|   Ride tips - Grand Junction / Moab | GregR
Dec 14, 2002 6:18 PM | | I will be flying out to Grand Junction first week of April. Going to ride there at the Kokopelli Loops, and drive to Moab and do the rides there.
I have a week to get this all in, just wondering what other recomended trails are in the area. Stuff along the way would be great.
I was planning on spending two days in GJ, then 3 at Moab. This leave me a day or two to explore other stuff. Any locals out there? Wanna hook up and ride? Any suggestions?
PS...I will be flying with the bikes, and will put them in bike boxes from the LBS. I likely will have to unload the boxes when I arrive (no room in rental car for them). Any good sources for a couple boxes in GJ?
Thanks
G |
| Use your 2 days at Moab | TNC
Dec 15, 2002 8:25 AM | | The 3 days at Moab won't be sufficient to take it all in. These are "must do" trails--Porcupine Rim, Slickrock, Amasa Back, Flat Pass, Bartlett Wash, and Moab Rim DH. These trails will more than kill 4-5 days. In fact unless you're a very high level rider in capability and fitness, this schedule will kick your butt. The Bartlett Wash and Moab Rim DH rides, though relatively short rides, are real experiences to either start or cap off one of the longer ride days. I won't knock anything up at Fruita, because I haven't been there, but I'd definitely spend the extra day or two you mention around Moab. Heck, I always make it a point to ride Porcupine at least twice, because it's possibly one of the best adrenaline and scenery rushes out there. |
| What Type Of Riding... | hfly
Dec 15, 2002 8:30 AM | | are you interested in? It's easier to make trail recommendations for Moab if I know what your ideal length, technicality, terrain and up/down mix would be. The best routes are not in the guidebooks. If you happen to be here during one of my weeks off (I do a week-on, week-off work schedule) perhaps we could hook up for a ride. Anyway, let me know, either here or via email. My email address is:
moabdublab AT citlink DOT net
hfly |
| hfly, some local insight. | TNC
Dec 15, 2002 9:04 AM | | Being that you're a local, I'm not asking you to trash anyone, but in your opinion, which shop do you consider perhaps better among the contenders in town? |
| Tough Question... | hfly
Dec 15, 2002 9:35 AM | | Over the years the shops go through cyclical phases, with one shop seeming better one year, another shop the next. I can't really answer the question objectively because I have strong connections to Poison Spider (my fiancee's brother is a wrench there) and I obviously think highly of that shop. I ride with mechanics from almost every shop in town and I like almost everyone I ride with.
Sorry to evade the question, but I don't really have a favorite, though I know the people at PSB, Moab Cycles and Chile Pepper fairly well and they have always treated me VERY well.
hfly |
| lucky dogs.... | GregR
Dec 15, 2002 10:39 AM | | I would be har pressed to find a single bike shop that could give me consistently good service in this area.
Therefore I wrench everything myself...
G |
| Bike shops in Moab are all | AK Ken
Dec 15, 2002 3:20 PM | | good, in my experience. This fall I had work done at Chile Pepper and Top of the World. Both places were quick, competent, fair, and friendly. There seems to be a lot of cooperation between shops, too, in that they call the other places if they don't have the part you need on hand, go get the part, et cetera.
The folks in Poison Spider and Moab Cycles were very friendly and helpful whether I was spending money or not. You won't go wrong with any of these places.
If you get the chance to hook up with Hfly or PR, do so.
Have fun.
Ken |
| What Type Of Riding... | GregR
Dec 15, 2002 9:11 AM | | I am your average Joe rider. I like to ride just a bit above my abilities, and know when to bail and when to let it roll. I can take some vertical, but probably the most I have done in one climb was 3800ft which was a real grind and had to rest up for a while before the descent.
My girlfriend is coming, and she has not done a lot of climbing, nor does she like a lot of exposure. She does lack a little confidence. I know she can ride at a much higher level, but I don't push her. It's not going to be any race, so I have no problem waiting a bit here and there for her to catch up.
I have ridden a bit out west, been to AZ a few times (South Mt., Sedona, Flagstaff) been to WA (Dalles Ridge, Skookum, Crystal Mt.) and have been to Gooseberry (which was a blast).
I am not looing to break any speed records, just ride and enjoy the scenery. 4-5 hour rides are good, can go more.
G |
| What Is Your Email? | hfly
Dec 15, 2002 9:42 AM | | I'll send you a longer reply with some trail suggestions. TNC's advice above is very good. Most of the secret, semisecret and just plain undiscovered stuff (There is a STAGGERING amount!) is more technical, droppy and big-bike oriented than the guidebook classics. If this sounds like your cup of tea, let me know. |
| re: Ride tips - Grand Junction / Moab | Puzman
Dec 15, 2002 11:30 AM | | Haven't been to Moab in a decade, so can't help you out there. Was in Fruita this past May. Here's what I'd recommend:
Kokopelli's loops: Mary's Loop, including Horsethief Bench and Steve's Loop/Handcuffs. About 3-4 hrs. Also, do Mack's Ridge as a dowhill. (can take Lion's loop to get there (definitely a grind) or Troy Built). Moore Fun?
Bookcliffs: Wasn't as impressed, as the trails were extremely loose. Depending on conditions, Joe' Ridge and Chutes and Ladders may be fun.
Have a great trip! |
| Mack Ridge as a downhill | J.D.
Dec 16, 2002 8:27 AM | | Mack Ridge is just as fun to climb as it is to descend. Ride it both directions, not just one. With two very short exceptions, it's climbable on a 2:1 singlespeed. |
| A biased opinion | PR
Dec 15, 2002 1:45 PM | | I've lived in both places and I've found that the variety of riding in Moab makes it a better choice. Of course, being Hfly's future brother in-law and a resident of the Moab area, I'm a bit biased. Keep in touch with Hfly about when you will be here, or e-mail me and let me know. If I have the right time off, I'll make sure that you get to some of the better rides in town. |
| |
