SwimBikeRunStLouis

Berryman Trail

Memorial weekend found the Berryman Trail calling my name.  It was a much hyped MTB venue and  required a relatively easy drive from St. Louis.  The Chubb and  Castlewood trails already had tick marks on my to do list, so these factors conspired to draw me west on Highway 44 with bagels, coffee, and high hopes.

My eager anticipation was bolstered by a lack of radio fade, as the further behind I left St. Louis, the stronger the 93X FM signal emanating from Steelville became.  The second sign appeared on the trip odometer as I exited  Hwy 44 after 44 miles from the Hwy. 109 entry ramp.  Things were falling nicely into place.

The 16 or so miles from the Bourbon exit to the Brazil Creek campsite takes you south along Route N.  This road offers fodder for road cycling fantasies with its very smooth surface and winding hills.  At one point you'll crest to see a solid expanse of trees off to the west that comprises just a portion of the Mark Twain Forest.

Having done a modest amount of research, I had determined that Brazil Creek campground would be my starting point.  The alternative Berryman camp ground looked a bit further on the map.  Getting on the trail as soon as possible was vital as my arrival was late morning and most of the trail vets had suggested allocating 4-5 hours for the 24 mile ride.

How could I have known that the Brazil Creek campsite was actually the Ponderosa ?  There were so many horse trailers, it was nearly impossible to find a parking spot.  I subsequently discovered that most bikers drive a mile or so past the entrance and up the hill to a shaded side road on the right to park.  This may not be an issue on weekdays and non-holiday weekends.

The trail itself was all I thought it would be and more.  The surface was generally dirt or crushed stone.  While there were sections of rock to appeal to technically inclined riders, the vast majority of the trail offered occasional rocks and roots as bumps in the road.  This came as a mild surprise.  I half-expected another quarry like some sections of Chubb Trail.

Berryman is distinguished by a couple of traits.  After you've ridden it  for a while, it becomes evident you've not left the forest canopy.  Twenty-four miles of shaded trail is a remarkable creation with obvious benefit in July and August.  Additionally, the trail cuts a curvaceous swath through the trees with innumerable switchbacks.  They vary in character from sharp and angular to sweeping and banked.  There are so many like-ones that at times it feels eerily as if you've already ridden that section.

I wasn't prepared for the number of horses on the trail, but the riders were all very genial.  I was always the first to yield but usually we would exchange pleasantries and they would insist on letting me pass first.  I experienced none of the bike-horse confrontations that pervade cycling lore.

I discovered from socializing with occasional oncoming bikers that while the Berryman attracts riders from all over the Midwest, it is far from overpopulated.  On this day, I encountered a mere dozen fellow MTB'rs in two dozen miles of riding.    In fact, the quadrupeds outnumbered the wheeled bipeds.

If this novice rider had to offer up any advice, I'd suggest you bring at least a 100 ounce Camelbak and a cooler.  I was blessed with nearly perfect weather but hydration can be a challenge on hot summer days unless you have a taste for creek water.  Don't forget to be prepared for a flat as well since this loop is a long one.  Self-sufficiency is the keyword here.

I can't speak highly enough about the Berryman experience and will return soon.  It was challenging in its length and interesting in its diversity.  It was sufficiently non-technical to appeal to a novice like myself but without becoming another boring Katy treadmill.  The only thing I'll do differently next time is bring a 5 lb. package of carrots for my equine friends.

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