Mount Sentinal (Treasure Ride) at 5,141 ft.

Terrain Distance (approx): 11.24 miles (rt)
Climbing Distance: 2,719 feet
Highest Altitude: 5,141 feet
Trip Time: 1:49:01
Best Time: 50 minutes to top, 1:10 rt! (6/23/2005)
Google Map: [http://tinyurl.com/tnr-treasure ]

This ride is also known as the Treasure Ride. It starts at my apartment which in itself is the coolest part. You ride up to the access point to the bikable part of the Sentinel Trails just north of the golf course and the UM track facilities. Once on the trail you climb out of town in a big way. You go skyward like a jet plane and you warm up the muscles much more than maybe you wanted to.

For me tonight it felt good and I knew I was in for a great climb. Once you have climbed around the base of the mountain and into Pattee Canyon the trail levels out some before Busting down into some single track. Single track that is very fun to ride. Just remember that coming back you will have to climb this small downhill.

Once the follies are over you start to climb the single track. When you reach a fork I took the left side because I figured that is where I was going ... to the top ... up! And you do, I feel this is the hardest part until you reach the Crazy Canyon Jeep Trail.

Once upon the trail go left and ride to the saddle. Enjoy the slight rest.

Once on the saddle I recommend going up the trail instead of the road. I started out on the road and it was so steep I couldn't believe it. Without dabbing I reached the first crossing of the trail and took it from that point on and I am glad I did. The single track switchbacks up to the submit instead of going straight up like the jeep trail. I cant believe vehicles make it up this part.

Anyway the last part is real hard as you must bust up a steep loose part of the jeep trail. stay left as there is the most traction and that is how I made it.

Go back the way you came and I must warn you, it is soooo fun but watch out as this is a popular ride. I was out at 9PM and still ran into 5 other riders.

One more thing, at 9PM the sunset if you which to stay is phenomenal. Yahoo! I will do this ride a lot!

I give this ride 5 stars because the view is great specially at sunset, the ride is short compared to what you get in views, It is all do-able but challenging, so far you miss the logging action that is going on now, and the ride back into town is awesome.