In 2011 was another great year I did more than 1000 mtb miles, many miles were done on new trails, and many were done on some old favorites. I took an equal amount of  foto’s on the trails.

Here are a few of my 2011 favorites, some I just like, others bring back fond memories.  All in all 2011 goes down as another great year, and will hopefully continue through 2012.

This Top 5 Mountain Biking Destinations in the USA is based purely on my personal experience I have gained while traveling around the USA for the past 5 years riding the trails.

What is a Trails Destination?

This Top 5 is put together with the following in mind. If you had a weeks vacation, and would like to ride at least FIVE different trails in that week, all within a 20 mile radius, then in my books these are the best places to use as a base to get the best rides. 

This list is NOT a list of Best Trails ( for the Top 15 Best USA Trails 2011 click here)  and as I mentioned above it’s based on my personal opinion and based only on the places I have been.  

TOP 5 MOUNTAIN BIKING DESTINATION’S IN THE USA  

 Henry W Coe State Park – Gilroy / Morgan Hill – CA

The Henry W Coe State Park offers miles and miles and miles of the sweetest fast flowing singletracks a mountain biker could ever wish for.

The trails are well maintained and marked, but definitely not over done, and a map is definitely needed. All the trails start in the valley, and no matter what trail combination you choose, you will spend the first couple of hours climbing, and I don’t care how fit you are, you will be walking your steed quite a bit on the way up. However, the trails are so fantastic, even the brutal climb puts a smile on your chops, Why?.. ‘cos you know the downhill is gonna be out of this world!, and worth every second of the strenuous climb.

These are rolling hills, so it’s definitely not just an up & down trail network, however  even the rolling hills start up high.

Looping, lollipopin’, out & back, you name it, the world is your oyster on the Henry Coe, and you can easily spend days exploring these fantastic trails.  

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Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Gilroy – Morgan Hill

Length: Your call, but remember a Coe mile is very strenuous

Trail Type: Loops, Lollipop, Out & Back.. you name it!

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically *challenging. Physically demanding – mental

*Note – I say technically moderate, ‘cos although there are no technical obstacles, the big problem is speed. The trails are very narrow, and extreme speeds are possible. Certain sections of trails are very bumpy, and 2 ft ruts appear out of nowhere.. and if you get caught out at high speeds, it ain’t gonna be beneficial to you!

The Pro’s :

• fantastic singletracks
• well marked trails
• very scenic
• trails are very low impact, chances are you will see nobody else.
• Trail Head easy to get to
• Free trail map at Hunting Hollow TH

The Cons :

• It can get VERY hot – early start is recommended.
• In the summer “stickers” are manic
• LOTS of fluids needed on these trails

Henry Coe Trails Review

 Moab – UT

I’m a huge Moab junkie, I love the Moab trails, and for 5 years running I have spent the month of October on the Moab Trails.

You could easily spend a couple of weeks here, and ride a different trail every day.

The Moab trails aren’t just fantastic, they are unique, and not just in the USA, but in the World.
A handful of my all time favorite trails are Moab Trails, Hidden Valley, Porcupine, Poison Spider, Gold Bar and Amasa Back and the world famous Slickrock Trail are just a few.

Riding on slickrock is a fantastic experience every mountain biker should at one point experience. Moab is without any doubt the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, and attracts more than 150,000 mountain bikers from around the world each year.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : Moab

Trails : some of the worlds best trails ( in my opinion) can be found in Moab. Some of my fav. trails are Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim, Porcupine Trail, Poison Spider down Gold Bar, Amasa Back – Rockstacker and the Flat Pass trail.

Pros :

• Moab is a funtastic town, manic for MTB’ers
• Trails are ALL unique
• Trails are very scenic
• Trails are technical
• Huge choice of trails to choose from, from beginners to advanced, Moab can accommodate.
• Good trail maps available at the bikeshops

Cons :

• A lot of people that know me, will actually be quite surprised that I put Moab on the second place, ‘cos everyone that knows me, knows I’m a self confessed Moab Junkie. Although I love the Moab trails, there is also a lot about Moab that I don’t like. The main reason Moab is in second place, is probably the same reason I put Henry W Coe at the first place… CROWDS!
  Moab trails (can) get VERY busy, I would never hit a Moab trail during a weekend, and in Moab I always get a very early start. I’m an un-sociable bastard, and although I don’t mind meeting fellow MTB’ers on the Trails, in Moab it can be bang out of order.
• A lot of the Moab  Trail Heads are pretty remote, and you definitely need a shuttle or drop off and pick up.
• Expect to pay over the odds at the bike shops, I always try and “stock up” with parts before arriving in Moab.  

South Lake Tahoe – CA

The South Lake Trails are in three words FAN TAS TIC !

 Probably  my all time favorite trail is in South Lake Tahoe the Cold Creek – Star Lake – Armstrong Pass – Corral Trail is the “Viagra” of MTB Trails, if this doesn’t do it for you, then nothing will.

The thing I personally like about the Tahoe trails, is you have to earn your reward, the saying “No pain no gain” definitely goes for these trails.

The trails are brutal, technical, scenic and  damn right fun.

