Left the main fireroad and hit the first piece of singletrack leading to the short lung wrenching climb. You know the one, with the loose switchback in the middle. The traction was perfect so I can't take all the credit. We then pointed our rigs downhill and put it into high gear. As we silently carved the trail, a cool breeze washed over our faces with the scent of wild flowers.
Life is good today.
Unfortunately, even with the extensive trail descriptions we still managed to leave the trail twice in this mildly confusing area. The unofficial route actually proved to be quite enjoyable. Little launches here and there mixed with smooth undulating singletrack. Reached the paved road and headed up the gradual narrow trail to our last stretch of descending. They were very polite and gracious enough to allow us to pass without dismounting.