The sweet spot...

It is a challenge for me. Finding it, that is. If I ride solo, I want to go as fast and as hard as I am physically capable. If we go riding as a family, I want everyone to enjoy themselves and push the limits just a little. There is a "sweet spot" where any more would be too much for a family outing, and any less would just leave me - and possibly everyone else - wanting more. Today was about finding that sweet spot.

We started off down the Kim Williams and ran straight into a bike race. The roadies with the narrow tires and the deep-dish composite wheels were out in force. We dodged runners for a while, and then headed straight up Deer Creek Rd.

This ascent is steady and not too difficult for everyone.
Views from near the top aren't too bad either.

Rene doing his best to keep a positive attitude while working hard.

Melissa made a butterfly friend.

The plan was to get to Pattee Canyon Rec Area, ride some trails in the Southside network, and then hook up with Crazy Canyon. A secondary objective of this ride was to scope out trail conditions in the Pattee area. Result? Trails are not quite ready to ride, and we checked out a few different loops. Next month will bring some great riding in this area, I'm sure.

We crossed the road and headed up Crazy Canyon. This is a not-so-steep jeep road that climbs to the top of Mt. Sentinel (5000 ft.)... we had no intention of making it to the top on this ride, but to hook up with Crooked Trail and MoZ to get back into town. 

We rode down the steep switchbacks dodging trees.
Lots of cyclists climbing up, too.

Crooked Trail bursts out of the trees, and crosses the wide open space on
the southwest flank of Mt. Sentinel

Tired, but happy riders.

Once we got off the mountain (that last bit is pretty darn steep!), we headed at a leisurely pace through the University District, headed downtown, and were quickly caught in the gravitational pull of the Bridge pizza.

Remains of post-ride nutrition.

All in all, a great way to spend a Saturday with the family. The weather was sunny and warm, and we found ourselves not quite heading home until almost 7pm. A long day, but not an overly hard day. We are all tires, but better for the experience, and I'm just very happy to have hit the sweet spot one more time.

21.5 miles. 2000 feet of climbing.