Outside temp was 17 degrees when I looked @ the dash thermometer. I slept w/ wool socks on that kept me warmer. I parked on slick rock facing the rising sun which melted the frost on the inside of the windshield.
Greg, the Sprinter dude, told me about Baby Steps trail which is just a few miles further out of town from where I am staying. I researched on MTBR seeking trail info. None very promising. I decided to ride the trails anyway, never knowing what I might ride on. What a well built trail system. 33 miles and I rode about 1/2. Another trail to ride again and pick up the other half. One trail is named “EKG”, medically I know what that means. The trail is a black Diamond which could have a medical issue. Or, it could be initials of the trail builder. Next time.
Official trails. Mapped and marked on the ground. At every intersection there is posted a laminated trail map and a smiley face indicating current location. Trails are marked by paint dashes corresponding to the color code of the trail. I was always found. Most places the outer edges of the trails were lined by rocks or wood. Lots of easy step ups. The slick rock is pock marked and undulating. Just put a smile on my face. Challenging mostly w/in my riding ability. In the deeply shaded places cold snow still existed. 37 degrees in sunshine @ start yet sunshine made it feel warmer.
My phone rang while I was getting ready for my ride. It was Charlie from Eagle, CO. He said that he and Teresa just returned from a 10 day visit here. They originally planned on 3 but stayed 7 days longer. They will be in Moab over T-day. My scheduling wheels clashed: DO I head for Hurricane for Thanksgiving or remain here and enjoy times w/ Charlie & Teresa? My plan was to ride Phils World @ Cortez then go to Durango then leave to hit Hurricane on Wed next week. I called bike shop in Cortez to learn of conditions. The woman who answered the phone said the shop is renting bikes which to me means the trail is OK to ride. Then Charlie called. Then I rode 1/2 of this system. I met a rider on the trail. He told me about a new trail up in Dead Horse Point SP, 9 miles undulating along the bluff faces. Charlie told me of additional trail out @ Mag 7. I decided to stay in Moab for more days and skip Cortez and Durango. The riding is that good and plentiful here enough to stay.
Drove back into town for a shower, groceries, and visit @ Chili Pepper to learn of new trails. Then drove back out to Willow Springs road just after the sun went behind the cliff face.
Living the dream Craig!! Looks awesome down there. I rode Croy on Sunday – started at 10am and it was 32 degrees and not a soul in site. Rode 18 miles and got in 2800′ of climbing on the SS. My right foot was numb but it was all worth it. Could have been the last ride of the season here! Sorry I didn’t hook up with you before you left the valley. Things were hectic for me! Cheers and keep on riding
Hello, good to see you are still out and about. I’m planning to come up to Moab next week, turkey week. Maybe meet up? Also, Im going to do a little slickrock exploring near Kayenta, care to go along?