The majority of the Tahoe trails are fairly technical, and physically demanding with a lot of climbing.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : South Lake Tahoe

Trails : If like me you like pretty technical and demanding trails, then Tahoe is definitely for you. The section from Freel Pass all the down Armstrong and Corral is probably the best ride you will and can ever experience. 100% pure mayhem and adrenalin pumpin’ fun on a mtb.

Pros :

• Fantastic technical Trails
• Many of the better trails ( in my opinion) can be looped
• Trails are very scenic
• Good trail maps available at the bike shops

Cons :

• South Lake Tahoe has a very short mtb season
•  The timing of these trails is pretty essential for a great riding experience – weekends can be manic on the trails.

Sedona AZ 

Sedona offers some fantastic and unique trails, for all levels of experience.

The scenery Sedona has to offer, is fantastic, and Sedona is perfect for mountain bikers.

There is a large choice of trails in Sedona, suited for all levels of experience.

Some of my favorite Sedona trails are – the Highline Trail, Munds Wagon down Schnebly Hill and the Slim Shady- Llama -broken arrow loop.

All the above trails I mention are pretty technical and very demanding. If you prefer to takes things a lot easier on the trails, no problem, there are a lot of easy trails to choose from.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : Sedona

Trails : A wide range of trails to choose from, from very easy ( Bell Rock) to very challenging (Munds Wagon Trail) 

Pros :

• Fantastic technical Trails
• All trails can be looped and most can be combined with other trails to make longer or shorter
• Trails are very scenic
• You don’t have to travel far to reach the trails
• A lot of the trails can be done from downtown Sedona

Cons :

• Trails can be very busy and over run by hikers and tourists
• Helicopters and (pink) jeeps can ruin the experience on certain trails.
• some of the better trails are not marked, and can be very confusing
• You need a “Red Rock Pass” to park at the majority of the Trail Heads

 Bozeman and Missoula MT 

Bozeman and Missoula in Montana are just 20 min. from each other, and they both offer some fantastic trails, so in my my books they count as one.

Missoula has the Rattlesnake Recreational Area that offers some nice technically easy but very strenuous trails, well worth a day or 2 of trail riding.

Bozeman also offers some fantastic trails in the Hyalite Peaks area. These trails are scenic, and some of the trails are very strenuous and very technical, the The Hyalite to South Cottonwood Trail is a prime example of this.
Another fantastic MUST DO trail in Bozeman is the 28 mile beauty “Bangtail Divide” a trail that should be on every mountain bikers list.

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Trail Stats & Info

Town : Bozeman & Missoula

Trails : Two destinations for the price of One. Fantastic range of mtb trails, all levels from Easy to Mental

Pros :

• Fantastic technical Trails
• Variety of trails
• Trails are low impact and  scenic

Cons :

• For a lot of these trails ( Bozeman) you will need a drop off and pick up
• Very short season

C’mon, let’s be honest asking someone what the best trails are, is like asking someone what their favorite movie is.. everyone is gonna have their own favorites. But, believe it or not it is by far the most asked question I get… AND it’s the most used search engine term used by people landing on my various sites ” The 10 best mtb trails in the USA” so I decided to put my top 10 together, but it turned out to be VERY difficult, and it quickly became My Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails in the USA..

Before I continue with my list, I have to explain that a few of the trails mentioned in my Top 15 list could also be listed in my Top 15 Worst Trails in the USA.. Let me give you an example.
The first time I did the world famous “Slickrock Trail” in Moab I HATED it, it was a nightmare, I started at about 11am on a weekend and their was HUNDREDS of riders on the trail, to the point where you had to wait your turn on certain sections.. I hated every second of it.
A year later I was prepared, and I started at 6.30am, I had the trail to myself and it was FANTASTIC!, I loved every second of it.

So what I’m trying to say, is that it is not just the trail, but the whole package.. Time is important, weather, how you feel, how the bike performs etc..etc.. When all the above fall into place you have yourself a perfect Trail.

Now, everyone that knows me, knows I’m a Moab Junkie, I love riding the slickrock trails Moab has to offer, and I could easily have 10 Moab Trails in my Top 10. If I had to choose a TOP MTB DESTINATION, it would be without any doubt Moab, however if you put a gun to my head and made me tell you my all time favorite mtb trail, I would kick and cry, but it is probably Cold Creek to Star Lake to Armstrong Pass down Corral Trail in South Lake Tahoe. But next year it might well be another trail.

This is the list of my best 15 Mountain Bike Trails. This is not about trails I have read about, or trails others have told me about, No, I have ridden all these trails numerous times.

The Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails in the USA [alphabetical order]

Amasa Back Trail – Rockstacker Trail – Moab – Utah

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The Amasa Back is a prime example of a trail that could be the best trail you have ever experienced, or if not timed right it can be a nightmare!. This trail gets VERY busy during weekends and holiday’s so AVOID.

If you are able to get an early start on a week day, then you will experience a ride of a lifetime. The Amasa Back Trail is fantastic and scenic, and it is a pretty easy going trail.
Within the first minute you will be welcomed by “Mr Toad” this very short but very daunting section has put a very quick end to a lot of “first timers” make it past Mr Toad, and continue on a fantastic gradual climb on 100% slickrock to the top where you have stunning views of Jackson Hole and the Valley. Once at the top, the faint hearted can return the same way you came up. If you are up for a fantastic but very technical challenge you continue onto the Rockstacker.
The Rockstacker is a very scenic but very technical trail, and should not be taken lightly.
Hopefully you make it back onto the Amasa Back for a mayhem gauntlet all the way down to where you started.

Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 11.06 miles
Trail Type: Out & Back (lollipop) or loop with Jackson (not recommended)
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extreme. Physically very difficult.
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to extreme . Physically moderate / demanding
Duration: Book say’s 2-3 hours my time 4.02 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,000 feet
Top Elev: 4,800 feet

Amasa Back Trail Review

Armstrong Saxon Creek and Mr Toads Wild Ride – South Lake Tahoe – California

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This trail will blow you away, it’s fantastic. Again, for the best experience try and get an early start and avoid weekends.
Armstrong is a great ride, both up and down, the climb snakes itself between the huge boulders that are strewn over the length of the trail.

At the Armstrong Pass junction the TRT trail continues to climb, however this section is more strenuous than the previous miles, not so much technically, but because of some very loose sand / gravel on the trail. Both Armstrong and the TRT section is very scenic, and excellent trail conditions. After 3 hours of great climbing, the trail tops out… from this point on, it’s 98% downhill, and not just any old downhill, this section puts all and any theme park to shame.. It’s time for a 9 mile downhill roller coaster ride. The first part of the “gauntlet” is short lived, a grade 5 section forces every human with a will to live, get off their steed and walk this section. Once that’s behind you, there is miles of fantastic but technical and narrow singletrack to enjoy. Just when you are on the brink of thinking you are immortal, Mr Toad brings you back to your senses. Let me just be completely honest, NOTHING I say, or the photo’s and videos you see online will give you a real impression of Mr Toad… It is the craziest shit I have ever seen, let’s put it this way, if I had the best DH bike on the market, with the best body armor on the market, and you offered me a million buck to ride down Mr Toad, i know there is no way I could convince my brain and my body to take me down.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: South Lake Tahoe

Length: 18.84 total miles

Trail Type: Loop

Skill Level: [ What the books say ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : difficult

Skill Level: [ My opinion ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : difficult / mental

Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours [ my time ] 5.58 hours

Trailhead Elev: 6,200 feet

Top Elev: 9,600 feet

Trail Review Armstrong Saxon Creek and Mr Toads Wild Ride – South Lake Tahoe – California

Bangtail Divide Trail – Bozeman – Montana

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Oooohhh yes!! this trail is what mountain biking is about, not too strenuous, 23 miles of sweet singletrack through stunning scenery. The trail is well maintained and well marked. The scenery is fantastic, and it came with the smell of fresh pine and 1000′s of wild flowers. The 2-3 hour total climb is rewarded with a fantastic smooth downhill with in most places more than enough visibility to open up to a fair speed.. Don’t open up too much, cos there are a few very tight switchbacks that appear out of nowhere, and some have some pretty brutal drops that you definitely don’t want to hit going too fast.. If this trail doesn’t put a smile on your chops, then nothing will!

All in all, the Bangtail Divide Trail is a definite “Must Ride Trail”.. I did this one in 4 hours 29 min. and I enjoyed every second of both the riding and the scenery.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Bozeman

Length: 23.8 miles

Trail Type: Point to Point with shuttle or loop [ for loop add 8 miles to total length ]

Skill Level: Aerobically: strenuous; Technically: easy

Duration: 4-6 hours

Trailhead Elev: 5,560 feet

Top Elev: 7,950 feet

Bangtail Divide Trail Review

Cold Creek – Star Lake – Armstrong Pass – Corral Trail – South Lake Tahoe – California

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This might well be my favorite Mountain Biking Trail, or should I say that the section from Freel Pass down Armstrong and Corral Trail, this section is the best experience you could possibly imagine.

I’m glad to say that getting to Freel Pass is mental!, I did it twice, once coming up Cold Creek, and once coming up from “Heavenly” and they are both extremly physically demanding.

Once at Freel Pass, you can rest assure that the real fun is about to start. 100% fun filled adrenalin rush that will last between 1.5 – 2 hours… that’s if you manage to stay on your steed. From Freel Pass all the way to the finishing point could well be the best ride in the USA.

For the real “Gear Grinders” among us, at the Armstrong Pass, you can continue on the TRT and head down Saxon Creek and Mr Toads Wild Ride.. Let’s put it this way, once you are at Freel Pass, no matter which way you choose, it’s gonna be a 10/10 ride.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: South Lake Tahoe

Length: 21.01 total miles

Trail Type: Point to Point ( for loop add about 3 miles )

Skill Level: [ What the books say ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : difficult

Skill Level: [ My opinion ] Aerobically: strenuous. Technical : moderate

Duration: 4 – 6 hours [ my time ] 7.05 hours

Trailhead Elev: 6,500 feet

Top Elev: 9,500 feet

Trail Review Cold Creek – Star Lake – Armstrong Pass – Corral Trail – South Lake Tahoe – California

Deer Creek Trail – Crested Butte – Colorado

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This Trail can be done as a loop, P2P or an Out & Back. I did it as a P2P. I personally would NOT do this as a loop, because you spend more than 12 miles riding on a road, and in my books it takes away from the REAL experience of this trail. This trail is in my favorites list as a P2P or out & back.

Deer Creek Trail offers about 10 miles of fantastic singletrack, but does not attract the HUGE crowds that the “famous” 401 attracts. Get an early start if possible and the world is yours. The singletrack section is superb both the trail and the views. When I did this trail it was freezing and snowing, but I still loved it. This trail has an extreme remote feeling to it and you feel like you are the only person on earth!!

For the real gearheads among us I would suggest doing this as an out & back, giving you 20+ miles of sweet singletrack.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Crested Butte
Length: 27.1 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Aerobically: strenuous, with a lot of climbing and descending at high altitude. Technically: easiest-difficult
Duration: 3 to 6 hours
Trailhead Elev: 9000 feet
Top Elev: 10750 feet

Trail Review : Deer Creek Trail – Crested Butte – Colorado

Downieville Classic – Downieville – California

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Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Downieville / Sierra City

Length: 21.94 mi

Trail Type: Point to Point

Skill Level: [what the books say] no info

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate – challenging. Physically demanding – very demanding if starting in Sierra City.

Duration : My time was 04:31:17

Elev Gain: 3,907 ft

Top Elev : 5,177 ft

Min. Elev : 2,886 ft

Downieville Trail Review

 

 

Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal – Moab – Utah

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The Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal is a trail of a million, and although I have only done this gem once, it is easily on of my favorite trails. If, like me you love remote rides, then this is your playground, remote miles and miles of slickrock goodness. However, because this trail is so remote, you really need to be prepared. The Gold Bar is a long tiring remote trail and for these reasons can be very dangerous. If you don’t like heights, or extreme drop offs, do not attempt this ride. If however you feel comfortable in these situations, this could be your next favorite trail.

[ on a side note, Up Poison Spider and down Gold Bar could possibly be an even better option. Stay posted I will be riding this option]

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Moab

Length: Shuttle 18.5 total miles [ Gold Bar Rim down Portal]

Trail Type: Shuttle Loop or Out & Back

Skill Level: Technically and Physically brutal, relentless, and very dangerous.

Duration: 6-10 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,575 feet

Top Elev: 5,400 feet

Trail Review : Gold Bar Rim Trail down Portal

Hall Ranch – Lyons – Colorado

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I have a very soft spot for Hall Ranch, I started traveling with my mountain bikes 5 years ago, and started posting trail reviews 4 years ago. I had done well over 100 trails throughout the USA before I did this trail for the first time. Hall Racnch went straight to number one!.. It was PERFECT the first time, and it was PERFECT the second time.

Be warned, for a perfect experience, try and get an early start, ‘cos this trail is very popular abd can get VERY busy with both riders and hikers.

Hall Ranch Trail is like no other, and the 10 miles it has to offer is very versatile with a rock section that is both technical and fun, to miles of sweet singletrack.

4 years down the line and 100′s more trails and Hall Ranch is still on the best trails list.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Lyons
Length: 10 total miles
Trail Type: Loop
Skill Level: Aerobically: moderate. Technically: moderate+
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Trailhead Elev: 5500 feet
Top Elev: 6800 feet

Hall Ranch Trail Review

Hartman Rocks – Gunnison – Colorado

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Hartman Rocks is not a trail, it’s a trail system, miles and miles of fantastic trails all linking each other. You can easily spend a few days on this trail network, and still not get to ride all the trails. I spent more than 7 hours on these fantastic trails, and it seemed like 2 hours. the combination of great weather, excellent trails, no people and stunning views, made my day a perfect one.
If like me, you love to bike in open rugged spaces with stunning views and fantastic singletracks, then Hartman Rocks is definitely gonna put a smile on your chops.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Gunnison
Length: +6000 acres of trails
Trail Type: You decide
Skill Level: Physically : easy – strenuous, Technically: easy – moderate
Duration: You decide
Trailhead Elev: 7700 feet
Top Elev: 8300 feet

Trail Review Hartman Rocks

Henry Coe State Park – Gilroy / Morgan Hill – California

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This trails system came as a complete surprise to, a lovely surprise. I had never heard about Henry Coe State Park, and stumbled on it by chance. The trails are superb, they are some of the sweetest singletracks you could imagine. No matter how you link these trails, you are going to start in the valley and are going to climb quite a few miles to reach the tops. Luckily even the climbs are fantastic, but nothing compared to the Mayhem fast singletracks that take you back down. There are 100′s of miles of trails to choose from, and as far as I know they are all fantastic. I spent 3 wonderful days on these trails, and I just touched the surface of what Henry Coe has to offer. Fantastic trails and a fantastic Mountain Biking Destination for day long singletrack epics.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Gilroy – Morgan Hill

Length: Your call

Trail Type: Loops

Skill Level: [what the books say] no info

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically demanding – mental

Henry Coe Trail Review

Hidden Valley Trail onto Moab Rim Trail – Moab – Utah

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I have a very special bond with Hidden Valley, it was the very first Moab trail I ever did, and ever since that ride I have been sold on Moab, Hidden Valley turned me into a Moab Junkie.
Every year for the past 6 years I spend October in Moab, and Hidden Valley is ALWAYS the first trail I ride, and the 4+ weeks I stay in Moab, I ride it at least once a week. I still love every second on this trail. Once you portage your bike for about 40 min. to Hidden Valley, the world is yours, and chances are you will see nobody. Although this trail has an extreme remote feeling to it, you are actually only a few miles from Moab if something did happen. This trail also has the steepest grade ( +22 ) and longest solid downhill section (1 mile) of all the Moab Trails. Your brakes will endure more on this section than an average mtb’er will in a whole year of riding.

Like so many Moab Trails, this one is not for the faint hearted.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: about 13 miles (14.3 miles if you visit the view point)
Trail Type: Loop or Out & Back
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically extremely difficult to downright abusive. Physically difficult
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderate
Duration: 2-4 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4000 feet
Top Elev: 5400 feet

Trail Review Hidden Valley

Highline Trail – Sedona – Arizona

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Where does one start to try and describe the Highline Trail?

Let me start with some bad news ( good news to some) This absolutely FANTASTIC Trail is NOT marked or mapped, which is great, because it keeps the “Tourists” off. The good news is ( bad news for some) Sedona has a great group of serious mountain bikers that are more than happy to take a fellow mountain biker on this amazing adventure.

Did I say Adventure?.. Yes, the Highline Trail is a Mountain Biking Adventure through some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery. The Highline Trail is 10 miles of slickrock and singletrack delight.

This is without doubt one of the best and most unique trail you might NEVER ride.. I am proud to have been given the chance by the Sedona MTB Chapter to have experienced this beauty.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Sedona
Length: 10.64 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] no info
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically difficult. Physically moderate / demanding
Duration : My time was 03:41:00
Elev Gain : 1,822 feet
Top Elev : 4,712 feet
Min. Elev : 3,964 feet

Trail Review Highline Trail

Kokopellis Trails – Fruita – Colorado

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The Kokopelli’s Trails are a Mountain Bikers dream, I don’t care what your name is, how much your bike costs, and how tight or baggy your clothes are.. You WILL love these trails. Aany mountain biker who can step forward and say he / she does not like these trails, obviously needs to start looking for a new hobby.

The trails are ALL fantastic, technical but far from impossible, stunning views, uphill climbs, fast downhill bombs, smooth singletracks, bumpy singletracks, and lots more.

The Kokopelli Trails get very busy, so for the best experience plan your rides well. Spend hours and hours on some of the best trails the USA has to offer. From a 2 hour relaxing loop to a 40+ miles of Epic Splendor.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby City: Fruita
Length: about 41 miles
Trail Type: Loops
Skill Level: Aerobically: easy – strenuous, Technically: easy – very difficult
Duration: 6+ hours
Trailhead Elev: 4500 feet
Top Elev: 5300 feet

Kokopellis Trail Review

Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Trail – Sedona – Arizona

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Your biggest enemy on this trail is the scenic beauty. Munds Wagon trail is so scenic, it’s difficult to stay focused on the the trail.

Munds Wagon Trail is both technically and physically very demanding, and because of this, it might not be everyones cup ot tea.
The great thing about this trail, is that you have to “earn” the reward, the higher you go, the better it gets.
We all know that NO trail is perfect, but this one, in my opinion comes close, actually, the trail itself is perfect, if there was a way to get rid of all the jeeps on Schnebly Road, and the helicopters that buzz around, then this trail would be “The Perfect Trail”.

Trail Stats & Information

Nearby Town : Sedona
Length: 21.55 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] no info
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically difficult. Physically very demanding
Duration : My time was 05:53:44
Elev Gain : 3,304 feet
Top Elev : 6,504 feet
Min. Elev : 4,135 feet

Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Trail Review

Slickrock Trail – Moab – Utah

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The Slickrock Trail in Moab, not just any trail, it’s the trail that put Moab on the map as probably the best MTB destination in the world. It’s also the most famous mountain biking trail in the world, and I would say the most unique.

The first time I did the Slickrock was 5 years ago, and I HATED every second of it.. It was a zoo, like disney land on a free day.
Luckily however, I did see the potential of the trail, and was better prepared the second time.

To fully enjoy this fantastic and unique trail, you have to get a very early start on a weekday. If you are able to get the timing right, then you will know why The Slickrock trail is one of the best and most unique trails in the WORLD.

Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab
Length: 9.85 miles
Trail Type: Lollipop
Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extremely dangerous. Physically very difficult to abusive
Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically demanding
Duration: Book say’s 2-3 hours my time 2.45 hours
Trailhead Elev: 4,575 feet
Top Elev: 4,802 feet

Slickrock Trail Review

There are so many more trails I would love to add, but I have to stop somewhere. I travel full time looking for new mtb trails, if you have a favourite trail, I would love to hear about it, and hopefully ride it one day.

Please leave a comment below and share info about your fav. trail

6th Annual Moab Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival And Moab Mountain Bike Film Fest

October 27, 28, 29 & 30th, 2011

Be part of the best 4 day Mtb Festival - The Moab Ho Down 2011

Come to Moab this fall and take in the beautiful weather, fall colors and a fun-filled weekend during this annual mountain bike festival. We expanded the event schedule which includes a mountain bike film fest. If you or someone you know has some footage then send it in! We want to see it and wouldn’t you want to see your footage on the big screen at the historical Star Hall in Moab!! This festival is all about fun and bikes. We have a Super D and DH race, a townie tour, movies, dirt jump competition and an outrageous costume party. So start getting your costume idea together and make your way to Moab this October. Race registration and festival registration is open until October 28th.

The dirt jump competition is taking place from 1pm until 4pm at the city dirt jumps located on 500 West. In addition to the Moab Ho-Down is the 6th Annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival which is happening the same weekend on Saturday, October 29th from 10am to 4pm. This event is fun for the whole family and is also the venue for our dirt jump competition. The Pumpkin Chuckin’ is a charitable event that helps to provide funding for the Youth Garden Project in Moab. For more info on the Pumpkin Festival you can check out the Youth Garden Project’s website at www.youthgardenproject.org.

For more information on the Moab Ho-Down Festival, the event schedule and to register, you can visit the website at www.moabhodown.com. You can also give Chile Pepper Bike Shop a call for more info.

Chile Pepper Bike Shop – 435-259-4688

702 S. Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532

www.chilebikes.com

Just launched a new website to post my HDR Trail Photo’s. I will be adding content as I ride the trails.

Checkout Mtb Trails in HDR : www.mtb-trails.com

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Moab Ho Down 2010

5th Annual Moab Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival And Moab Mountain Bike Film Fest.
October 28, 29, 30 & 31st, 2010

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Moab Ho Down 2010 Moutain Bikers unite at the Ho Down

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The 2010 Moab Ho Down will be a day longer and will feature Moab’s first ever Mountain Bike Film Festival in addition to all of our usual excellent festivities!

• DH RACE
• SUPER D RACE
• DIRT JUMP
• COMPETITION/EXHIBITION
• TOWNIE TOUR,
• RIDICULOUS COSTUME PARTY
• THE MOAB WORLD PUMP TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
• MOAB HO-DOWN Downhill & Super D Race Information
  Chile Pepper Bike Shop is proud to have mountain bike racing at the fall festival known as the Moab Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival!

Super D Race

Down LPS trail (lower porcupine single-track) and the portion of Porcupine Rim Trail that is referred to as the Porcupine climb off of Sand Flats Road. This race is a Super-D time trial and is approximately 5 miles in length.

Our permit allows a total of 100 registered men/women sport, expert and open/pro mountain bike riders.
This trail and race format IS NOT intended for beginner riders and beginner riders are strongly discouraged from registering. Shuttles will begin taking racers and bikes from the parking area at Porcupine Rim Trailhead on Sand Flats Road to the race start at 12:30pm following the race meeting.

Racers will be shuttled in order of class with sport riders racing first. ONLY racers will be allowed on shuttle vehicles. Spectators can make their way up course from the bottom of Porcupine Rim Trail. (We are discouraging spectators from driving up to the LPS trail head due to the very limited parking at the start
point of the race.) The race will start at approximately 1pm.

DH Race

The course starts at the top of the Lazy Man’s put-in of Porcupine Rim Trail located off of Sand Flats Road, approximately 2 miles past the Porcupine Rim Trailhead. The course descends down lazy man’s and makes a hard left turn onto Porcupine Rim Trail and the remainder of the course descends along Porcupine Rim Trail. The course is approximately 2 miles in length. Racers can take practice runs on the course Friday and Saturday prior to race day.

Please be aware that this course is on a public trail and will have general riders ascending this portion of the trail both days. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that racers start practice runs after 1pm on Friday and Saturday to avoid the busier morning traffic on the trail. Proper trail etiquette must be observed during practice runs.

There will be a race practice shuttle vehicle available at the Porcupine Rim Trailhead on Friday and Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm. Shuttle fee is $10 per day and will be paid directly to the shuttle driver.

Racers who are only registered for the DH race will need to be at the parking lot for Porcupine Rim Trail on Sand Flats Road no later than 2:00pm on Sunday, 10/31/10. Racers and their bikes will be loaded in shuttle vehicles and taken to the course start at 2:30pm. Racers will be shuttled in order of class with sport riders racing first (this shuttle is provided as part of your race fee). ONLY racers will be allowed on shuttle vehicles. Spectators can make there way up course from the bottom of Porcupine Rim Trail. The race will start at 3pm.

This race is a time trial format and is approximately 2 miles in length. Our permit allows a total of 100 registered men/women sport, expert and open/pro mountain bike riders. Course marshals will be positioned along the trail as well as emergency personnel.

One Race Day practice run will be provided for both Super D and DH racers from the Porcupine Rim Trailhead at 11am.

Award ceremonies for the Super D and DH race will take place at Chile Pepper Bike Shop immediately following race finish.

For more info visit : www.moabhodown.chilebikes.com

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Moab Rim Campark has been our choice of campground 4 years running. Mountain Bike Friendly.

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I have been staying at Moab Rim Campark for 4 years running, always through the month of October. Although everyone is welcome at Moab Rim Campark, mountain bikers will especially feel at home here.
If you are looking for a resort, or heated swimming pool, or air conditioned outdoor mini golf, then this is not the place for you, however if you are looking to stay somewhere with an adventurous feel, somewhere that offers stunning views, and somewhere that is mountain bike friendly, then this is the place to stay. Moab Rim Campark offers both 50 & 30 Amp full hookups incl. 75 channels cable TV. For the smaller trailers they also offer shaded 20-30 Amp sites. They also offer 7 cabins, and some fantastic grassy and shady tent sites. Every site incl. tents and cabins come with a picnic table. Unlike the majority of RV / Campsites, all the sites are very spacious, even for the large rigs that pull a trailer or second vehicle.

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Mountain Bikers will especially feel at home here, and you will never be alone. Moab Rim Campark is becoming a very popular Mtb’ers Hub, and there is good reason for this.
The proprietors Sue and Jim have gone the extra mile for us Mountain Bikers. There is a bike wash, there are numerous sheltered spots for riders to tinker on their steeds, and there are group shelters where you can sink a brewsky and discuss trails and bikes with fellows bikers.

The fantastic Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail actually starts from your campsite, no need for a shuttle on this one. Are you coming to Moab to do the world famous Slickrock Trail ? it’s just 10 min. away.

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Ride the best tails directly from Moab Rim Campark

Moab Rim Campark comes with spacious and spotlessly clean showers with good water pressure and the water is hot. In the 4 years I’ve been coming here, I have never had to wait to use a shower or toilet, which is a luxury, ‘cos I have stayed at campgrounds where I had to set the alarm for 4.30am just to be able to use the toilet!!. They also offer FREE Wifi that actually works!!. Another huge bonus about the Moab Rim Campark, is the grassy and shady sites without mosquito’s.

So, if you are planning on riding some of the best trails in the world here at Moab, stay at the best Campsite Moab has to offer… You deserve the best, and they deserve your business.
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View Moab Rim Campark in a larger map
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Moab Rim RV Campark and Cabins

For Reservations
Toll-free U.S. and Canada : 1-888-599-MOAB (6622)
Local Calls: (435) 259-5002 – FAX: (435) 259-5025
1900 South Hwy 191 – Moab, Utah 84532
For general questions only, email us at moabrim@citlink.net
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Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention

MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

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I would like to thank Jim McGillis of Moab Live for giving me permission to use some of his images for this article. Check live video footage of Moab and surrounding area at www.moablive.com

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Part 1 of my HDR Mountain Bike Compilation

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1800′s

The 25th Infantry U.S. Army Bicycle Corps stationed at Fort Missoula, Montana set out across the country on their bicycles in 1896-7. Lt. James A. Moss led the company of black soldiers on several obstacle intensive test runs of the iron two-wheeled alternative to horses for transportation. Their greatest trip covered 1900 miles to St. Louis, Missouri, returning to Missoula by train.
The 25th Infantry gained fame and was nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers.

In 1896 the 25th Infantry rode, walked, and carried their bicycles cross country to Yellowstone Park, 500 miles from their Fort Missoula base. They pose above on Minerva Terrace at the town of Mammoth Hot Springs in a photograph taken and hand colored by Yellowstone’s official freelance photographer F. Jay Haynes (1853-1921). Note that the troops mounted from the left side of the bike, according to the custom for mounting a horse.

1900′s–1960′s

Another early example of riding bicycles off-road is when road racing cyclists used cyclo-cross as a means of keeping fit during the winter. Cyclo-cross eventually becoming a sport in its own right in the 1940s, with the first world championship in 1950. The French Velo Cross Club Parisien (VCCP) comprised about twenty-one young cyclists from the outskirts of Paris, who between 1951 and 1956 developed a sport that was remarkably akin to present-day mountain biking.

 Mountain Biking in France 1932

The Roughstuff Fellowship was established in 1955 by off-road cyclists in the UK. In Oregon, one Chemeketan club member, D.Gwynn, built a rough terrain trail bicycle in 1966. He named it a “mountain bicycle” for its intended place of use. This may be the first use of that name.
In England in 1968, Geoff Apps, a motorbike trials rider, began experimenting with off-road bicycle designs. By 1979 he had developed a custom built lightweight bicycle which was uniquely suited to the wet and muddy off-road conditions found in the south-east of England. They were designed around 2inch x 650b Nokia snow tyres though a 700c (29er) version was also produced. These were sold under the Cleland Cycles brand until late 1984. Bikes based on the Cleland design were also sold by English Cycles and Highpath Engineering until the early 1990s.

1970′s–1980′s

There were several groups of riders in different areas of the U.S.A. who can make valid claims to playing a part in the birth of the sport. Riders in Crested Butte, Colorado and Cupertino, California tinkered with bikes and adapted them to the rigors of off-road riding. Modified heavy cruiser bicycles, old 1930s and ’40s Schwinn bicycles retrofitted with better brakes and fat tires, were used for freewheeling down mountain trails in Marin County, California in the mid-to-late 1970s. At the time, there were no mountain bikes. The earliest ancestors of modern mountain bikes were based around frames from cruiser bicycles such as those made by Schwinn. The Schwinn Excelsior was the frame of choice due to its geometry. Riders used balloon-tired cruisers and modified them with gears and motocross or BMX-style handlebars, creating “klunkers”. The term would also be used as a verb since the term “mountain biking” was not yet in use. Riders would race down mountain fireroads, causing the hub brake to burn the grease inside, requiring the riders to repack the bearings. These were called “Repack Races” and triggered the first innovations in mountain bike technology as well as the initial interest of the public. The sport originated in California on Marin County’s Mount Tamalpais.

1970′s Klunker

It was not until the late 1970s and early 1980s that road bicycle companies started to manufacture mountain bicycles using high-tech lightweight materials. Joe Breeze is normally credited with introducing the first purpose-built mountain bike in 1978. Tom Ritchey then went on to make frames for a company called MountainBikes, a partnership between Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly and Tom Ritchey. Tom Ritchey, a welder with skills in frame building, also built the original bikes. The company’s three partners eventually dissolved their partnership, and the company became Fisher Mountain Bikes, while Tom Ritchey started his own frame shop. The first mountain bikes were basically road bicycle frames (with heavier tubing and different geometry) with a wider frame and fork to allow for a wider tire. The handlebars were also different in that they were a straight, transverse-mounted handlebar, rather than the dropped, curved handlebars that are typically installed on road racing bicycles. Also, some of the parts on early production mountain bicycles were taken from the BMX bicycle. Other contributors were Otis Guy and Keith Bontrager.
Tom Ritchey built the first regularly available mountain bike frame, which was accessorized by Gary Fisher and Charlie Kelly and sold by their company called MountainBikes (later changed to Fisher Mountain Bikes then bought by Trek, still under the name Gary Fisher, currently sold as Trek’s “Gary Fisher Collection”). The first two mass produced mountain bikes were sold in 1982: the Specialized Stumpjumper and Univega Alpina Pro. In 2007 the documentary film Klunkerz: A Film About Mountain Bikes was released. The film documents the subject of mountain bike history during this formative period in Northern California.

Klunkerz, a film about Mountain Bikes

At the time, the bicycle industry was not impressed with the mountain bike, which many regarded as a short-term fad. In particular, large manufacturers such as Schwinn and Fuji failed to see the significance of an all-terrain bicycle and the coming boom in ‘adventure sports’. Instead, the first mass-produced mountain bikes were pioneered by new companies such as MountainBikes (later, Fisher Mountain Bikes), Ritchey, and Specialized. Specialized was an American startup company that arranged for production of mountain bike frames from factories in Japan and Taiwan. First marketed in 1981, Specialized’s mountain bike largely followed Tom Ritchey’s frame geometry, but used TiG welding to join the frame tubes instead of fillet-brazing, a process better suited to mass production and which helped to reduce labor and manufacturing cost. The bikes were configured with 15 gears using derailleur shifting, triple chainrings, and five rear cogs.

1990′s–2000′s

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, mountain biking moved from a little-known sport to a mainstream activity. Mountain bikes and mountain bike gear that was once only available at specialty shops or via mail order became available at standard bike stores. By the mid-2000s, even department stores such as Wal-Mart began selling inexpensive mountain bikes with full-suspension and disc brakes. In the 2000s, the trends in mountain bikes include the “all mountain bike”, the 29er and the singlespeed. The “all mountain bike” is characterized by 4–6 inches (100–150mm) of travel, the ability to descend and handle very rough conditions and still pedal efficiently for climbing. 29er bikes are those using 700c sized rims (as do most road bikes), but wider and suited for tires of two inches (50mm) width or more; the increased diameter wheel is able to roll over obstacles better and offers a greater tire contact patch, but also results in a longer wheelbase, making the bike less agile, and in less travel space for the suspension; thus the 29er is not suited for small riders and small winding trails. The single-speed is considered a return to simplicity with no drivetrain components or shifters, but thus requires a stronger rider.
Following the growing trend in 29-inch bikes (29ers as stated above), there have been other trends in the mountain biking community involving tire size. One of the more prevalent is the new, somewhat esoteric and exotic 650B (27.5 inch) wheelsize, based on the obscure wheel size for touring road bikes. Another interesting trend in mountain bikes is outfitting dirt jump or urban bikes with rigid forks. These bikes normally use 4–5″ travel suspension forks. The resulting product is used for the same purposes as the original bike. A commonly cited reason for making the change to a rigid fork is the enhancement of the rider’s ability to transmit force to the ground, which is important for performing tricks. In the mid-2000s, an increasing number of mountain bike-oriented resorts opened. Often, they are similar to or in the same complex as a ski resort or they retrofit the concrete steps and platforms of an abandoned factory as an obstacle course, as with Ray’s MTB Indoor Park. Mountain bike parks which are operated as summer season activities at ski hills usually include chairlifts which are adapted to bikes, a number of trails of varying difficulty, and bicycle rental facilities.

Tomorrow’s Bike

Technology is changing at such a fast rate, that it is anyone’s guess what the neXt G3n3rat1on bike will look like

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Yesterday I went to Owenhouse Bike Shop in Bozeman for a $12 spare derailleur hanger and left the shop with a brand new bike.. a bit impulsive? maybe!… a necessity?… No!.. But it sure feels good.
So now my big problem is I have to decide which bike to take on which trail!!… man, life is a b1tch!!

About the Giant Trance X4 2009

The 2009 Giant Trance X4

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Frame Technology
Trance X is cutting-edge superiority with features like a hyper-engineered main triangle, absolutely dialed geometry and 5 inches of Maestro Suspension that’s active under pedaling and braking alike. But all you need to know is this: Trail riding just got that much better.

Features
- Marzocchi 33R 120mm suspension fork, Giant Air rear shock
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Race Face Ride XC handlebar and stem
- WTB Speed Disc rim/sealed hub, wheelset

Average Retail Price : $1500

2009 Giant Trance X4 Specs

HDR photo’s of my new Giant Trance X4

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