Section Eight

Ah, Section Eight.  Before we get there, let’s tackle the small matter of “That Hill”.

To get to Section Eight, you have to climb a fireroad hill.  I actually have no idea if it’s the biggest climb you tackle on Follow the Dog, but it often feels like it due to being a straight stretch of fireroad, as opposed to twisty singletrack.  Some people power up it effortlessly, some, like me, gently sit and spin their way to the top in low gear, and some end up pushing their bikes up.  The top of the hill is a popular rest spot, with some pretty nice views.

The original Section Eight was a short bermy descent to the right of the fireroad.  In 2008 (I think?), a new, longer section was constructed, which is to the left of the fireroad.  This is now the one true Section Eight!

Section Eight is a pebbly surfaced bit of singletrack that gently undulates before climbing at the end.  There’s quite a bit of variety - sections where you can get a lot of speed up, tight corners, jumps, switchback climbs and a log ramp exit.

HOW IT RIDES:  Section Eight can be very fast, sometimes alarmingly so!  It’s can sometimes feel a bit skitty in wet weather.

HAZARDS: There’s the odd corner that might take you by surprise if you’re going too fast and don’t know the trail - particularly if it’s wet and there’s mud patches.  The jumps are small log drops in two sets, and are rollable, but don’t take them too slowly - it’s more comfortable and smoother if you have a little speed!  Keep your weight back, and you’ll be fine.  The second set of jumps are just after a swooping right hand turn, so they might surprise the new rider.

The exit can look intimidating, but like most things on FtD, it’s rollable!