Moab Utah Rocks. After the 111 degree day of riding rocks we were about to head north in search of cooler temps. Little did we know that slickrock desert rides are not all that Moab has to offer. After a quick stop by Rim Cyclery we were pointed in the direction of the La Sal Mountains. Just a short 10 minutes out of town we hit Ken Lake for a bath in the cool water then headed up another 15 miles to Gyeser Pass that sits at a very cool 10,500 ft in elevation. The temps dropped 60 degrees over the course of a thirty minute drive. We had found heaven after a ride in hell. The campsite at the entrance to Blue Lake was the best so far and we called it home for three days. The battery in the car when dead but with four gallons of water we knew we would be fine for a couple of days. We rode Burro Pass and Moonlight Meadows over the course of two days. Both of which entailed screaming fast descents and climbs that stretched over 5 miles. Burro Pass takes you up a two mile climb and tops out at 11,500 ft a few hundred ft above the tree line. Long super steep descents with jumps over creeks and switchbacks that made Heartbreak Ridge seem like a walk in the park. No room for error and as Bruce said “you better be good at doing cartwheels if you go off the trail”. On Saturday we decided to ask someone for a jump and took the road back into Moab. Our host Ken and Rachel Moody were awesome and let Bruce and I set up camp in their beautiful backyard. Over a couple of beers Ken mentions a shuttle ride that was planned for the next day and Bruce and I jumped onboard. The next morning Ken, Chris, Bruce and I loaded up the truck and drove back up to the La Sal Mountains and dropped in Hazard County Trail that sits a good 7,000 ft above the slickrock trails below. We started off at a cool 50 degrees as we dropped into the desert after crossing through Aspen forest and alpine meadows with wild flowers in full bloom. I was treated to local lines as soon as we hit the Koopleli Trail that then turns in to UPS or Upper Porcupine Singletrack. The Aspens were soon replaced with scrub brush and cacti and dirt turned to sand and rocks. Ken and Chris lead us on the locals lines away from the painted dots to where the big boys play. The Maverick handled it fine though there were a few times that I seriously questioned some of the 5 ft drops and shutes that were pea gravel on 70 degree slopes. We linked up UPS to LPS (Lower Porcupine Singletrack) then bombed down the 4 mile climb that most people take to the top of Porcupine rim and linked up to the Slickrock Trail. We once again were treated to local lines on one of the world’s most famous trails. After riding half of slick rock we then connected up with Hell’s Revenge for a torturous grind up steep slickrock and sections of sand. The prize trail was still waiting for us ahead as we hit our final descent of the day, The Chili Pepper Trail. The drop into the trail had a few options ranging from a 6 ft drop or a 5 ft step down a few boulders the trail then switchbacks for another eight of a mile with a few inches of sandy loose soil separating you from the a good 50 fl slide down jagged rocks. A jump park sits half way down the trail with 20 ft gaps and step downs that required speed and balls that I just don’t have. There were a few jumps that were with in my reach so se sessioned for awhile then finished it off with a few more sections that were scary just to walk down. We rode back to Ken’s house hit the hot tub and Ken broke out the Barbeque and cooked an amazing Pork Loin washed down with a few too many good beers. At the moment I am 30 miles from Zion National Park heading to Goose Berry Mesa trail for some first class singletrack tomorrow then on to Nevada and a stay overnight at the “Windmill” on the Extraterrestrial Highway for a bike polo match with the Durango crew on their way to the SSWC. Wednesday we will drive due west and cross through Yosemite National Park on our way to San Fransico to see my brother, his wife Yacoco, and my new nephew Noah. Then it time for the party to begin as the SSWC crew starts arriving from all over the country. All is good from the road and if we don’t ride tonight it will be the first day completely off the bike in 16 days. My life rocks. Later.
Jut
Jut
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