Brats, Beer and a Pinnacle View

This was the first hike of the 2014-2015 season and our first return to Draw Bar Cliffs for Brats and Beer. I have labled many treks in Garmin Connect as Drawbar with several variations depending on the route. Chip is the Expert in that arena so I'll let him dice the nuances but on this trip we began in Table Rock State Park parking lot and followed the Pinnacle Mountain Trail White/Yellow blazes until the White turns sharply Left leaving the park and flanking Drawbar Cliffs where we vear off to do our campfire and enjoy the view over the mountains and valleys towards Lake Jocassee.



This is the map from the last time we did Drawbar on Jan 25 2014. I wanted to compare the two routes to see if the Mills Pass cut through made a difference. After further study, they are the same because Ridge Trail goes on the meet Table Rock Trail where Mill Creek Pass cuts back down to Pinnacle.


It was a beautiful day in the high 60's at least and autumn leaves still turning. I suggested that we consider doing Rainbow Falls next week but in all honesty today's 11 miles really put the old legs to the test so as for next week... We'll See!

Seize the Day!

For some reason I thought we were going to ride to the Wild Flour Bakery in Saluda. You know, take a little ride, see the sights, grab a quick cup of coffee and some sweet buns...

What are you nuts??? This ain't no Novice Ride. You just signed up with the pros. 
So it was more like saddle up, hang on tight and maybe kiss your buns good bye!
Thank God I packed food and drink like I was going camping for a week because once you hit the road with Brian and Many and their Olympian friends Alan and Karen  you are in for the long haul. Not Wild Flour, but one hell of a Wild Ride. The dynamic duo and company pushed us to the limits and it was Fun Fun Fun til Daddy took the T-Bird Away!
The basic strategy once we hit Bob's Creek Church was Praise the Lord as we pass, then pray we reach the top of Cabin Creek before the Pearly Gates.

I lied to myself several times on the way, one more turn, you can see the horizon, you're almost there... you know the usual self deception that baits you into giving just enough effort to see one of those lies finally turn true. In this case the survival mantra is Don't let it get your goat until you see them.

See the goats, that is, which we did and then it was all downhill from there. And what a downhill it was. A sharp right off Pinnacle Mountain onto the private Bear Rock Road. There is actually a sign that says it's a crime to open the gate if not a resident. What they don't say is the punishment is having to ride down it with Knievel Karen and Moguls Mary leading the way! Lord have mercy what a Screamer! I know I wore down a new set of brake pads. My knuckles are still clenched and I'm typing this thing with my thumbs. Meanwhile Knievel and Mogul were tickled pink and tempted to ride back up and do it all again. 
Yeah right, I'll be right with you...
Next time, I'm going to the Bakery. (just kidding)

It was One Great Day!