How I spent my pre-summer vacation (part1)

[stjunkie]

I was maxed out on vacation time at work so my buddy Larry and I decided to take a two week vacation through Utah, Colorado and Arizona. We had been talking about it for awhile and originally were going to go at the end of April. Well, Larry wanted more time to get in shape and I was still waiting on a new wheelset for my new fork so we didn’t leave until the second week in May. Painfreak was going to join us the first week but couldn’t get the time off.

Day one:Zion
Drove to Zion and rode up the canyon. Saw a bunch of deer, some wild turkeys (some were 20ft up in trees) and some skunk. It was getting dark on the way back so we broke out the lights. It doesn't get totally dark until about 9:00. It was my first night ride in awhile.

Going up the bike path to Zion



Day Two:Thunder Mtn
Rode the bike path up the canyon. Perfect temps. Saw two other riders while we rode. The new fork (66 light) changes the whole ride of the bike. Feels stiffer up front than the super-t I had, and having a tighter turning radius for swithchbacks is a plus. The new wheels feel good-better engagement is the main thing I noticed. After riding we did a little hiking at Bryce down into the real Hoodoos.

Larry on the trail


The White Tornado hits Thunder Mountain


Deep into Bryce Hoodoos


More Bryce


Day three: Klondike bluffs/Baby steps
1st day in Moab and took it easy. Lots of big slickrock patches and some real singletrack. The trail led up to the Arches NP border and we hiked up to an overlook (there are no bad views in Moab) Got lost for a couple miles but found some locals-only singletrack. Temps were a little warm but not bad. Cloud cover kept the temps in check. Larry took his bike in to have the springs changed out and decided to get a full overhaul.

First slickrock playground


Spooky Rocks


Day four:Slickrock Trail
Heat not too bad so we decided on the slickrock trail. Lots of short steep climbs. I forgot how big this area is. Met a guy from Germany (Armin) part way around the loop riding solo so he rode with us the rest of the way. He drove a '65 Hanamag military camper conversion and had been all over in it. So we got some good stories out of him. I did the first real drop of the trip (two footer) and everything is still OK on the bike and me.

The bikes were tired so we gave them a rest.


Armin with Arches and the Colorado river


Larry and Armin connecting the dots


Larry on a tough climb


Armin's and his 5 ton Chic Magnet


.

[liquidforce]

Glad that the Slickrock Bike Trail wasn't too hot for you. A couple of weeks later and the sandstone sure heats up

[ironman]

that looks awesome, i wish i had money to get a 5 ton chick magnet, lol!