Ride Along: Watchman to the Bike Park – One Long Descent

I know everyone has their own flavor when it comes to MTB YouTube videos. Some riders love clean visuals and lo-fi beats, others prefer full-on commentary, stats, and gear breakdowns. Personally I really love hearing the rider talk about the trail in real-time. There’s something about getting into their stream of consciences, especially since the GoPro effect tends to flatten everything and remove the feeling from the ride.

But for this video, I wanted to try something a little different.

This is a full descent video. Nearly 2,500 feet of elevation drop from the top of Watchman down to the Boise Bike Park with almost zero commentary. There are a few quick voice notes scattered in, but for the most part, it’s just trail, tires, and terrain. The only parts I cut out were a couple short climbs. Otherwise, it's all downhill, all the way.

The Setup

Before this descent even started, I had just completed my personal record for climbing. I worked my way up from Ridgecrest Trailhead, up the Military Reserve Connector, up Crestline, up Sidewinder, over to Fat Tire Traverse, and then my first time up the new Curlew Connector trail. That’s where the video kicks off, right at the junction where Curlew Connector meets Watchman.

To be honest, I was cooked. Legs were jelly, lungs working overtime, and I could see a storm moving my direction in the distance. My goal was to safely get down to the Boise bike park before the rain hit and link up with a buddy who was waiting to pick me at the bike park.

The result? One of the most satisfying descents I’ve done this season.

Featured Trails:

• Watchman (lower)
• 3 Bears (upper)
• Central Ridge

What to Expect

The upper section of Watchman has a couple steep sections, but as you drop down into 3 Bears you're riding the Ridgeline and it's so much fun! From the top of Shanes loop and 3 Bears down the Central Ridge, it gradually transitions into more familiar Boise foothills terrain.

It’s a ride that gives you a little bit of everything: open ridge views, rocky sections, Boise-techy bits, and fast, confidence-boosting sections that make you feel like a better rider than you probably are (or maybe that’s just me).

Forever two wheels!

-Myles

Watch the Full Descent Below:

(Just GoPro, no commentary. Sit back and zone out.)

Check out the full route and stats on Strava: