.  As we approached we heard thunder, despite the forecast of no rain.  We took a few photos and hightailed it down the hill. We still got caught in a rainstorm that soaked us to the bone.

I was out in front on the descent and after turning a corner nearly ran over this. 

He’s lucky I was going slow because of the rain.  Kyle and I have run over many snakes on our bikes, and I don’t think they do well afterwards.

I asked Kyle on the way back if the trail was easier, and he said, “Yeah, way easier.”