The B104 and why riding trails alone is not a great idea

As I mentioned the other day, my favorite trail up at the cottage remains closed, and may very well do so until I haul a chain saw up there and clear it myself.

So, for today's little blast in the dirt I picked up the B104 and attempted to follow that to Kinmount.

I'd followed the first part of it the other day and it was great. It's really an ATV/Snowmobile trail but it's open to all. As such, it's less than a fire trail, but wider than single track.

Yesterday I stopped at the sign but today I planned to forge on

While the going was pretty simple before the sign, afterwards it got a lot gnarlier.

For starters, there were a lot more exposed tree roots and a lot less light to see by. Stones were also more plentiful, not to mention the fact this is all new to me.

Then I came across these two fallen trees.

Normally, I'd have been able to ride over these but the mix of roots and a downhill approach robbed me of the grip I would have liked. Faced with the prospect of turning around again, I simply manhandled the bike over them.

A big drink of warm camelback water and I'm off again. Today, I'm invincible.

The terrain remained gnarly, but I like it that way. I'm not here to break records, just explore and so I'm taking it easy, and besides I feel relaxed and in control.

But then I met this.

Cautious of the last time @nick303 and I caught some water, I decided to wade out before riding in. It seemed fine and the water was only just above my ankles. Besides, there's no side trail so it's get wet or go back.

Confidence bolstered I gave it gas but something went wrong half way through. I must have walked on a ridge but slid sideways off if it on the bike. Net result, I'm past the axles in water and despite some decent speed the engine dies.

At least it's shallow enough to get a foot down.

The bottom is seriously sticky but luckily the exhaust remained dry. The bike won't fire again though. No matter how hard I push, it feels like I'm going nowhere.

Miles from help, I'm now faced with a conundrum. I'm very unlikely to have anyone else come along, and while I've got a cell signal, how is anyone going to get out to me? Walking for help was also out of the question for similar reasons. Besides, if I'm not holding the bike upright, it's going to be laying in the water.

The only option is brute forcing it out of this damn water, and so inch by painful inch my KTM creeps out as the water rushes into my boots.

Ten minutes later, I'm stood on the bank fit to collapse. After a long pull on the camelback and some serious deep breathing, I'm off again back the way I came.

Riding back is easier for some reason. I'm tired but more aware of the obstacles. Even the downed trees don't phase me and I manage to ride over them with ease this time.

Back home, I realize I should probably be a little more careful next time. I could so easily have tipped over in the water. That or got the bike stuck and been unable to get it out.

But will I remember this next time I'm out? I doubt it.