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 Post subject: Looking for some info
PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2013 11:49 pm 
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Spring break is coming up and I'm thinking I might take my son on spring MTB trip so he can get some time on his new Nomad ahead of Mammoth opening.

We've bee talking about Moab, I've never been there (other than to pass through) has anyone here been there? Is there a good mix of ability level trails there; beginner to intermediate type trails but not easy that he'll get bored.

The other area I'm thinking about is Sant Cruz. Ill be there for Sea Otter but spring break is before that and I'm not taking my bike. Has anyone ridden the SC area? Worth making the drive there over Moab?

Thanks in advance for your input…

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 4:53 am 
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Yes. Check Treader Reports for plenty on Santa Cruz and Utah. There is lots more info online about Moab.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 7:35 am 
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You can check out Sedona and Prescott AZ too

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:21 am 
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Santa Cruz would work because a lot of the trails are not technical, and the big trees are cool to ride in. But its CA, so there will be some climbing involved.

I'd suggest Moab just because its a completely different landscape and its easier to find info on trails without having a local hookup. There is a good mix of riding for all abilities and the trails are well marked. Systems like the Brand Trails and Klondike bluffs are webs of well marked trails that have all difficulty levels. Weather should be decent in April, and Grand Junction/Fruita are only 90 mins away, also with a huge variety of riding.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:32 am 
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Hey guys, thanks for the info so far. I've been digging around on the web, so I don't want you guys to think I'm trying to get you to my leg work for me. Just looking to get some info from personal experiences as well; which is usually better anyway.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:11 am 
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If you're thinking about Moab, check out Poison Spyder Bicycles for information and shuttles:
http://www.poisonspiderbicycles.com/home/
If you're up for a challenge there, you should do a ride called "The Whole Enchilada". The shuttles take you up into the mountains to about 10,000'. In the first 2 miles you climb up to a little over 11,000' and then start descending over about 35 miles back into Moab. This ride takes you right along Porcupine Rim - you'll be just feet from a 4,000' cliff that overlooks some very beautiful scenery. The trail then has you winding your way along the Colorado River back into town.
Aside from the Whole Enchilada, there are many other "play areas" to explore. The slick rock is very fun there- it's not really slick at all, it actually provides a great grip.

Dirtrider also mentioned Sedona, AZ which is very similar to Moab. Lot's of slick rock and plenty of beautiful scenery there as well.
I happened to meet a local man in Sedona called Doc Jon. A retired doctor that spends his retirement building trails and making maps. He was 63 years young and kicked my butt. Over The Edge Sports (http://otesports.com/locations/sedona/) can hook you up with one of his maps, and maybe get you on a ride with Doc Jon.

Happy Riding

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:54 am 
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Thanks, I didn't even think about Sedona.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 10:26 am 
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Moab , the Full Enchilada must be on your bucket list. :thumbsup:


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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 10:58 am 
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I would recomend looking in to the St. George/ Hurricane Ut. Area. Gooseberry Mesa is an epic trail system with great slickrock riding. Green Valley has great flowing trails, and there are petroglyphs all over the place there. There are Dinosaur tracks still visable right off of a couple riding spots just as you get into town. Church Rocks is another awesome ride just out of town. The hotels are cheeper in St. George, than Moab, not to mention its about 4-5 hours closer by car than Moab. Zion National Park is very near by. And day trip to Brice is also an option, there you can get into a whole bunch of riding that is just incredible, Thunder Mt., Loose Canyon, Butch Cassady Trail.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 11:18 am 
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heck247 wrote:
If you're thinking about Moab, check out Poison Spyder Bicycles for information and shuttles:
http://www.poisonspiderbicycles.com/home/
If you're up for a challenge there, you should do a ride called "The Whole Enchilada". The shuttles take you up into the mountains to about 10,000'. In the first 2 miles you climb up to a little over 11,000' and then start descending over about 35 miles back into Moab. This ride takes you right along Porcupine Rim - you'll be just feet from a 4,000' cliff that overlooks some very beautiful scenery. The trail then has you winding your way along the Colorado River back into town.
Aside from the Whole Enchilada, there are many other "play areas" to explore. The slick rock is very fun there- it's not really slick at all, it actually provides a great grip.

Dirtrider also mentioned Sedona, AZ which is very similar to Moab. Lot's of slick rock and plenty of beautiful scenery there as well.
I happened to meet a local man in Sedona called Doc Jon. A retired doctor that spends his retirement building trails and making maps. He was 63 years young and kicked my butt. Over The Edge Sports (http://otesports.com/locations/sedona/) can hook you up with one of his maps, and maybe get you on a ride with Doc Jon.

Happy Riding



Just a side note here: his name is John and goes by Traildoc. Mtbr has banned him from posting with a big stink going on in Sedona. He's a great resource for all things Sedona

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 12:42 pm 
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I've spent some time on the utah mountain bike site. I also thought about St George area, just wondering if it not a little too early in the spring. That is a good option though, I could break up the biking with some other activities.

I'm spending a good part of the day looking over stuff since I'm stuck as far as riding goes because of this damn cold I picked up; almost over it though.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 2:36 pm 
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I'm in St. George right now. Plenty of trails of all levels to choose from around here. I would get here within the next month or two. Perfect 60s today. Pretty much unbearable after May.

Oh, and gas is 60 cents less per gallon here.

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 3:40 pm 
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Slowgrind wrote:
I'm in St. George right now. Plenty of trails of all levels to choose from around here. I would get here within the next month or two. Perfect 60s today. Pretty much unbearable after May.

Oh, and gas is 60 cents less per gallon here.


I'm heading out a week from Monday, if not next weekend. All dell ends I'm wait bing on some upgradeitis parts from North Of The Border for Kris's Nomad. If they get here in time we'll be heading somewhere next weekend.

The weathers good there now, any snow around?

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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 6:36 pm 
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I hadn't mentioned Gooseberry or any others as you hadn't asked. It is a lot closer than Moab and riding is great. But Moab is one of those places you have to visit at least once. Lots of other places are good right now too in AZ, CA coast, and even Vegas.

I have been to Gooseberry this time of year (Easter) and weather was nice, though it can be windy. Just watch out if there is any rain in the forecast as it can make some roads impassible at times, even just a short afternoon shower. Roads will dry out by mid morning the next day with some sun, but it can affect your plans. If it shows multiple days of rain, go elsewhere.

Both times I was at Moab in spring it was end of April/early May. Weather in Moab was nice, but each of those trips when we went to Grand Junction for a couple days it was cold with a bit of snow falling. I don't think that's normal, but it can happen. It will be cooler now in Moab than Goose but this is not a problem in Moab since sun radiating off the rocks will make it feel warmer than it actually is (same if its hot out).

The Whole Enchilada won't be open for a while yet, but part of the ride from Porcupine Rim down might be rideable depending on how much snow they got this year. Its not a big deal, there is tons of other riding to do in Moab, and lots to do if you need time off the bike - Arches / Canyonlands national parks, jeep tours, hiking, etc.

How much time do you have for this trip? If a week or more, I'd go to Moab since you can always hit something like Gooseberry on a long weekend. And, if you decide on Moab look into accomodations now. Its high tourist season there from March - May so this may decide things for you. Gooseberry is always easier to get accomodations.


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PostPosted: Sun Mar 24, 2013 8:23 pm 
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