RR: Utah Adventure 5/2-5/5, part 3 Gooseberry Mesa

[art23rockpile]

Our third (and last ) day of riding began with breaking camp at Little Creek Mesa and driving to the trailhead at Gooseberry Mesa.

We began our ride on the South Rim trail. Dean and Scott had said the day before that Little Creek was a good primer for riding Gooseberry, and they were correct.
Less slickrock sections (i'd imagined there would be more), technical sections that were even more strenuous and challenging, and less 'flow' as the trail designer(s) seemed more concerned with challenging trail features than flow/speed. At one point, I rolled down a drop-off, made it, but lodged my front tire in a crevice and went OTB . As with LCM, there were some impressive sections of exposed trail near the mesa's edge. After lunch, Scott rode a steep drop-off at the edge of the cliff, to the amazement of a Colorado couple who were watching (hopefully Dean has a pic of it to post). The second half of our loop was the North Rim trail, and it was a blast.

Overall, i'd have to say that this was a awesome roadtrip with great STR friends: Steppie is one-of-a-kind, Scott is really funny and a very talented rider, Lynn could easily change her screen name to "Shesmiles" as she always seems to have a big grin while riding. The areas we rode are unforgettable, and I feel that my own riding skills have gone up a notch on this trip. Now what I want to know is: where to go next?!?

Photos:
1) Scott 2) Lynn 3) Dean/Scott 4) Scott
5) Lynn 6) Dean
7) Scott [the photo doesn't show just how steep this rock is OR the 15ft sheer drop onto rock at the far left side]
the mesa
9) Unreal scenery
10) Scott landing a huck (and my photo skills need improvement)

[dstepper]

I have come to the conclusion that South Rim Trail on Gooseberry is just too much trail for me. It got way to hot for me and I was not having fun. I have rode it when it is cold out and was able to ride enough of the features to enjoyed it. It just takes everything I have to get up those ledges and boulders. Then I hit a tree branch breaking ripping the straps out of the helmet. Not good to ride out there with helmet that would come off after the first hit.

The last set of pictures of Scott is when your back brake needs attention and sometimes the handle goes to the bars.

Dean

[Danimal]

Thanks for the pics.
We did the south Rim, and I need to say this was one very fun trail. Riders just need to pay attention to the "dots", as there are times you have no idea whats 5 feet ahead, but thats where the dots are going!
My skill level went up a notch on this trail.
We did not however take the "extreme" southridge. Elected to turn and do Hidden cave, where I too ran into a branch. didn't break the helmet, but I do ahve a lump on my shoulder...

Great RR, and a butt load of fun out there.
Thank guys!!

"Trust the Dots"

[Burner]

love the stjunkie crash pics... that there is why I never wheelie

this is definitely a calendar pic

[herzalot]

Drew12 and I were out there Saturday evening (South rim from parking lot to Hidden Canyon and back on South Rim) and Sunday - south rim from parking lot to hidden canyon, then up to the north rim. Didn't get to see the "extremely hazardous" section of the south rim. Gotta leave something for next time. Second time through I believe the flow improves. Still not a fast ride, but if you trust the dots, it's all makeable. I'm still seeing dots in my sleep, and I like it!

[ubermensch]

with the price of fuel getting close to $5/gal, I'm almost afraid to open these threads because you guys keep bringing back all these awesome pictures

[VTVic]

Dean, did Scott blame you for his crash Awesome pics and RR. Wish I was there