Big Dirty Trenton Peak Bagging Ride- 10 Peaks August 1st 2026

 It began with a wee bit of boredom and what next that didn't involve a longish drive and a plan that involved a two niht camp out.As well as not involving a bunch of map reading and gear prep for a unknown challenge. Then I got an idea. 

 

What about combining the 2 Brighton Wild life Area high points ridden previously with..

  Brighton Provincial Wildlife Area Revisited For 2nd High Point May 5th 2023 

the previously ridden 7 peaks bagging ride in Trenton itself. Combining the two into a big effort kind of day.Though could take a slight bit of creativity.

Big Dirty Trenton Peak Bagging Ride- 7 Peaks September 1st 2024  

 

 

Say creatively as there is not really much of a safe non busy road option to connect the two parts. However if one drives back to Batawa from the wildlife area it is doable. And reality is this was far more about doing it then nit picking about it all and driving myself into frustration attempting to find options. Far better to just do what can at the moment. So rough idea in place of combining the two with a drive fro  the Wildlife Area to Batawa to make it happen. Well as simple as possible.

 

 

Obviously there is more to see in the YouTube and most likely stuff I have forgotten. I mean like I live with TBI, ADHD, and PTSD memory issues. That will be way down below.

So the first part would be the Brighton Wildlife Area and would be following the same route from 2023. With a slight variation being would do the East Summit  then the West  Summit and on the way back would tag the East Summit a second time. So headed to the Provincial Wildlife Area. Where after a bit of uphill push a bike bagged the 1st high point of the day at the East Summit. 

2026 Big Dirty Trenton High Point Ride Part 1- 3 High Points 

 

  Descent down the backside of East Summit and headed towards the West Summit following the route previously. This also involved with a rideable shallow creek crossing. Of course once am near the location had to engage in a wee bit of hike a bike to  get the ridge and near the West Summit. This time looked for something to use as the actual marker and found the post with the sign saying Provincial Wildlife Area. This would be summit 2 of the day.

 

Pic of me at the second high point and descent back to the double track and back the way came. Retraced my route all the back to the East Summit which I tagged to make it three bagged so far. This you could say was just the warm up for what was next.

 

Returned back to the parking lot and the Dirtbag Ute to load up and head to Batawa for phase 2 of the day. For this phase would be following the route of the 2024 7 Peaks Bagged ride. Reloaded water and some energy drink for Mt Pelion. And headed out and south bound on the Trent River Rail Trail for the Bleasdell high point. and on the way had the headache of the day. A flat tire. For this epic big dirt ride eas using the Starling.

 

The Stylus aka Mistress Mk1A3 had a busted spoke and was waiting for some parts to arrive. And the Starling was running as it was built with non tubeless wheels. After doing the tube swap and was ready to go resumed heading to high point 4. 

 

 

After getting to Bleasdell Boulder headed over to the spot where the high point was to get number 4 of the day in the bag. Climbed up the ridge to the spot with no view for high point number 4. Then it was a descent to head for Mt Pelion within Trenton ON itself.

 

 After navigating the side streets was that the base of Mt Pelion. And the staircase of carry to get to the peak.Being a humid day was kinda feeling the humidity a wee bit  Though it definitely wasn't as hot as the last time in 2024 did one of these Big Dirty Type Rides. 

So this would make number 5 of high points for the day. At this point it was the first high point where you could see any sort of view as everything else hase trees and such.

 

 At this point took the moment to sit and drink the Beaver Buzz had carried in the pack from Batawa. Need to get a wee bit of actual sugar in so don't have a bad moment. Because those suck.

 

After the Beaver Buzz descended Mt Pelion via the backside of it and began the backtracking of the route took to Mt Pelion back to the Bleasdell Bolder area. Though part way the humity was kinda getting to me so made a stop at Front St Variety for some goodies to help. While doing discovered this corner store carried some of the other Ghost Energy drink flavours. Bonus.

 

 After the Front St Variety stop resumed heading to Bleasdell Boulder area feeling slightly better. Though being wary of the heat and it;s effects. I would when get to the Ute at Batawa have to pause a little longer to get more food and liquids in.

 

Followed the route back and took the climb trail up to the ridge where the Bleasdell High Point was. This would be high point 6 of the day. Then the descent and back to the Trent Rail Trail and the rest of the way to the Ute at the Batawa Ski Hill parking lot.

