RR: Moab, Day 2: Porcupine Rim

[sdyeti]

Okay...time to finally wipe the perma-grin off my face! We had an epic day riding Porcupine Rim (as well as LPS)! If you ever get the chance to ride in Moab and there is only 1 trail you can do, this one is it!

We met at the Chile Pepper bike shop in Moab and got our latte on as we waited for the shuttle rig to pick us up around 9 am. There were so many people! The rig rolls up and we are stoked because it is a hulking mass of metal and very tall. All the bikes got loaded and it was off to LPS (Lower Porcupine Singletrack). The scenery on the way was awesome...smooth slickrock, tall spires, red rock...gorgeous!

After peering over the impossibly tall 4000' cliff into Castle Valley, we began on LPS. The view was shocking and beautiful. From here, there was tight, twisty singletrack with lots of rock sections and little 1-2' drops. Fun! Everytime we thought the trail would end, it just kept going and going...more singletrack, more rocks, more drops.

We rode on and got to the first real test, a rocky chute with a hard right turn at the bottom. Many tried, but nobody cleared it. I decided to walk since I wanted to live to ride tomorrow! The trail was rought at times, but I focused on trying to flow the bike through the rough spots...popping off rocks to get some air, dropping off rocks to clear the rough. The trail eventually linked up with the traditional Porcupine Rim trail after a series of slickrock drops.

From here, the trail begins to wind its way onto the real "rim" that follows the Colorado River. We kept stopping to take pictures and couldn't believe the riding. It was flowy and fast with some techy sections to keep you guessing. We all walked a little bit here and there, and kept mentioning that it would be fun to ride this again soon so we would know where all the line are.

Sooner than we could believe, it was over! For the five in our group, we finished relatively unscathed as a group...only one flat tire (no, not Dan!) and no other mechanicals.

For anyone who has never ridden this trail...I HIGHLY recommend it. I was craving some technical trail, and what I got was mile after mile of just that, with breathtaking views included.

Stay tuned for Day #3...destination undecided at this point!

Our home for the weekend, Chile Pepper bike shop


Coyote Shuttle to Porcupine Rim (LPS)


Top of LPS, sdyeti and Man blong Gaua


Jim McNeil and unknown rider looking into Castle Valley (4000' drop)


going for the chute (no, he didn't make it)


sessioning the chute


looking back at LPS


handlebar shot


taking a break...sdyeti, jason, and steve


dueling Yetis on Porc Rim...sdyeti and Man blong Gaua


sdyeti on Porc Rim


trail paparazzi surprised me!


one of the really techy rock sections


Steve taking in the last of Porc Rim

[PacMan]

That "chute with the righthand turn" is called "Hangnail". Many have tried, few have succeeded. I have never even tried. Maybe next year. My buddy Greg has cleaned it.

My buddy Greg dropping in:
http://www.ridedirt.com/moab07/slides/IMG_2935.html

At the righthand turn:
http://www.ridedirt.com/moab07/slides/IMG_2942.html

Made it:
http://www.ridedirt.com/moab07/slides/IMG_2943.html



Porcupine is my favorite and a legendary trail for a reason. Always the highlight of the trip. Shuttling up to LPS is the only way to go. My first trip to Moab, we got to ride UPS as well (now it's closed).

Thanks for the pics. You're making me wish next April would get here sooner.

[KeepsWhatHappens]

I've also heard that spot if called "Cathys Crack" named for the first female to ride it (a Moab local). Me, I didn't even attempt it. I have kids and a mortgage.

Don't forget to check my webpage for ideas for rides while you're in Moab.

My Trip To Moab

There's pictures from my five favorite rides plus ride guides for each ride.

Let me know if they're helpful.

KeepsWhatHappens

[sdyeti]

if we had a week, we probably would next time...and there will be a next time

Originally Posted by mechmann

Kokopelli trails in Fruita. you know you want to!!!!