Riding The Burn

["Bill and Jan Stevens" <circlebarranch@mcn.net>]

Sandy-

I too was amazed how the fires didn't really destroy as much of the forest where our ride takes place.  Even though much of our 25 mile loop and 20 mile loop did burn, there is a simple beauty to it.  The kids even mentioned how neat they thought the trees looked that had burned, but were still standing, with the backdrop of snow behind them.  Certainly if we receive the much needed moisture this spring, everything will green up.  The fires did a great deal of good in many of the woody draws, where the scrub brushes had taken over.  The Forest Service here has been busy back-blading where the crawlers make the fire lines.  They even have been out in some places with chainsaws cutting up some of the trees that had fallen into firewood piles...along the main roads no less, free fire wood!

 

Looking forward to ride season starting up here in Montana!

 

Jan Stevens