 

 Back at the Ute took time to drink more and eat some food. And got ready for the next 4 high points in the Batawa area. So headed for the the 7th which is the top of Batawa Ski Hill. 

 Got the top of Batawa for summit number 7 of the day. After a brief look of the view and the of course mandatory photo to show got there. It was the descent back down to the bottom.

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After getting down it was to the transfer trail that connects to the north trails. Which gets you to the base of Frankford Hill 180 and it;s summit. With it late in the day didn't muck around and hike a biked straight up being as efficient as could be. Got to the tope and headed towards the high point. 

 This is where the headache of the day began. Headache as the spot on Peakbagger where the high point of Frankford Hill 180 doesn't match what is on the ground. The high point is very obviously way off compared to what is on the ground. 

 

 Descended down from Frankford Hill 180 re-climbed back up to the rough high point to get it for the second time. And making summit number 9 of the day. Quick summit pic of the bike before heading back to bag Batawa Ski Hill a second time.

 Descended and followed the transfer trail back to Batawa Ski Hill for the last grunt climb of the day.Being careful as good be as was a long day at this point and feeling the effort put in. Perfect time to let guard down and need a medic.

 

 Climbed up to the top of Batawa Ski Hill for the second time of the day. This would make the 10th summit or high point of the day. With the fading light it was not time to celebrate with a summit beverage or celebrate the 10 high points day. 

2026 Big Dirty Trento High Point Ride Part 2- 7 High Points 

Final descent of the day down Batawa and to the Ute in the ski hill parking lot. Tired and sort of sore after 5 plus hours of effort. And was feeling it. However tasking accomplished....10 summits or high points bagged in the rough Trenton/Batawa area. Drink in fluids and load up the bike and kit. It was next stop the Trenton Tim's then the slow drive back to Kingston.

 

 

 

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Mental Illness, Harming Onself and How One Person Changes a Negative Outcome Parh

 Years ago someone had said something about why didn't the individual fighting their mental illness and lost their battle. And ended their pain. I said the correct question one should be asking is what stopped them from saying anything. 

 

 

Obviously I was talked down to how it was "None of their business' and all the other usual talking points that in the end puts all the work on the individual fighting mental illness. While those who say " Why didn't they ask for help?'  to be honest have never done any work. This doesn't encourage people to say anything and looking back in my case it was more of the same endless "your not trying hard enough" or other useless ideas. As one who has been twice now..civvy and VAC diagnosed as in the right situation maybe suicidal. 

 

 

I could go on however This blog entry is about making it easier to share when needed this article from a UK cycling magazine about mental illness and potential suicide. It needs to be shared because the alternative outcome one I would like to believe others want to see less of. And all it takes is one person as Doctor Who advises.....

 

https://www.cyclingnews.com/cycling-culture/five-years-ago-i-decided-to-take-my-own-life-with-support-i-very-narrowly-avoided-going-through-with-it-why-one-cyclist-is-riding-4-000km-after-a-stranger-saved-his-life/ 

 This is a good piece as someone opens up to what happened. And it needs to be known so it increases the chances of one less negative outcome.

 

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DYFi Groms- Mountain Biking and Youth Mental Health Challenges

 I have taken photos of mtb magazine articles that focus on mental illness. I will keep doing so because it needs to be accessible even if it only aids one person whether adult or under 18. 

  If Not Me Then Who?? Mountain Biking and Mental Illness

 It is why will support Singletrack Magazine out of the UK who in their recent issue show why I will continue to do so. Singletrack have written several stories about mental illness and still do. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DyFi Groms is a film that follows the young under 19 riders of the DtFi trails. And it's filming direction was guided after la ocal rider Ethan took his own life at 14 years old. It shares the struggles of those under 18-19 face when it comes to mental illness and health.

 

 Because of what have been through and things I know I will if necessary take pics of articles written by Singletrack or other magazines because not doing it has a good chance for more negative outcomes.

 

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Unofficial LHLE Triathlon- aka Unwise Decsions July 6th 2026

 July 6th to 12th 2026 is the first ever Massenomics Lift Heavy Lift Easy Virtual event for those who for various reasons can't travel. I entered though it was for me the off season say off season as lifting weights is not my main true sport that is mtbing. So only truly do it in winter when it is cold and miserable out which leads to shorter rides for obvious reasons.

