In planning for this trip, one thing that was definitely on my bucket list was an epic mountain bike ride. After a bit of research the Whole Enchilada trail in Moab, Utah seemed to fit the bill. Shuttle access, massive downhill, changing terrain made this a must do on many riders lists.
I had had booked a Trek Remedy and shuttle with Poison Spider Cycles when we arrived in town and Saturday turned out to be an awesome weather day. The family dropped me off at 8 and I had an hour or so before the shuttle left to get warmed up on some nearby tracks. A total of 4 vans headed up the hour long drive to the La Sal mountains. The top few sections had been closed by snowfall (!) during the week so we were dropped off at a transition trail into the main route called Jonny Keen. Well, keen I was on getting stuck into this trail – almost as keen as the deep, sticky mud was on get jammed up in the wheels, cranks, and chain of my freshly serviced bike!
So it was a bit of a ride/walk over the first couple of km’s until we hit the start of the UPS trail. This was more like it – dry, downhill, with some epic scenery as the trail descended alongside a steep cliff to the valley below. With the snow capped mountains in the rear, the weird sandstone mesas sticking out of the valley in front, the trail unfolded in fast flowing goodness.
I think the main attraction of this ride is not just the epic location, but the variety of trail you ride. From aspen lined single track, to boulders drop offs, to the smooth slick rock that Moab is famous for this track had everything. It was also a great balance of enjoyment and challenge for my riding ability. There were certainly a number of small drop offs I walked (including one section of double black diamond that I sprained my ankle on-how’s that? getting a walking injury on a bike ride!), but I had a lot of confidence in the bike to roll over many of the jagged rocks.
So after a long, hot day in the saddle, my Strava had recorded 45 kms of riding. It seemed like double this-just an awesome 1 day ride. The final section was a nice, flat roll along the Colorado river soaking in the afternoon sun. I managed to catch up with the family then return the bike and have a nice, hot shower before hobbling into town for a feed.
The next day (Sunday) was a more relaxed affair with a driving tour of nearby Canyonlands National Park. Again, more stunning Utah rock scenery with view from the ‘Island in the Sky’ down to the Colorado and Green rivers. I didn’t do many of the short walks available as my ankle was aching but it was definitely worth the previous days epic ride.
