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This is an Epic XC ride with a 45 minute shuttle. Here we are leaving Palm Springs.
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Climbing into the mountains on Hwy 74
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Still snow on the mountains. We are headed up that high.
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A view down to the valley. The destination of our ride which is 30 miles long.
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At the start of our ride. Left to right. Brett, Brad, John, Michelle, Mark, Rainer.
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Group photo with yours truly, Norman, in the group.
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Obligatory snow photo. In the mountains headed towards the desert. 6000+ feet of total descent.
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Mark checking out the scenery.
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This mechanical was caused by a bike shop not installing the derailleur properly. The bike was jumping gears.
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More desert scenery as we make our way through the canyons towards Palm Springs.
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Looking back up towards the mountains where we started.
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Our lunch stop. Still some water flowing from the recent weather. A desert oasis.
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Michelle showing my water bottle she picked up. Earlier she picked up something much more valuable. My GPS which fell off my bike
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Just can’t get everyone looking at the camera at the same time.
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The 4.5 mile sandy road/wash. A necessary evil to connect the good trails.
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Michelle wonders if the rest of us are coming.
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The end of the sandy wash climb. Michelle and Brett are going to switch bikes.
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Michelle was riding a single speed bike. One climb on a single speed was enough for Brett. Never again he says.
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Our next rest spot. Brad and Michelle.
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Two ways to go here. Down the fire road or down the technical rocky trail by the sign.
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Back in town and Brett broke a chain when we hit pavement.
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Where’s John been.
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Oops, he had a flat. A nail in his tire.
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Kicking back on the grass.
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Brett used a cameback for a tripod to do a group photo.
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Badge of honor. Not from cactus. Some of the brush have thorns.
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