Massenomics Lift Heavy lift Easy 2026 Virtual 

 

With the rules being had to be an Olympic bar used. Instead of worrying about weight would just see if could work around the long term injury effects from being left to die. It was during my last trip up to Griffith. Think it was the day after the Griffith Overnighter Loop in one go challenge that had an idea.

Griffith Highland Overnight Loop One Go For The 109 June 28th 2026  

I had an idea to make it more challenging. Keep in mind that am an old school former tri/duathalon athlete and come from that era of that and cross training. So to make it a wee bit more challenging since not looking to see how heavy could go. Well let's make it a triathlon type event...unofficial of course. And will replace a run with a ride since running is not exactly an option with knee that hurts if attempt to for too long. Ok, let's make it happen and kinda live up to the nickname Coach Shepley gave me way back in 2003/2004. 

 

So July 6th to 12th was the lift and submit window for the LHLE Virtual 2026. And made the decision the first day...July 6th for shits and giggles to make it all more challenging with doing what I came up with. So first event let's go for an mtb ride in what remains of the Backyard Trails  Keep in mind this wasn't a true race it was being treated as a training event. Basically bringing a little back of the dumb things used to do training for Tri and Duathlon back in 2006.

 

 After riding just under two hours in the woods with some log hopping, rocks, and other tech and ensuring on the ride back to climb Hillview Dr. Then it was to the weights to do LHLE part after 14.52km of rock and trees and overgrowth in the backyard trails. 

 

And end result of the LHLE Virtual phase was success. While kept weights light the straight Oly bar done with Fat Gripz was a success as well as the first time since 2019 not box squatting. So goals achieved in the lift portion of this day.

 

 After doing the LHLE 3 lifts it was to part 3 of the day. Gravel ride would be the third event.  The gravel type ride. And not the same bike as the first ride. This would the the Rootdown gravel bike aka the mtbers gravel bike. This would be a 25.79 km ride. Keep in mind this was being done like an old school training session not looking to see how heavy or how fast it would be.

 

And would be a chance to test out the aero bar adjustments made since the June 28th death ride. And let us not forget this unofficial event was I was doing it on another heat warning day. Because you know why make it easy?   Ironically same type of conditions trained in before the Peterborough Half Iron Distance Du. 

 

Second ride went well though was starting to feel the day and the non stop activity.of 4 plus hours. And the good news was that with minimal pre training this unofficial event was getting done with very little physical issues. Mean post major knee surgery have noticed am susceptible for right hamstring cramps if am not taking in the supplements I need to. 

 

And then it was home and done. 5 and a half hours of activity- the clock never stopped. Once started I didn't hit the stop button on the GPS till all three activities where completed. Both the LHLE Virtual 2026 was completed as well as my unofficial LHLE Tri type challenge. I though slightly blame Big Joey of Dilf Dungeon who said something if one analog peletoned for distance. Well he is not fully to blame as I was the genius who followed through on the idea.I kinda took that as a challenge and this was the result the LHLE Virtual in the middle of two sessions of analog peleton for distance.

 

 

 

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Shabomeka Hell Ride June 30th 2026

 On the drive home to Kingston had the idea to check the old Shabomeka MTB trails near Cloyne. It had been a few years since been and was wanting to see if still rideable. Who knows as the original guy who did it all passed away a few years ago.

 

  Shabomeka Hell Ride June 30th 2026

 To make a long story short it is not rideaable anymore. Between the blowdown, overgrowth, and flooding. It is not fun anymore. It is pretty miserable now. The only track maintained is the double track to the lake where locals drive their ATV's in so they can use their little metal boats. 

When got back to the Ute after only maybe 5km had to rinse off with the sprayer as between the pollen and such was kinda itchy. And while doing that noticed a chunk on back of calf that was slightly bleeding.

 

Sadly with the state of things the trail system is no more and is not worth it in future. Kinda sad however this is kind of reality. After way too many dragging bike over staff and nearly smashing while attempting to get over flooded section enough was enough. Took most direct exit out to road.

 

 Sadly like all things it falls apart and disappears. While it happens it shows how much work went into what existed that unfortunately the new generation moving in is not seeking to do. Or give back. 

 

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West Peak Of The Three Mountains 119 June 29th 2026

 After the day befores endurance challenge it was a slightly easier route and challenge looked to do. I looked at revisiting the West Peak of The Three Mountains again. A route and peak had done August of 2025.

