Trail Talk!
Sport: Fat Bike
Participants: 1
Trail(s): Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue
System: Herrington Manor State Park
⭐️ 8.25 out of 10
Tonight’s trail ride started with the usual excitement—gearing up, rolling out, and immediately questioning my life choices. The snow was about 3-inches deep, that perfect powdery fluff that looks dreamy but it was hiding a sneaky layer of ice underneath. Within the first few pedal strokes, my back tire was already fishtailing.
Several spots, especially the uphill, were hike-a-bike. (side note: when will Strava start giving bonus points for breaking trail?)
But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? Right.
Once I got up to my favorite Yellow section (magical photos included below), I was able to follow the ski tracks of a fellow outdoor enthusiast. Maybe it was my friend, Luke? At that point it was more downhill and more enjoyable. I was happy I decided to go ahead and get out even though I was alone tonight.
Pushing dusk, I decided to follow the untracked Blue trail. The quiet was incredible, just the crunch of tires and the occasional sound effects as my rear wheel reminded me of the ice. Then came the downed trees, nature’s way of adding an impromptu cyclocross section. Over, under, around… where is the trail?
There was a moment—standing there, the last light slipping through the trees, and it hit me. I was out here. Fully in it. Absolutely no noise, no distractions. Just me, the bike, and whatever came next. And that right there—that’s why I keep coming back.
It’s calling for 2-4 inches of snow tomorrow, February 20, so I’d imagine it will be good for biking but better for skiing or snowshoeing.
Happy Trails!
Deep Creek Adventure Bureau
