The Fruita/Moab Ride

Trip:  Fruita Colorado 

Riders: 4 Steve, Micki, Brooke and Andy

Trails: Mary's Loop, Horsethief Bench, Moore's Fun, Mack Ridge, Lions Loop and Steve's Handcuffs

On Wednesday evening we headed out to meet up up with Sticki in Moab.  Our area was under a high wind advisory for the next few days.  No worries, we were headed out of town to go ride in Colorado and Utah.  On our travels we had to pass though the Navajo Indian Reservation in the NE corner of Arizona.  The wind was packing a punch.  Can you say "dust storm?"  At times you couldn't see the road in front of you.  ADOT even brought out the snow plows to clear the roads form all the accumulated sand and dust.

10:30pm Wednesday night - we pull into the RV camp grounds that Sticki laid claim to.  It was great, everything was set up for us when we arrived.  Sticki claimed perfect timing on our part.  We agreed of course, but not planned.  All we had to do was hop into bed and get some shut eye.  Early Thursday morning we were all awoke by the thunderous revving of rock crawlers @6am.  Not the best way to start the day on a trip.  I came outside to see what the heck all the commotion was.  To my amazement, it was a gathering of hillbillies straight from Idaho.  Pocatello no less.  I was familiar with these kinds, heck, I grew up just 40 miles north in Idaho Falls.  They were finishing up their 5 days of rock climbing and were packing up and heading out.  The only thing missing was the breaking of beer bottles and gun shots into the air.

We broke down camp and headed into town to get a bite to eat at the Jailhouse Cafe.  The weather was partly cloudy,  a little breezy, we'll see if it holds.   We called a shuttle service to take us up to the top of LPS-Porcupine Rim. While on the phone we asked what the weather and conditions are like.  The driver said it had just snowed up top and was cold at the LPS trail head.  As we ate, the weather started to take a turn for the worst.  We paid our bill and headed to a local bike shop to kill some time to see if it would clear up.  It did not so we bailed on Moab and headed for better conditions in Fruita.

We made a pit stop at the local convenience store to use the restroom and get an energy drink.  A" Rockstar Recovery Drink" to be more specific.  While purchasing this certain beverage, the clerk offered me a rather large ROCKSTAR sticker.  Knowing that this is Steve's drink of choice, I ran up to his vehicle showing him what I just had scored like a hunter coming back from a kill.  Not to be out done....Steve opened his door and ran inside to get his Rockstar and sticker.  But, something was wrong.  The clerk wasn't sure if he had another one to hand out.  He was digging frantically looking for and extra one to give Steve.  But there was none.  Steve's brow was now sweaty with anticipation of such a prize.  Could he handle the suspense?  Was he going to walk out of there a winner? His eyes eager....his palms sweaty......his mouth watering, waiting to savor the most desired of all beverages known to "Stevekind."  Seconds then minutes passed.  And finally, the clerk finds one last sticker.  You could almost hear the breath of air being let out of Steve's lungs.  A sigh of relief if you will.  Now happily walking out of the AmPm with a certain "swagger." A Rockstar in one hand and a sticker in the other......he has come back from the "hunt" successfully.  At least that's the picture in my mind of how things went down in the AmPm.

Once in Fruita, it looked more promising.  We got to our campsite, set up and looked for an opportunity to go ride before the sun sets.   Now,  I had lived in Fort Collins Colorado for a little over 4 years , so strange weather was nothing new.  But this was ridiculous.   Every 30-40 minutes was something different.  Sunny and windy, then it would rain, then snow, then clear up again.......global warming, more like global whining.  

We decided to make a run for and hit the Kokopelli Area next to the Colorado River.  We pulled into the parking lot and it was snowing.........sideways.  Out of the Subie and gearing up, riders were coming off of the road that leads to the trail head.  Brooke asks them what its like?  They respond with " it's cold and blustery!"  You could see the horror in her eyes.  She's looking at us like we're crazy.  Well, we are........ Nothing was going to stop this ride, well, except for Brooke's fear of the word "blustery."  "Did you hear them! they said blustery.  That means it's cold"  Brooke was contemplating on going on this perilous adventure.  Alas, she decide to go.  A quick pedal up and over a bluff and the weather had changed.  It was still overcast, but the snow had stopped and was starting to warm up a little.

We took Mary's Loop to the Horsetheif Bench junction.  It's a rocky descent down to the start of Horsethief.  Steve and Micki rode it about half way.  I only made it down about 1/4 of the way.  I didn't want to be out of commission on the first day for the rest of the trip.  

Here's Brooke coming off a slab of slick rock on "the Bench."   

Steve on his rigid single speed tackling a tech section.  The loop was short and fun, about 10 miles in all.  This was just enough for today and to see what Fruita had to offer.  We headed back to camp for some snacks and something warm to drink while enjoying the warmth and celebrated his birthday.  

We gave him a Subway meatballs box and in it was a fine plethora of cards and gifts.  With a puzzled look on his face, he dove right in.  One of the cards had a picture of the helmet we bought for Steve, unfortunately it didn't arrive in time for the trip.

