On 7/28/2020, Rod Palmer and I took on The CrusherEX 40. A couple weeks prior, we rode The CrusherEX 225. So on paper, The CrusherEX 40 looks quite easy compared to the last event and can quickly be knocked out. Two checkpoints, no hogback, and only 11~12 bonus miles on the bike. This should be 🎂.
Checkpoint list:
The Starting Line, Forestville Trailhead:
Not much to say about the start. We showed up, grabbed selfies, and headed out on the adventure at 8:51am.
Forestville Chimney:
Eliminating Hogback on the start of the crusher creates a completely different ride. Forestville road is an excellent road for dirt/gravel riding and the single track getting to the check point is awesome. There is a short bike push getting over the top of the world, but it's really short. Any crusher participant would almost agree, it's a pleasant push.
The chimney:
There is quite the distance from these two checkpoints, but the journey is incredible. There are creek crossings, trails, abandoned roads, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. My favorite part is a climb at mile 31. Winding and chunky with a few punchy spots:
Chunky Summit:
About halfway through the last 12 miles of The CrusherEX route is the infamous chunky summit you poor bastards sign:
In my opinion, this 12 mile stretch of riding is what adventure riding is all about. The trail appears to be for atv's and jeeps, but lets ride our bikes there anyway 😁. The hills, descents, and rocks of chunky summit are just a blast to ride. The last five miles into Forestville is getting well packed and it's just a cruise in the woods. Every adventure ride should end like this.
The Finish Line, Forestville Trailhead:
That finishing selfie:
Ride Stats:
- 52 miles
- 3,600 feet of elevation
- 4:26 total time
- Strava link: The CrusherEX 40
Outro:
The CrusherEX 40 advertises as a "Perfect introduction into the community". I first read this as, yeah right, it's prolly 40 miles of hell, but it's a lot shorter than the others. Afterwords, I can say this route is awesome, especially since I don't ride the U.P. much. Having a route laid out in this manner makes for an incredible adventure. Riding a full suspension bike on the route made the MTB sections that much more fun. Rides like this always end with wanting more.
With all that said above, onto chapter 3, The CrusherEX 100.
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