  West Peak of The Three Mountains August 27th 2025 

 

This ride would be way less video on the way in as would be repeating the same route as in 2025 and felt more footage of ride in was kinda be dull and repetitive. So would save most of the video for coming down off the high point. And besides who wants to look at more clear cuts?

  West Peak of The Three Mountains- High Point 119 June 2026

 

 Of course I made it to the West Peak summit and bagged it again. And went about the same as last Augusts go at it. This trip again used the hardtail though a small part of my brain wondered what the Starling would have been like. Maybe if return with two bikes again I will. To be honest the West Peak is the only one that is accessible and doesn't involve a approach/depart from the peak that isn't a mosquito death march.

 

 Now am more likely to look for another idea for a place to go. However we shall see what will develop in the future. For now this I will take as a win. And as mentioned before as Munro Biker said in the past why do the one's that are always miserable with say bugs?

 

 So after bagging the West peak of The Three Mountains a second time for peak or high point 119. It was time to descend. And as said most of what I would video was the descent. Which is also the better descent of the area as less trees and therefore less bugs.

 

 After descending and all that it was FSR back to camp and the Ute with mission success. Simple and easy peak bag after a big effort the day prior.

 

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Griffith Highland Overnight Loop One Go For The 109 June 28th 2026

 The Griffith Highland Overnight Loop....an "easy" loop of claimed 69km that is an easy loop for one's first bikepacking attempt. However when looked at it and after a while and right about just before major knee surgery had thought maybe of doing it in one go. One old school endurance athlete type push.

 

For The 109 and 1 year Anniversary 

 

 

 This was forgotten for a while due to surgery and things one deals with around that. Then in the last few months started thinking of it more without attempting to look at it. Then one day earlier this year began considering more doing it. However to say just wanted to do it wouldn't be admitting the truth. That is there is far more and darker things that where part of this thought process. And part of that has been on my mind off and on for a long time.

 

Back in the Sept 1986 I started 5 years of education at a place called Robert Land Academy. A private all boys military boarding high school that took the ideas of military drill and discipline and corrupted in abusive ways. Toxic ideas with grooming of children and other types of abuse. I learned in the last while that 109 former cadets or students killed themselves by or before 35 years old. The 109 is known as in we can confirm it was suicide though I strongly like others believe that number is much higher. And turns out that after talking to experts that I have PTSD  and other mental illness as well as potential for "non-planned" suicide. Non Planned means one has zero plan nor is looking to end their pain. Non Planned is from what I understand means that we have the potential if the right situation where to develop we would simply be okay with that being it and let it happen.

 

 With that on my mind and realizing the date as was approaching end of June which would be the one year anniversary of the survivors doing what the adults who where supposed to protect those under 18 failed to do. That being closed a toxic harmful facility.And part of what off and on since learning all this is the whole "How the fuck am I still here and didn't join the other Cadets??" The experts explained that somehow me riding mtb and endurance type activity is what kept things managed at some level.

 

  It was mostly riding mtb with a couple of forays into multisport aka Triathlon/Duathlon that helped manage the PTSD and such. Especially for the decades as no one talked about evil shit like RLA PTSD caused by abuse and molesting the under 18. One was supposed to sip some water and walk it off. Train harder and it will go away. We now know better.

 

I decided that the way to handle it all was to go for a challenging ride. And the Griffith Highland Overnight Loop in one go was the option. Challenging ride in remote location would the venue. I have no idea how came to that conclusion however it to me was better then more endless talking about how more needs to be done for mental illness and the accompanying graphs and pie charts. That is old and as one fighting mental illness is not helping get support services.

 

June 28th turns out to have been a heat warning day for the Griffith area. Was the same temps pretty much as what Kingston and other areas got starting Canada Day. More challenge to the challenge I decided to do. to remember the 109 and the 1 year anniversary of that place closing. Also because it's what have sort of always done that is ride mtb's to manage shit. Instead of thinking how based on the rough math it means out of a graduating class of 4-5 cadets that half of every years class lost to the demons that place put in us.

 

 I will never be cured of the mental illness and the demons that have had since June 1991. So while I can still ride and do dumb things in the woods. Thanks to us survivors hopefully there will be a few less kids abused and long term become adults attempting to interact with a society that will never understand. As well as a few less former students taking their lives. Yet we survivors did far more then those who basically through silence and inaction enabled it all.

 

 

 

 

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