LOCAL TIP: The best mini-loop on Spider

Headed out this morning to take a few runs down The Chute, what I think is the most fun, moderate downhill off-shoot Spider Loop has to offer. The uphill climb (about halfway to HLZ) is rutted double track that’s fairly easy to negotiate, and the ride down is a twisting, thickly forested three-foot-wide trail with a jump, multiple drop offs and some very narrow squeezes through trees. From the end, you can loop around and be back at the trail entrance (or continuing on to greater Spider Loop ventures) with about 10 minutes of moderate climbing.

Spent the first run clearing Typhoon Ewiniar leftovers and most of the trail guardians (Banana Spiders), and a second run just enjoying the ride. Only ate one spider in the process; luckily most were hanging low and enjoyed the Ferris wheel ride on the front spokes.

It’s been good to see more and more new riders on the trails as the weather’s improved overall. Ran into Rudy, a guys who’s been riding here for years, leading a group up Spider Loop.