Posted: Sun Oct. 18, 2009 8:45 pm
quick note on Moab riding.
Bags lost at Denver Airport....didn't show up in Salt Lake (Helmet shoes, pump, pedals, clothes, ect) Rented car anyway and head to to Moab. 4 hour drive right to Poison Spider bicycles. Rented bike ( nice dualie ) gary Fisher Roscoe, and was able to sign up for the last spot on the shuttle in the morning.
Bags showed up at 6AM and I hit breakfast and the shuttle to Porcupine Rim. at 9:15 I was on the trail. I met up with a bunch of club members from Iowa who were playing as well. We started together, but the fat kid (me) dropped them on the initial 3 mile climb up to the Rim. I got to the top with a few dabs but most of the terrain was rock infested doubletrack and the climb was moderate but lengthy.
I waited for the crew at the top and took a few photos. We were at about 5-6000 feet give or take. The view over the ledge was downright scary as I noticed a few crosses marking the points where a few took the plunge. We decided to separate on the downhill (an 11-12 mile descent to the colorado river) and I took off. The path was smooth with the Roscoe and ledgy. I started with a few bunny hops, and as my confidence grew, I was launching off 2-3 footers with smooth landings. The view was incredible, the ride was easy, all downhill. A few trickly ledges slowed me down and I even walked a few, as 1 scratch on a rented bike would cost me a few beers. I managed to launch a 4 footer after 3-4 attempts. I am now in the marked for a fuller suspension, man they are nice and forgiving of my flaws. I zipped back to town on the tar, with a smile you could see a mile. 4 hours for the ride.
The Next day I had to head out early so I could get back to Salt Lake for the conference. I headed out to Slickrock as soon as it was light enough. It was a good 2 mile climb just to get to the start. and I was first to hit the trail. I started with the practice loop, and immediately knew I was in for a treat. Smooth roller rock coasters, constantly. These steep uphill rock faces at times exceeded 35% grade and I bet on the harder loop side, possibly 40%. the cool thing is you could do it. And if you couldn't it wasn't the grip of the tires. No crashes and very few dabs. I got passed by a few dirtbikers and even caught a glimpse of a few jeeps coming down the rocks. By the end of the ride, I was done. Legs were cramping from the power output of trying to climb out of every rock hole at 210 pounds. It was a unique experience and very tough to describe. 3.5 hours and I was back at the bike shop and back to my car heading to salt lake.....
All told Porcupine rim stands out more, as it was breathtaking scenery and I was letting out whoops and singing most of the way down. There are so many smooth winding spots, you can get going super fast and glide over the drop-offs. I can see the danger in that as I was riding above my ability, hoping the bike would make up for lack of skill. Slickrock was more grunting, but it was really cool. If out there do both.
I do have a few photos, and will upload once I figure it out.
PJ
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