Ghost Riders at Still Memorial

Last week I just had to get out of Dodge! I was going to burst if I stayed home. So Friday at 9:30 AM I was tossing stuff in the trailer, loaded the Blue and off we went for Prineville. My dear friends Cole & Charlotte Still, along with Alice Warner, and the Prineville Ridge Riders had put this ride on for over 40 years. We used to help every year in the old days when that area was "home". However they are gone now to better trails but I could hear their voices calling me.

Cole and Alice built many trails and added to the trail system each year as time went on. And I'm sure Cole rode the ride for 32 consecutive years and as I rode this year I recalled many of my old endurance friends. I know some of them were riding with me. My trail angels. 

The views of the Cascades are gorgeous as you climb Grey Butte. I remember one year Speedy's saddle slipped and I got off to fix it. The bugger wouldn't let me back on and Jo Calver came along and saved me and helped me back on the big guy!! Not sure how many times I've ridden the ride, I know my first year there was 1978.

The trail off "Still Hill" drops down to those alfalfa fields you see in the distance.

I like how the USFS has put up signs for the Cole Loop. Sadly vandals had torn some of the signs down. At one time Cole had put up horse shoe markers along the way. The route is mostly single track trail. 

The Buck Brush or Bitter Brush was in full bloom and gave off an amazing aroma as we trotted on through towards the big pasture and Weigand well. Blue and I had a great ride and an awesome day. He finished with all A's on his vet card. I'm happy I was able to visit the homeland for a day and remember the good times with friends of the past and present.