Secret Trail Project

---

I call this trail the Gecko V.01, and this being a secret trail project for now, I thought it would be best to start with this mysterious looking island looming on the horizon.

Just in case the previous island wasn’t mysterious enough, here’s a backup.

Here’s a dead giveaway! That is, if you’ve ever ridden on this island before. I’ve actually done an adventure race just down the coast from this place a few years ago, completely oblivious to the treasure trove of riding trails in this part of the island.

From a big boat to a small boat without missing a beat, on the way to the trailhead!

The boat dropped me off near here, after a bumpy ride skimming over ocean swells rushing in with the morning tide. Actually, it wasn’t that bad, I just wanted to make it sound more dramatic.

Okay. I admit I wasn’t exactly roughing it. I had this cottage to plan the coming days’ adventures.

And now, on to serious business. The trail has quite a few possible starting points including an extremely steep road paved with flat stones taken from the nearby beach.

One part of the trail that I have yet to connect to the rest of the route led me here to this beach. Nice view but difficult to ride. There is actually a trail on the cliff above this beach but its too steep and its mostly broken granite and marble. In addition, there’s a steep drop off to one side with nothing in between but hangtime.

I don’t think this is part of the trail.

Just one of the many hidden coves accessible from the riding trail.

—-> Need a break? Go back to Top or back to the Table of Contents

This a rare portion of the trail that turns away from the beach, it makes short detour into a small village nearby.

The trail to the village turned out to be longer than I expected.

View of yet another beach, seen from the trail leading to the village.

Finally, houses at the periphery of the fishing village along the trail.

There was a number of trails leading out of the village, so I just made a guess and hoped for the best.

Back in the saddle for more singletrack action.

Another bit of uphill riding on the trail, there are quite a few of these things on the route.

Nice and steep downhill run, very technical near the end of this particular part of the route.

Climbing yet another hill and the sun is starting to bear down at around this time.

This is usually the reward you get after the climbs on the trail.

—-> Need a break? Go back to Top or back to the Table of Contents

This is usually the reward you get after the climbs on the trail.

I think this is best part of the trail, not the most technical for those looking for that kind of riding, but the most scenic.

Having a steep drop-off at the end of your handlebars seem to be part of the ride on this trail.

The spectacular view comes at a price of course, some portions of the trail require constant attention. Obviously not a place to compose text messages while riding.

Not the most technical trail but this fallen tree hanging right across the path is definitely a nasty surprise waiting to happen. Being “clotheslined” by a dead tree is not exactly good riding form for anyone.

One of my favorite obstacles on the trail, I call this one the “Great Boulders of Endo!” Its self-explanatory for any rider.

A closer look at those sneaky boulders, perfect if you want to learn how to “Superman” over the handlebars while picking a spot on the ground where to perform a “Faceplant.”

I started to explore the trail early in the morning and by nine o’clock the sun was starting to bear down. I would have loved to go down there and sip on a smoothie, except like most of the beaches along the trail, there’s nothing down there but obviously sun, sea, and sand.

Just following the trail, headed inland towards some low-lying hills and a village up ahead.

Still following the road, everything seems to be taking much longer than expected. Its either I was getting bad at estimation or my dehydrated mind was starting to play tricks on me.

If the bridge looks menacing, it would be for good reason. Those gaps can fit even motorcycle tires.

—-> Need a break? Go back to Top or back to the Table of Contents

Honestly, its the first time I’ve encountered a road flooded with corn.

Just thought this picture looked nice, so I put it here. Move on.

I ran out of water at this point so I opted to turn back, I was starting to get cross-eyed from thirst, get over it.

More climbing on the way back.

Some shots I missed on the way out.

I think there is no better place to ride a bike than places like this.

Just another shot I missed on the way out.

Nice and easy

One last single-track to climb.

Near the top of the last climb.

Almost home, just have to muster the strength to open the cottage door.

Something cold to drink, finally!

Fruit cake to go with the cold drink.

This is the life! Next time I’ll be posting actual ride pictures, that is, if I can find someone to go with me and take turns holding the camera.

RIDE PICTURES COMING IN THE APRIL  ISSUE OF VELODRONEDIGITAL!

—-> Need a break? Go back to Top or back to the Table of Contents