In early afternoon, though, I was able to sneak out for a quick ride just outside Sumas. I was headed for Red Mt. when I noticed someone was following me, so I pulled into the yellow gate turnoff at the Heady Trails instead.

A few seconds later, the vehicle (a 4x4 Explorer-type SUV with  a spotlight on top) pulled in front of me. Two guys got out and said they were with the Border Patrol. "We wondered if you're OK?" the older, lead guy said. After I identified myself as the local mountain biking maniac and showed them my new bike, they quickly shoved off.

Rode the Rooter backwards, which proved a mistake. The trail was muddier than I've ever seen it. In fact, I should have turned around, but by the time I discovered how bad it was, I was already 10 minutes into it. The Jekyll shone, though, carrying me through stuff that would have choked the FSR XC. Traction, braking and handling were all excellent.

Cut through the Christian Summer Camp (where there is a lot of logging and muddy soft roads) and climbed to Smugglers Notch. My right foot came out of the clip midway up the steepest climb, taking me down and causing me to bang my knee on the handlebar. Ouch!

Approximately 400 verts.