POSTCARD: A Small Treasure || Powhite Park

Trail Armor

As the roar of commuter traffic rushes by, I peddle off to get reacquainted with the trail. With each pedal stroke, the traffic was replaced by the rhythmic sound of my tires moving forward. I am greeted by a narrow band of twisty singletrack, which uses every bit of topography. My skills are tested by short steep climbs, fast descents, roots, rocks, and log piles as I move forward.

The Powhite trails might be the city's original mountain bike trails. I know they have been around for at least 26 years. A spiderweb of trails that run through a forest of hardwoods and Holly trees. Makes it hard to know how many miles are in the 100-acre park. What it lacks in size, it makes up in features that provide a challenge to the most seasoned rider.

I pass the park twice daily on my daily commute, not stopping to take what the park offers. My calendar reminds me to plan for outdoor activities. I think it needs to be epic, and I need to go off-grid for a few days. But the truth is this is not the case. The small treasure I seek I have been passing up and by every day.

Navigate over to our related Postcard Series posts at:

• Postcard Canal Walk James River Park
  
• Postcard Fall Colors
  
• Postcard Night Sky Festival Shenandoah National Park

To see more photos in this series, navigate over to Navigate To Your Adventure on Flick