Day 153: More Helicopter Action

As I rode up Mount Tamalpais today I could hear the roar of a helicopter on the mountain. It was the same heavy thumping that I’d heard on a previous ride, so I was immediately focused on the source. I could tell that the helicopter was high on the mountain, and sure enough, I could eventually see it once that I had reached Double Bow Knot. It was hovering near the mountain’s saddle, it then landed and killed off its engine. I continued riding up Railroad Grade at a relaxed pace while trying to be cognizant of my ribs as I was gliding over bumps and ruts on my full suspension bike. My ribs felt better today, but all it would take to reinjure them would be one “off,” and that’s it. It’s VERY RARE for an experienced rider to fall while riding on Railroad Grade. Perhaps if my name were "Melvis" I’d be more concerned. My good friend is known for random crashes on the easiest of trails. Sorry Melvis, I had to put that out there. ;-) Once at the West Point Inn I could hear the helicopter firing up its engine again, and soon enough it was in the air, right in front of my eyes, and traveling down to the Hog Back fire road. It was then that I could notice that it was flying down to where there were crews doing work. I also noticed that this was not the same helicopter that I’d seen a couple of weeks back. This one was indeed being a bit of a Mule for PG&E. It was running things like power poles and equipment back and forth between teams of workers. I had heard from my friend “F” that they were on the mountain and doing this work, and that I had probably seen one of these helicopters on the mountain. I had been concerned that the Sheriff was breaking out the heavy artillery in order to search for mountain bikers on single track. Hmmm.

So I continued up to the top of Tam, which remained completely open compared to the first time that the helicopters were on the mountain. In fact, I was able to ride to within 20 yards of the running helicopter without anyone even asking me what I was doing there. As it took off I was rocked back and forth by the winds being generated by its rotors. I’ve got to say that I love the smell of jet fuel, and I must have reeked of it by the time it was done taking off. Afterwards I spoke with the PG&E ground crew, and they explained to me what they’re doing, and it all sounds like good work to be doing for all of us. I then asked them about the “other helicopter” and they said, “Oh, you mean the sheriffs?” I said, “I guess so.” I was playing it down a bit. Anyway, they confirmed that the Sheriff has been on the mountain, including flying around in one their helicopters. What are they looking for? I’ve heard various rumors, but what’s the truth? It’s kind of worse than radar being used in a known speed trap. Uugh. Don’t we have better places to put our law enforcement resources to use? How about helping my neighbor find the guy that stole his bike, or how about ticketing the guy that almost took me out with his car as I crossed Miller Ave. two nights ago? Better yet, how about working together? Mountain bikers would flock to help on “trail days” to maintain what they consider to be precious trails, BUT they can’t even openly participate. I do believe that things will change as the cycling community continues to gain strength through membership, but we need to be smart about how we participate, and not alienate other trail users. Trail stewardship is key to our success in promoting safe and legal Mountain biking, here and elsewhere. OK, I’m going to get off the stump now and get back to feeding Tugboat, and then hopefully myself. Bye for now. Distance: 18.27 miles Calories burned: 1,520 Time: 1:47:07 hours Elevation gain: 2,417 Garmin Connect ride details: http://connect.garmin.com/player/19157623