Trail Tip | Riding On Snow

I'm obsessed with Dirt and sometimes I just can't wait for the ground to thaw.  This past week was warm and by all indications it seemed to be the case in the high country as well.  There is still too much snow above 10,000 feet in most areas and I figured Nederland would be just about right this time of year.  I was expecting some moisture but certainly not piles of snow.

I had no way of knowing what to expect but the Sourdough trail seemed to be as good a choice as any so I loaded up the Rover and set out for Caribou country.  From the parking lot the trail looked prime; a fine mixture of moist Dirt, crushed gravel and rock.  Just out of sight though was the makings of another arduous journey, one which I would ultimately cut short.  The trail had scattered snow piles, some at least 10 inches deep and very difficult to pass.  These piles covered about 80% of the trail (Twitter updates @COdirtlife) and was increasing the higher I rode.  It was going to be a short day so before I turned around I was going to test my snow handling abilities.

Riding on snow is both exhilarating and terrifying, depending on your speed.  The common mountain bike tire is not designed to maneuver over snow so if you're caught up in it you'll have to exercise a number of different skills.

The first would have to be balance, especially on clipless pedals.  Climbing will be impossible in the deep snow unless you're lucky enough to own a Fat Bike or riding on studded tires.  For the rest of us slumming it on 26X2.4's you may need to dismount.  I managed OK most of the way by staying in the saddle and shifting my weight to the back while keeping the front end light.  My line would follow through the shallow stuff hoping to catch a bit of the ground with my rear tire.  When the snow got deep I tried to center my weight to keep either tire from sinking too much.  The trick to riding in snow I've found is to keep your pedals moving.  You will get lousy traction but at least you're still moving forward, most of the time.

Downhill can be a bit more challenging.  Certainly forward momentum will get you through most of it but you have got to be extremely careful.  Sourdough has plenty of rock and quite often these rocks are hidden beneath the snow.  I am not recommending high speed on a snow covered trail but if you must test your skills then here are a couple of tips.

Keep your front end light!  If possible, lift your front wheel but only if you feel you can safely land it on solid ground.  Point your front tire toward the Dirt spots at every opportunity but be careful not to catch your handlebar on a tree.  Keep your speed in check, you don't want to spend your summer recovering from injuries.  

Finally, if you're planning on riding at high altitudes this time of year you may want to have a back-up plan.  I made the most of my day by returning to the parking lot and riding up the Dirt road toward Rainbow Lakes.  It was closed to automobiles so I had the road all to myself and it was great!  The air never smelled fresher, the views were spectacular and the road was nice and tacky.

One last word of caution.  Snow will conceal all traces of your trail and if it were not for the trail markers on Sourdough, someone could find themselves lost in the forest very easily.  If you find yourself on a snow covered trail, make sure to mark your route somehow so you don't lose your way.

I recorded these rides on my Garmin page although both routes were cut short by snow cover so I'll save the routes for a time when I can complete the whole ride.

It was another fine day in the Colorado Rockies and I hope you get a chance to visit some day soon.  Till then, ride often and with passion.

Alan

Explore Colorado

Photo: yeticycles.com

There's a place not far away where the soul goes for thrills, where the mind and body are taken from the noise of life that surrounds us everyday.  Way above 5000 feet from the nearest ocean you will find a soothing breeze delicately seasoned with the scent of pine and loose clay.  A compassionate sun interrupted by tall quaking aspen and lodge pole pine trees.  A destination waiting to be discovered and the only way to get there is on two wheels.

Riding a mountain bike is one of those rare things in life that permits us to revisit our adolescence.  It requires strength and endurance, a keen sense of sight and feel and of course you must be comfortable in dirt - all the things you cling to when your young.  I find it impossible to grow up when I'm rolling down tight singletrack, kicking up dirt with those fat nobbied tires, maneuvering through obstacles, staring downhill past my next turn while taking in the beautiful landscape.

Colorado is best known for its winter sports but some of us know that our hidden little secret can be found only after the snow has melted away.  My favorite times to ride are Spring and Fall but Summer of course is the peak riding season with plenty of mountain bike events scheduled throughout the season.

All summer I will be traveling to some of Colorado's hotspots and highlighting some of the events near and around Boulder County.  During select weekends I will be traveling outside of Boulder County to places like Breckenridge, Fruita, Crested Butte and Winter Park to try some local favorites.  It'll be a busy summer I hope so if you're planning to pay us a visit, check back often for more tales and trails from Dirt Life.  I'll also post some information on some of our local bike shops to help you gear up for your trip.

Dirt, my friends is the true fountain of youth.  Click on www.yeticycles.com/#/video/peak-season and enjoy this incredible video brought to you by the fine people at Yeti Cycles of beautiful Golden Colorado.

