Finally, I got Abbie out to Sals for the first time yesterday evening.
I set the evening up much like an easy to bail out novice ride. We parked on Constitution's middle lot and rode the road back up to the red and headed toward the Spanky. She had to walk a few sections that cut through the boulder field, but I expected that. Once on the Spanky it was clear sailing for her, only 2 or 3 dabs and a short stop to help and say Hi to Sarah L. and Scott and then down to the road.
At this point we rode back up the road, took a short breather and entered at the Sticker Hell trail. She rode pretty smoothly over most of the rocky sections with good speed and confidence. Some of the trickier sections caused her to get a little squirly and dismount, but I never heard her complain and I never saw the stinkeye. In fact she said she was enjoying herself. "Yes, she's back!" I think to myself.
Unfortunately, we had to call it a day at the yellow trail to Dodson. The In-Laws have tuesdays with the grandaughter until 8 and it was already 7. Probably a good thing anyway, because the climb up to the parking lot spent Abbie's legs and it would have been a struggle for her to finish the red. Besides, hunger was setting in for both of us.
Overall I was impressed with how well she did. I even got caught looking back after a technical section only to find her right on my tire and then nearly crash myself. It was almost like the old pre-child days. Both of us hammerin' away and getting jazzed seeing each other ride strong.
I can't wait until next Tuesday. We'll start at Dodson next time.
Here's a little secret for all of you. The C-store (I think it is called Garden Hill or Sunny Hill or something like that) at the intersection of Susquehanna, Broadway and Emmaus Ave. has awsome hot sandwiches cheap. After 7pm the daily special is half price. Abbie got an open face Hot Roast Beef for $3 ($6 before 7) and I got a Ribeye Special w/ potato salad for $7. Both sandwiches were huge and super tasty. They have both indoor and outdoor tables. Sshhhhh, keep this one our little secret. 
:thumbsup: