Moab

The Moab delegation returned from its fact-finding assignment earlier in the week. The verdict, in a word: stunning. A larger FGBC expedition will no doubt take place at some point. It's just a matter of finding the right time. Jonny S pointed out a number of times that the weather in December was just about perfect. Sure, there was a bit of snow around, but mostly on the north facing slopes. We had to abort a ride on Porcupine Rim because of it. But there were plenty of other trails that were in fine condition. And with 5-7 degree temps, it wasn't nearly as physically punishing as it can be. And there's almost no-one else on the trails either. The downside is that it gets dark early.

Billy at Poison Spider bike shop told us to head to Slickrock first on account of a forecast that called for snow and freezing rain. But he knew it was in good condition right now. By the time we hit the trail, it was snowing. And yet apparently it takes more than a little snow to lose traction on the sandpaper-like terrain known as slickrock. It takes a little while to believe, but not that long. Traction from heaven. Short, steep climbs and descents with smooth, flowing and undulating bliss in between. By the time we were done, the sun was out and the jackets were off. And Jonny S had dislocated and reset his finger, landed on his ass, and been humbled by the mechanical tribulation known as changing a flat.


Day 2: Amasa Back - Ingolf on steroids. Unanimously voted the best overall ride of the trip. The same rocky, technical riding we've come to love from the spring ride, but with 3,569 ft of climbing. And of course, with climbing comes descending. And the geological features were alright too. Our guidebook has this to say about the ride: "Technically very difficult to extreme due to vertical exposure next to 3-foot ledges, loose rock, and deep cracks that can grab a tire. Physically very difficult due to the climb and short bursts of extreme effort necessary to negotiate technical challenges. Extremely rewarding for very experience riders with a good sense of direction." Yup, that pretty much describes us. Except maybe for the sense of direction part. I got lost for a bit and thought at one point I might end up spending the night on the trail. Brilliant.


Day 3: Poison Spider Mesa - In some ways, a synthesis of Slickrock and Amasa Back. Another ride from the bottom of the canyon to the top, but a little less interesting than Amasa Back. The payoff is the slickrock playground at the top. Think the bowl at the Forks skatepark spread out over several square miles. A couple of climbs that made battery rock look like a little curb hop.


Charlene hooked us up with a kick-ass condo just a few miles outside of town. A perfect place to sample the local product while watching episodes of The Office.


Plenty more pictures to come and a few short videos. Will be placed on the media page shortly.

OTT: Neil Young, Red Sun