Breakheart Loop Trail, it seems it has been the “holy grail” of local trails. Local mountain bikers like to talk about the trail. Everyone knows a biker who “went over the bars” on this trail. It is slippery, frustrating, tricky and a technical trail. Which is why I wouldn't recommend it for most beginners. It is also beautiful and challenging; a tempting combination for mountain bikers.
Penny Trail Before Breakheart Loop Trail
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
How did I prepare for the “holy grail” of local trails? I didn’t, I actually took it on accident; which is why I am not including a trail plan, just the trail location. The trail goes behind Camp E-Hun-Tee and Alton Jones Campus.
Breakheart Loop Trail on Great Swamp Press Map
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
2 weeks ago I posted a Mountain Bike Report on Shelter Trail. It was such a smooth and fast trail I decided to try a new trail off Shelter trail. Unfortunately, the trail map did not specify that the trail I needed to take to get back was for hikers only. It had boards and a sign on the start of the trail stating that it was for hikers.
Shelter on Shelter Trail
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
I could have backtracked and been on the trail back to the car in less than 15 minutes. However, I am apparently incapable of backtracking. The only way back was Breakheart Loop, which I had to do in the rain.
Most mountain biker's take the trail counter-clockwise, I took it clockwise. The trail is rocky, hilly, has lots of roots and some gorgeous scenery. It has 2 wooden bridges across creeks. There are low hanging branches, and did I mention it was peppered with rocks, stones and roots.
Hill on Penny Hill Trail
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
If it wasn’t raining the footing would have been tricky. In the rain after a long ride before taking the trail it was slippery and at times frustrating.
Downhill on Shelter Trail
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
The trail took about an hour to complete. At the end on Matteson Plain Road I wanted to jump off my bike and kiss the dirt, but I was too exhausted.
It was a great ride that challenged my abilities and my patience. The terrain was everything riding in pristine and untouched Rhode Island woods should be. There were some beautiful areas lush and green. When I finished I thought, “I am never doing this again” but I am already planning my next trip.
Field of Blueberry Bushes
Photo Courtesy Rebecca Crosby All Rights Reserved
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