Ride, smile and have a blast!

Alan

Trail Tips | Mud Riding

My brother Aaron in stage 3 mud

Cloud cover concealed our view of the sun for most of the day.  It had been cool all morning and the afternoon wasn't warming up as we had hoped.  A light jacket, an energy drink and a positive attitude, as it turns out, is all we needed.  Recent snow storms had left many north facing trails with the task of absorbing all the extra moisture.  On this day my favorite riding buddy and I made our way to Picture Rock in Lyons Colorado.

I've mapped this trail before (see Picture Rock blog post, 09/18/12) but this time our ride would be cut short because of trail conditions.  Late comers to Picture Rock this past Sunday would have found the trail closed around 2pm and had we not run into a Park Ranger along the way, who granted us permission to continue, we would have tried another location rather than poach a trail.

As it turns out, these trail conditions gave us a unique opportunity to test some mountain biking skills.  Mud and water pose a number of challenges to both man and machine.  The first thing to prepare for of course is the slop - you will get dirty.  Mud is only an inconvenience if you let it.  Proper technique and the right attitude will make any mud ride one of the best you'll ever have.  We passed 3 stages of mud on our ride, each with it's own dynamic.

The first stage was mud with no standing water.  This is my favorite because it's a little dirt hedonism.  The only thing you want to be careful of is losing control.  Mud is slippery at any stage and rolling too fast can cause an abrupt shift in momentum and can easily force you out of control.  Be especially careful around rocks, trees and ledges.  Thin tires will cut through a lot easier and may provide a bit more traction.  On fat tires you'll want to attack it head on and upright to avoid sliding over the top.  Shift your weight to the back tire for more traction and keep the front end light.  Once past your tires will be caked with mud; enjoy it while you can because it'll clear off quickly.  Mud from these spots isn't too soggy and doesn't get into critical components too often.

The second stage is mud with standing water.  This is as they say an acquired taste.  These 'mud' puddles hold water well and up here in the Rocky Mountains these puddles are sometimes mixed with rock, which is quite tasty.  These puddles may be more water than mud, which is a little easier to handle - make note of these spots because they are a great place to clean off your shoes.  The worst we had to deal with was a little brake squeal.  The squeal will fade as your pads dry so don't sweat it.  Your feet could get a little wet too but that doesn't last for long up here in Colorado; wool socks work best.  These spots are a blast if you don't mind getting a little wet and dirty.  We had great traction so we were able to hit these with some speed on the way down but be careful because wet rocks are usually slippery and could end your afternoon early.

Stage 3 mud is sure to discourage all but the most dedicated rider.  These spots are soaked with sloshing mud, they offer little if any traction, they completely obscure the path underneath and will scatter muddy debris all over your bike.  This mud poses a number of issues for a mountain bike.  Gritty mud can make its way into so many areas it's hard to decide what to worry about most.  I was particularly concerned for my suspension because I know how costly these repairs can be.  I decided to reduce the travel and even lock it out for some distance to minimize the potential of pulling mud and water down into my suspension.  Brakes will also be affected.  Mud and water will make it into those tight spaces and cause all sorts of sounds.  Be cautious when this happens because chances are you will have lost braking power and if you're going downhill this could be very dangerous.  My cranks were also contaminated and that ever annoying grinding kept me company all the way back to the car.  These are all sure signs that a thorough washing is in order.

So how do you ride through these spots.  The easy answer is you don't.  My brother and I did our best through these spots but ultimately decided to dismount.  If you are driven to try then approach these spots slowly and try to stay balanced.  Stay in the saddle if possible and enter on a middle to low gear (easy pedaling).  If you are forced to stand just keep the pedals moving and be ready to lift the front tire for added rear traction.  I don't recommend trying to switch gears if you can help it.  Climbing through such spots is so much harder than descending through them.  I like to keep my front end light on the way down and let the mud fly.

I should mention that our Park Rangers do all they can to keep our trails in good condition and when they close our trails it's always for good reason.  A well maintained trail is a safe trail plus our Rangers work hard to protect the natural environment so let's all abide by the rules and keep our trail systems in fine condition. 

I'd like to thank my brother for joining me on this ride.  We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into but it turned out to be one of our greatest rides ever, thanks bro.  View our ride at connect.garmin.com/activity/308520321 and hope to see you on the trail.

Alan

Heil Ranch: Gonzo

Parking Entrance: N40°07.960’  W105°17.679’

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

Hunter S. Thompson had some things figured out; if I could just convince my friends and family that the thrill they seek can be found right under their feet.  Heil Ranch offered a little bit of what I fancy this weekend – tacky trail and mud puddles, sun, shade and fresh mountain air.  We can all find a reason to put something off but it’s the little things you’ll miss, waiting for the right time.

