DAY NINE: THUNDER MOUNTAIN RIDE!

It had been over a year since I had ridden Thunder, but each day I was away made me want to go back MORE! This was an epic ride- the scenery, the challenge, and the fun- make this ride one of the most well-rounded out of all the rides I have been on. Some rides have the technical, but offer very little in the way of downhill. Some offer downhill, but offer a sick climb or boring fire road opposed to singletrack. Thunder delivers the total experience.
We started off from the campground early, and began the grueling 4+ mile climb along the paved portion of the Red Canyon trail. Although paved, this portion of the ride will kick your ass if you are not in good cardio shape. We took it slow, since Charmaine was still getting acclimated to the altitude, and she was having some issues with getting her breath.
We finally made it to the dirt path that heads over to the Coyote Hollow trailhead. We took a break for lunch, needing to refuel after burning some decent calories on the ascent.
About a mile and a half later, we arrived at the Thunder Mountain trailhead.

We started off the ride already somewhat beat. Charmaine especially had a difficult time, and was getting frustrated on some of the climbs. We were fully committed; no turning back now. As we hit a series of climbs with alternating descents, we took our time and took a lot of photos to distract us. We topped out at about 8200 feet elevation after reaching the summit.
After hitting the summit, we traveled through some more forest until finally the scenery changed, and we began the descent into Red Canyon. The sand turned deep red, the hoodoos appeared, and Charmaine's (as well as my) spirits and second wind picked up.

We handled the rocky, sketchy and technical descent with renewed vigor, and the ride seemed new at this point. We finally hit the much deserved 1.5 mile singletrack BOMB back down to the Red Canyon trailhead, and the gateway to our camp. Words can't describe this, you have to watch the video in the next post.
We got back into camp utterly and thoroughly exhausted but smiling.

16 miles with a total elevation gain of 2194 feet...
After a shower and a change of clothes, we headed out and ate the ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet at Ruby's Inn...which is chock full of mashed potatoes, ribs, chicken, corn, desserts, you name it. I went back 3 times. And then I ate desert. I needed to refuel after that ride.