Capitol Forest MTB, May 2012

The first big warm-up of the season and if NWAC’s special spring avalanche advisory was anything to go by, best to stay off the slopes and delay those ambitious alpine objectives for a while longer. Of course I knew I would come to regret the decision; I always do. Alas Kulshan isn’t going anywhere soon…I hope, so off to ride the singletrack in Olympia’s Capitol Forest we go. Local CF rider Lupo served as tour guide for Rory and me, taking us on what is reputed to be the Forest’s premier moto-free, 100% singletrack ride – Jackson’s Loop. We wrapped-up the day with a shuttle drop to bounce down the short jump trail there and an opportunity to exfoliate my shins. I s’pose it would be easy to get lost, but for those MTB’ers prepared to navigate this vast maze, some of the best-maintained trails and flowy downhill anywhere awaits! Oh, and a quick plug for the 'new' Grand Ridge Trail to Duthie Hill (and back). An 'urban' classic that becomes progressively more fluid the closer one get's to Duthie...two thumbs up!