If-Then route

In formal logic, there's a construct called If-Then. It's defined by

If (hypothesis)
Then (conclusion)

What on earth does this have to do with mountain biking? Well, consider this:

If you pedal uphill for 3.5 miles
Then
a. You'll collapse at the top, abandon all your gear, hitch a ride down on a passing horse, and never mountain bike again
OR
b. You'll wobble back downhill and swear off riding at Daley Ranch
OR
c. You'll gulp down some water, lower your seat, and whoop and laugh for 2.5 miles of downhill bliss.

"Um, I'll take 'c' for $200, Alex."

There's no warmup as this route starts right away with a steep climb on Lower Caballo. You'll get a break in a few spots but prepare for a long climb with technical sections mixed in. You'll then turn onto Upper Caballo, where things ease up a bit, and then roll through more climbing on Coyote Run and Diamondback Trail. You'll soon turn south and get rewarded for all that climbing with the longest downhill stretch at Daley Ranch. It alternates between rowdy and rough one minute, then fast and flowy the next. It all ends with a fast, flowy, and steep section filled with banked switchbacks.

As you load the bike onto the car, you might just be thinking, "I had no idea that logic could be so much fun. I should have paid more attention in school." And that's perfectly logical.

A few things to note:

1. The route is suitable for intermediate riders and consists of trails rated green and blue.

2. Please bring a bell. The trails are filled with hikers and horses, especially on weekends, and sightlines are limited. Watch your speed on the way down and be courteous. Horses always have the right-of-way.

3. All the trails are sanctioned and legal. Have fun