Brand M ride departing Moab

Below freezing  that left frost line on the windshield. Dilly dallied awhile waiting for temp to rise. Drove short distance towards Moab to Brand M TH just off the highway.

Brand M trails are purpose built for most part are challenging single track, even the Rockin A and Circle O on the slick rock following a painted line. Deadman’s is a handful. So great to ride mtn bike trails around Moab. All by myself for 13 miles in just under 2 hours. Ride really worked out my upper body. No spinning here.

tame part of Deadman's

I visited Moab first time back in 1992 and have visited many times since. This is the first visit that I did not ride SlickRock.

Yesterday I stopped @ Poison Spider shop and  ran into Beth from Ashville. She has a VW Westy to go w/ her downhill pro license.

All 4 of my tires are filled w/ N2 and dropped 10 lbs since last check. Stopped back in Moab to top off b4 heading out.

I have been watching the weather forecast for Thunder Mtn outside of Panguitch. Forecast is for snow on Friday and then on. I will be riding Thunder tomorrow before season ending blanket of snow. Thunder mtn trail travels thru hoodoos much like nearby Bryce Canyon NP. Fascinating place. Leave from there for Hurricane b4 snow on Friday. Quentin writes that conditions and weather is superb.

Drove west on I-70 till backroads rt 72, taking back roads to Panguitch. I overrode the GPS route to Panguitch to enjoy scenic travel. Counted vehicles seen on 1 hand. In the alpenglow I found a gravel road heading off the hwy.  Camped @ 8400′ I strive to find a sleep spot b4 dark. Shorter days curtail my evening driving. Temp was in 20s when i stopped. Snug as a bug inside my Sprinter w/ the catalytic infrared heater on high.