aka "Beauty is a Beast Loop". Friday morning, 82 degrees. Things started bad when Google Maps sent me to the main boat launch area at Cross Creek. There was a gravel road that was supposed to get me to the other launch area, but it was closed to motor vehicles (it's for Range Resources). So we parked there, and rode the bikes the extra 1.5 miles on a very rough and steep gravel road. Once we got to the roads, the ride was terrific. Traffic was light, and most drivers were very polite -- waiting to pass, driving slowly, and often waving. We stopped once in front of the Claysville Sportsmens Club, and then from out of the field poured a pack of hunting dogs (three spaniels and two german shorthairs), They were just happy and super friendly, with tails wagging and tongues lolling around! They all had to come over and get petted before wandering off to rest in the shade. The ride was tough. We had a few sections of gravel, but mostly paved roads. There were plenty of climbs -- we did 3500 ft over the 36 miles. I polished off my water and all available food while still several miles from the end. The very hot weather didn't help. Wish I'd had a gel with me! When we made it back to the park, we had to traverse the terrible well service road again. Ended up walking up a couple of the harder slopes -- just not enough traction in the sand and loose gravel. After loading the bikes, we stopped at the BullPen Inn for a Coal Tipple IPA, a burger, mac-n-cheese, and a pot roast poutine. A terrific day of riding.