Camp Raven Knob - 2014

 Camp Raven Knob - 2014

This was my second season at Camp Raven Knob.  Last year I spent a lot of time riding my bike alone along with attending training hours for Assistant Scout Master and IOLS training.  This year was a bit different as I set my sights on the mile swim (34 mins 21 secs) and helping with the mountain bike merit badge.

Camp this year was a ton of fun and pretty good weather.  All the boys seemed to have an exceptional time at classes and at camp.  At camp when we weren't preparing food, cleaning dishes, in police lines, cleaning tents, hanging clothes to dry, having scoutmaster conferences and review boards, trying to get wasps out of the tents, well, then we were playing board games, cards and sharpening sticks.

Hanging out at camp during free time.

Warrior Mountain is a strange place.  This is a destination along the Ridge Road trail that circles behind the camp.  At the top of the climb is a sign and a half-full trash can.  Why is there a trash can, I don't know.

Warrior Mountain

I had to take a video of the top.

Here's a link for the Ridge Road loop: Garmin Stats for Ridge Road

The Order of the Arrow (OA) arena is used for entire camp events.  Not sure how many get seated here but it's pretty big. 

At the OA arena

A really fun short hike (1.7 miles) is to hike up the Knob.  This is a very steep hike straight up the mountain next to Lake Sabotta.  Here's a shot of the happy campers about to climb up.

About to climb the Knob

The top of the Knob looks down on camp.  You can see the OA arena in the background.

At the top of the Knob

 My most fun activity this week was riding with three scouts and our bicycling merit badge counselors.  Everyday from ~2-5PM we took off to discover trails around the camp.  Most of these trails are pretty difficult as they are unmaintained steep fire roads and are complete hazards on bikes.  All the roots and deep ruts make it difficult to ride.  However, that didn't stop them from being kamikazes down the roads.

There were a couple incidents that were noteworthy.  The first being JT's 5 wipe-outs as we went around Lake Sabotta on a pretty technical trail.  The trail was soaked since we were riding in a monsoon.  Combine that with a fearless riding attitude and you get 5 big falls.  However, JT always got up smiling.  Despite the backward rolls, flying over the handlebars, and sliding off the trail he kept it together and got through it.  I saw most of those falls and each time I was thinking we could heading to the infirmary.

Bellesby Dam along New River Rail Trail

I think the scariest riding moment for me was Evan tearing down one of the rutted fire roads.  This was epic on every level.  He doesn't even have suspension.  He's following Zach who himself was going way too fast.  The two of them were getting tossed all over the place as they roared down the hill.  Evan was getting bounced off his seat, feet flying in the air, completely out of control.  I can't believe his bike didn't crumble underneath him. Somehow the two of them survived.  Man, that would have been a painful knockout fall.

Former train bridge on the New River Rail Trail

Frosted Flake Boy

OK, this was pretty entertaining for at least myself and Zach.  See those frosted flakes JT is eating?  I rode up from behind, snatched them, then offered to every bear, deer and other rider on the path for free!  In JT's words, "That is not OK!"

The Tunnel

Deer in the water

Railroad turnstile

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