Looks great Steve!  We told him he could just tape it to the front of his current helmet and know one one would really notice because it's so stylin'.  But wait.......there was one stand out gift....The shirt that would top them all.   This is Steve's new moniker.  Only because rules apply to mountain bike riders, "except" for Steve, and because he's the punisher on rides.  Happy Birthday Man.

Friday, the weather  looked some what promising, but you guessed it,  it turned out to be a repeat of yesterday.  With the Fat Tire Festival going on in Fruita,  we made a quick stop at one of the local bike shops to pick up a copy of " Fruita Fat Tire Guidebook."  It was most helpful determining what trails we could do weather permitting.  We also hit the Pivot tent so Micki could find out what the scoop was with some local trails that her co-workers may have done.  It seems that the "Bookcliffs" area was on the list today, out on 18 Road.  Kevin, a co-worker decided to meet us at the trailhead at the base of the Bookcliffs.  The parking lot was jammed full, it turns out, everyone else decide to do this section too.  

With other storm fronts on the horizon, we head out on Prime Cut rather than take the road like everyone else.  We came to ride single track, not the road, sheesh.  Once on Prime Cut, the wind started to blow "fiercely."  Then right on cue, the snow was falling.  I was thinking to myself," I hope that the weather clears up, because it will suck if it stays like this."   Proof!

We rode on the trail for a little ways and we all ducked behind a fairly large Juniper tree to brush ourselves off and put on jackets and weather gear.  The snow was building up on our helmets and handlebars rather quickly.   Peddling again, we hit the junction of Chutes and Ladders and just like that,  Mother Nature turned off the snow and let the sun shine down on us.  At the upper parking lot,  other riders said that they had ridden some of these trails earlier in the week and gave us a few options.  We discussed which trail to take next as we pulled off the layers of clothes that we just put on 15 minutes earlier.  Joe's Ridge, since some other riders had started up another section called Frontside, but turned around because it was too muddy.

Joe's ridge was a nicely groomed, fast rolling single track with a little climb up a the back side of the ridge and then an exposed trail down the front side.  This was a fun trail, fast and flowy, it was over in a matter of minutes.  Joe's ridge intersected Kessel Run as it makes it's way back to 18 Road.  It was over way too quickly for us so we headed back to the upper parking lot so we could start off on Kessel Run.  This was also fast and flowy, but more mellow than Joe's ridge.   The weather started moving in again and it was decision time.  Brooke and Kevin were headed back to the cars and Sticki and I headed back up hit Joe's Ridge again and then finish it with the bottom section of Kessel Run that would take us back to the parking lot.  This is the video from halfway down of Steve on Joe's Ridge.  Nice

  After consulting the area trail book and with the help of Steve's trail scouting the day before, we were able to map out our course for the day.  It is to be an Epic ride for sure.  Moore Fun to Mack Ridge to Lion's Loop to Steve's Handcuffs to Mary's Loop.  A 20 mile ride in all, with every possible trail element you could think of.

The beginning of Moore Fun, which was a steep technical ascent with an awesome views at the top and some really great single track on the way down.  To the top we go.......... I'll let the pictures do the talking.....

Brooke rolling through the boulder field on Moore Fun

Brooke showing off on top of Mack Ridge....look how close to the edge...spooky.

This is Steve's Handcuffs, you can see it in the "view picture" above from on top of Mack Ridge.  Riding along the rims of the cliffs was really neat.  It almost felt like riding in a cave so to speak.  Looking up was sheer cliff walls and looking the other way was down into caverns of rock carved from the mighty Colorado River.  This day was most perfect weather wise, we finally got a break from Mother Nature on this end of Fruita.  While on the top of Mack Ridge looking North, The Bookcliffs were getting hammered by storm after storm.  We definitely  chose the right area to ride in today.  Not to cool and not to warm with a little breeze made it just right.  This ride truly was an Epic.  With 20 miles on the clock, it had everything.  Black diamond technical climbs and descents,  fun flowy downhills, peddling through the cliffs and mesa's with stunning views of the area.  And of course great friends to share the experience with.  

MAOB

Location: Moab, Utah

Trails: LPS, Porcupine Rim 

Riders: 6

Steve, Micki, Brooke, Andy, Mitch and Andrea (Dre)

With 3 days spent in Fruita, it was time to pack up and start to make our way back toward home.  Since our first attempt in Moab was thwarted by the weather, we decided to hit it on the way home.  We packed up camp at about 7am that morning and made our way down the highway to what some would say is the mountain biking "holy grail."  We've tried many times to plan trips to come here, but to no avail.  So that first day when we arrived and the weather was bad and we left, I was bummed.  It was almost like "deja vu."  Here we are and we can't ride.  aahhhh!!!  

