I finally got to ride Carparts extension and Barking Emu. It was a beautiful morning and pretty much perfect riding conditions, although a very challenging ride given how out of practice I am, having ridden only a few times in the last month.
The climb is a little like Sally Alley/Upswing to Makara Peak, but not maintained to the same level. This made for a more challenging climb for sure, and I did have to walk in quite a few places. I also had quite a few dismounts, two of them notable: one off the side of the track which was pretty freaky; and the other I didn’t even consider at the time but which has left my knee in considerable discomfort since (edit: going on nine days now). Once we’re out of lockdown I may need to get it looked at.
Compounding this I had forgotten my knee and shin pads. Big mistake, especially on a track I’ve never ridden before and one that I suspected would be challenging.
It is a cool ride and I would like to ride it more frequently, although I need to work on my climbing fitness – I was increasingly making mistakes the further I rode due to fatigue. Once I am back in form I’d like to ride this all the way to Red Rocks.
It also has piqued my interest in attempting to ride the Tip Track, although that is going to require a little more training.
