Following the prior day's warm-up ride, it was time to crank out an all day ride. Next stop was Kokopelli Loops, just west of Fruita. The official area is McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area and is sandwiched between I-70 and the Colorado River. This day’s ride would cover some 24 miles consisting of Moore Fun, Lion’s, Mack Ridge, Steve’s Loop, Mary’s Loop, and Horsethief Bench, but don’t let the mileage fool you. And those wanting to do the ultimate tour could add another 9 miles with Troy Built and Rustlers Loops. But you’d better be in century shape and have a mid ride water dropoff.
Parking at the trailhead off the Loma I-70 exit, this also begins the full 142 mile Kokopelli trail all the way to Moab. A short climb from the parking lot puts you over the ridge and the highway behind you.
We barely got started and already lost the Moore Fun trailhead. We eventually ran across another unmarked connector that dumped us on to it.
Once on the trail, there’s a lot of technical climbing and Moore Fun is rated as the most technical trail in this system. Many black diamonds, and several double black (read hike-a-bike) sections. To the far right is the main road coming over the ridge from the trailhead parking lot.
The climbing doesn’t ease up, but the chunky terrain does mid-climb.
Bjammin pushing his bike again (Singlespeed this time)
Offroadie climbing out of the seat
First view of Horsetheif Bench, the sunken mesa, which will be the last loop of the ride
Mountain biker on the ridge overlook with Mack Ridge in the background
Once reaching the top overlook at 5,400’ it was time for our first break.
And soak in the scenery
Then it was time for the descent to pick up Lion’s Loop. Mack Ridge is the 5,300’ mesa, while Lion’s traverses around the lower half.
The group cranking it out on Lion’s
Soon it’s time for lunch.
While overlooking Steve’s loop below.
And watching three other riders on Steve’s Loop
Then it quickly turns technical
With a portage by the big rock on the right
Towards the end you jump on an old service road, but that’s where 600’ of climbing begins. Evdog with Jabantik in tow.
On top of the ridge, the views just get better
About 3/4 through Mack Ridge, we now look over our lunch spot on Lion’s, Steve’s Loop, and the Colorado River.
Then it’s time to get off Mack Ridge
With a fast descent back to the saddle that meets up with Moore Fun.
Now it was time for Steve’s loop,
Mary’s Loop (there’s 4 riders in the middle of the picture),
And Horsethief Bench. But first you’ll need to drop this staircase to hell.
If you want a better picture of someone riding the staircase it, see page 24 of May 2009 Bike magazine. With 24 miles in the books and all of us whipped, it was time to head back to Grand Junction for fine beer and food at Breckenridge Brewery’s Ale House pub.
