As today's Tip of the Day suggests, I sit down every year and try to plan out where I want to ride for the year. I seldom get to ride all the places I plan on, but it's a good place for me to start, gives me something to look forward to, and is an excellent way to spend time when I can't - or don't want to - brave the cold, snowy, or windy weather this time of year.
I sit down with the new calendar, my Missouri Trailblazing Book, and a pencil. I try to schedule 3 weekends of trail trips, leaving one open for working around here, visiting family, or as a "rain date" in case I can't make one of the other planned rides for some reason or another. When I was younger and didn't have any responsibilities, it was easy to fulfill all my goals for the year. It's not been easy at all over the last 15 years since I got married, had a family, and had to live in the "grown up world". Things seem to be cycling back around however so, I have high hopes for this year....
My plan for this year is to schedule one camping trip a month for the peak riding season and at least two day trips, hopefully 4, for the other 2 weekends each month. Although my husband Hank enjoys riding too, he's not nearly as passionate about it as me so luckily I can get out on the trail with Lalita too. Her husband David works on Saturdays so I'm hoping that her and I can ride most Saturdays together somewhere and that Hank and I, or all 4 of us can get together on Sundays to ride. Lastly, at least once a year, I like to try and plan a long weekend camping trip farther away than we'd normally go.
This year, several goals I have include:
Day rides:
Cliff Cave (haven't ridden yet)
Daniel Boone C.A. (haven't ridden yet)
St. Francois St. Park (haven't been here for about 15 years)
Bell Mountain Wilderness (haven't ridden yet)
Sam A. Baker (always must have)
Cedar Creek (haven't ridden yet)
Greensfelder (be sure and ride Mustang Trail)
Canaan C. A. (close by)
Chubb Trail (haven't been there in a long time)
Indian Camp Creek (haven't ridden yet)
Cole Creek Trail (haven't ridden yet)
Forest 44 (specifically to get video)
Long Ridge C.A. (specifically to get video)
Meramec C.A. (specifically to get video)
Camping trips:
Paddy Creek Wilderness (didn't get to go last year like I wanted)
Caster River C.A. (haven't ridden yet)
Kaintuck Hollow (A favorite and one I can't wait to get video of)
Lead Mine C.A. (Haven't ridden yet)
Rudolf Bennitt C.A. (Haven't ridden yet)
Berryman Trail (A favorite)
Big Camping Trip:
Berry Bend at Truman Lake (Haven't ridden yet)
Hmmmm, might end up being more camping trips than originally planned... LOL There are so many places I want to go...
When I plan my trips, I like to try and include many trails I haven't ridden yet and get a good sampling from around the state. I admit I have a lot less planned from Northern Missouri, but there are so few trails there compared to the southern half of the state. There are several places I'd love to go, but don't believe our horses will be physically or mentally ready for them this year. (or me for that matter) They're on slate for 2013. Two of those include Busiek C.A. and Huckleberry Ridge C. A.
What trails do you plan to ride this year?
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