YAP Summer Outing
July 24-27, young adults, past, present, and future, Eastern Division YAP and OEC supervisors, and the New Hampshire Region YAP Advisor gathered to take on the challenge of the mountain bike craze. We all met at the Country Aire Campground, where we set up a variety of stays, everything from the good old tent setup to what some would call Glamping (I prefer to call it staying in comfort and style). That night sitting around the campfire, we discussed our plans for the next few days. It was decided we would take on the challenge of Thunder Mountain Bike Park on Friday.
After a hearty breakfast on Friday, we loaded up the trucks with our bikes and headed over to Thunder Mountain. After signing the standard waivers, we donned personal safety gear and headed to the lifts. We were led by Jason Tamulen, the Eastern Division OEC Supervisor and bike patroller, to the top and after some discussion and planning we learned the motto Pre-ride, Re-ride, Free ride. No different than doing a trail check, warm-up lap, and then letting it rip.
With nine people in the group, we had all levels from first-timer (this guy) to experienced YAPs who race and compete. With coaching from Craig Larson, Eastern Division YAP Supervisor, and Jason we learned how to ride within our abilities and coached to learn new skills and expand our boundaries for riding.
We zigged and zagged, twisted and turned, up and down as we made our way down the trails. We learned about riding strategies and how to use our momentum to carry us through various obstacles along the way. After each run, we assessed our ride and talked about how to improve all while riding the lift back to the top.
After a much-needed lunch and many bottles of water and Gatorade, we went back out to try some more challenging trails. This time we met up with no-gap jumps. Newcomers could roll through if they wanted. Through the woods and along the trails, you could hear the whoop whoops, yeehaw, and ‘Hang on Snoopy’ all the way down. At the end there was a large ramp where, if you didn’t carry enough momentum, you would roll back down the hill.
One last run down a technical trail (means lots of rocks to this guy) and we were physically spent, well, at least the adults were. Fortunately, our leader treated us to some ice cream from a local food truck. It tasted way too good after the day we all had.
At a great dinner sitting at the campfire, it was decided we would try and tackle some local cross-country trails. After some research using an app, we decided the trails of Catamount State Forest would be our target. Saturday’s breakfast was eaten, we loaded trucks with as many bikes as possible so we could minimize our parking, and headed to the trailhead.
After slowly working our way up a dirt road that ended more like a 4×4 trail, we found our parking spots. Some had to park further down as their vehicle just did not have enough clearance for the trail. We met up and under the navigation of Zach Larson we headed out, then turned around and headed a different way.
Well, let me say this, these trails were not well-traveled and were quite an adventure. Some of us felt like we were just taking the bikes out for a walk (lots of hills to climb). Did I say we were all in shape? Well, maybe not enough. Anyway, we scrambled up, up, and more up and then a little down.
We came across a great little spot to dry camp back in the woods alongside a small pond. From there we kept our adventure going with everyone encouraging and cheering each other on. The YAPs would find lines to take their bikes on. The adults would just stop and watch with big smiles as they negotiated through the challenges.
Along the way, we came upon a large stone with an American flag flying over it. It stated this was the first flag raised over a public schoolhouse in 1812. Pretty amazing and odd to find that in the middle of the woods. Further up the trail we found a sign pointing to a Bear Cave; after checking things out, we continued along our way making a 5-mile loop back to the vehicles.
Loading up, we headed back to the campground and quickly changed to head to a local swimming hole we passed along our drive. We all jumped in for a refreshing and well-deserved swim. Then back to the camp for some dinner and story time. Sunday morning, we were met with some light rain while packing up camps, but all was done with big smiles from an adventurous weekend with family and friends.
To learn more about YAP programs in your area, contact your region YAP advisor, or visit the YAP page on the Eastern Division Website.