After the trek into Moab, we pull into a City Market grocery store.  Sticki pulls up and says that some friends from back in the day would to join us for the Porcupine run.  Not a minute later,  Mitch and Dre walk up to Sticki and ask where we are?  Standing right next to our Subie which is right next to Sticki, Brooke and I looked at each other with confusion.  I said"right here."  With a surprised look on Mitchs' face he introduces themselves and we proceed into the market to get some lunch.  With the somewhat "shady" responses we got from the previous shuttle guy we were referred, we decided to opt for another way up to LPS. Well what do you know, Moab Cyclery just happened to be in the same parking lot.  Steve walks in aasks what time the shuttle leaves?  The reply......15minutes.  Dang, we all start to throw our gear on get our bikes ready for the journey down Porcupine.  

 Now it's sunny and about 55 degrees and feeling pretty nice.  Loaded up in the van, we start to make our way up to the top of LPS.   We roll past the famous "Lions Back".  I'm in back with Mitch and Dre, we talk about what we do and ride.  The preside in California but used to live in PHX.  We pass several riders grunting it the fire road on the way.  As we get closer, the clouds start to move in and we can see snow developing in the mountains above.

As we unload the bikes from the roof of the van.  It is apparent that I am "outshocked."  The bikes that everyone else has brought, will have at least 5 or more inches of travel front and rear.  Except for the "Exception."  He is currently boycotting rear suspension because he deems it "unnecessary."  If he could, he would roll his rigid 29er out here.  Mitch and Dre's are dual crown fork monsters with loads of travel and Micki is on her beloved Pivot Firebird.

The greater percentage of riders usually get dropped at Porcupine.  We however, are leaving from LPS which is higher up and more of a technical of a descent down to Porcupine Rim.  We roll out and hit the trail.  It was just like Fruita with the dirt trails and slick rock drops.  To tell you the truth, I was a bit worried.  I was doing fine, but was worried about Brooke.  Now she can throw down some mean mountain biking.  But this is a whole new game.  A wrong move, a wrong line, a tough landing off a drop could spell disaster. On the way down we ask if she's having fun? She reply," I'm having fun, I love this stuff." We all look at each other, because clearly, this was the exact opposite of what we were expecting to hear. With that in mind, there was no need to worry about her on this trail. Although we were far from being done, she had cleared some of the harder sections.

This was one of the steepest downhills I'd ever seen.  I didn't even ride most of it.  I think Steve, Micki and Mitch rode most of it, but the rest of us took turns walking/riding down it and handing each others bike's off .  If you were rock climbing, it would be a 5.6.  Here are some other riders opting to do the same.  

Looking across the valley floor from the first stop and regroup area on LPS.  Now that we are all back together, and Brooke is okay,  I feel more comfortable in Brooke's ability to ride this trail.   But then Mitch makes the comment,"whoa, I didn't know you brought your cross country rig out here!"  I look at him and state the fact that it may be a "cross country rig" but I don't ride it like one, that's for sure.  He looks on me in amazement and wonders to himself, how is Andy going to get down off this trail without it snapping his bike in two pieces?  Hmmm?

From L to R:  Micki - Steve - Brooke - Mitch in the Darth Vader get up.

Brooke below giving the thumbs up cause she's digging it.

About half way down Porcupine Rim we stop and take in the view.  Take some pics, have some snacks and pull some stunts.  Steve and Mitch successfully completed a 4-5' drop on that very same rock where we stand.  Most impressive.  I would have done it, but needed my bike to be in one piece for the rest of the journey.  At this point, I started to consider purchasing another bike that is more capable of such hits as these.  Hmmm, we'll see.  Everybody is making it down without incident and is stepping up their game and getting more "ballsy" shall we say.  Now there are several lines to be taken at certain obstacles.  1) take the "big hit" and go for it.  2) Take the "easier hit" or 3) You play it safe and take the nice and smooth trail......Here is some of what we were doing that day. One way is correct, the other not so much. It happens, you get the courage and at the last second, you decide to bail. Once you're committed, you're committed. The first is proper as shown by Micki...the second is Dre having second thoughts.






OUCH!!!! At first, we all shit ourselves. She really took a hit to the face and neck area. Luckily she had on the full face helmet. After she hit, she said she broke her nose and hurt her neck and jaw and was going to pass out. She really couldn't move and Micki held her head as to not inflict any more damage. We kept telling her to stay with us. It was 10 minutes of WTF is going to happen. All these thoughts running through our heads. Is she hurt badly? Internal injuries? Are we going to have to call for help? Should we just leave her there and keep riding? No!!! Not really!!

After regaining her senses, she was going to be alright. She said she had a headache and her neck was sore. But OK. We all took a deep breath and said,"thank God." Taking a little time to collect ourselves and to make sure she was able to get down the rest of the way on her own power, we finished up this otherwise perfect day. Here are some of the pictures on the way down towards the bottom.






















At the end of the trailhead, we were left to either hitch a ride or just ride our steeds to our cars on pavement. Although Mitch had flagged down a car to get a ride back, we all decided to ride, after all, that is why we are here. Back at the vehicles about 20 minutes later, we say our goodbye's and head our separate ways. Steve and Micki back to Scottsdale, Mitch and Dre back to California, and us back to Chino Valley. Another good day of riding in the books.