Finding the time to engage in any recreational activity is perhaps the most difficult condition to overcome.  You deserve to treat yourself to an escape once and a while so ‘when’ you find the time, let me help you with the rest.

The first thing you need of course is a bike.  If you don’t own one, you can be sure there is a local bike shop not too far away with employees who’d love to trade places with you.  Most bike shops will have rentals available and of course the latest models for purchase.  So what kind of bike?  Well, if we’re talking mountain biking then of course you’ll want the fat tire variety.  Today you have a choice of wheel size (26 or 29 inches) and your choice will depend on the type of trail you plan to tackle.  Ask your sales person what they would recommend.  Most bike manufacturers these days pay close attention to weight, even on their low end bikes, which by the way are often the same as the higher priced models but with entry level components.  There’s no reason to worry so much about weight these days unless you’re out to compete so focus more on comfort.

Full suspension or hard tail?  It all depends on the trail you intend to ride.  I find that a full suspension works great on uneven trails with lots of obstacles like rocks and roots.  If you plan on riding a smooth surface with minimal elevation changes then go with a hard tail, you’ll appreciate the less weight plus you won’t be bobbing up and down like a chicken.

Choose your trail wisely.  When I started this blog I wanted to help people get the most out of their afternoon and before all this technology for me it was often a roll of the dice.  Colorado has some of the most technical riding in the country and if you’re not prepared it can ruin your afternoon.  Furthermore, we are in the Rocky Mountains so climbing goes without saying.  This is precisely why I link my Garmin page to all my posts.  On this page you will find distance and elevation statistics to give you a better idea of what you can expect and here in Colorado you need to know what you’re in for before you head out.  Make sure you’re in good shape before attempting high elevation climbs.  The thin air will rob you of your strength quickly.

I rode Heil Ranch again this weekend and it was just what the doctor ordered.  It is an intermediate ride with a tasty assortment of rocks the higher you go.  The Wild Turkey trail (loop) is the rockiest part of the trail with rocks ranging from golf ball to basketball size but nothing you can’t find your way over or around.  It smelled like Christmas all the way up to the Ponderosa Loop and snow melt formed the many water puddles along the way; my bike and I were pretty filthy by the end of the ride – now that’s the Dirt Life!

Finally, make sure you take some water with you.  Most of Boulder County trails are short enough that one water bottle is all you need as long as you have plenty before your ride.  On hotter days you may need more but I’ve never taken anything more than one water bottle on each of my rides.  If I plan on really pushing it or if I think I’ll be out for more than 3 hours then I will typically go with a Camelback.

Here is the link from my latest ride connect.garmin.com/activity/305450779 and I hope it helps in your preparation.  Lose the ‘Fear and Loathing’ of the work week and head up to the mountains, your mind and body will thank you for it.

I hope to see you on the trail – Alan Romero

White Ranch: Breed's Hill

Trailhead: N39°47.943’  W105°14.923’

June 17, 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren makes his way up Breed’s Hill, at first as Major General then suddenly as a soldier.  I can just imagine the anxiety, then the adrenaline followed by a whole lot of anguish and fear.  My route out at White Ranch this weekend was nothing like the Battle of Bunker Hill but it sure will test your resolve.  I managed to complete the trail in one piece, General Warren was not so lucky.

I began my ride from the lower trailhead off W. 56th Avenue.  I prefer climbing early then ending the day with the descent.  White Ranch has another trailhead up higher with the parking areas accessed by Crawford Gulch or Drew Hill Roads.  Attempting this ride from the W. 56th trailhead with no real endurance training during the winter was my first mistake.  Planning my route with no inquiry was another.

White Ranch will require a number of different skills to complete safely.  I would not recommend this route to a novice rider; an intermediate rider would also have some difficulty with this route and some sections I can’t imagine even the most advanced rider passing without dismounting.

The first section up Belcher Hill Trail is quite pleasant.  There is a very short rock section that is certainly passable with the proper skill set but it’s so short that dismounting and walking your bike will get you back on your way without much fuss.  Most of the first mile is climbing but the trail is well groomed and for most fit riders it shouldn’t be too difficult.  A beginner or someone from low altitude may have some difficulty through this section.  The sights are ok if you don’t mind views of luxury living in the foothills of Golden Colorado.  Personally, if I’m setting out to explore on a mountain bike I would prefer views of rugged wilderness but White Ranch will provide some atmosphere along the way.

You reach the first trail junction at 1.13 miles.  You have the option to go left and continue up Belcher Hill Trail or you can go right up Whippletree Trail.  Now if I had done any preparation it would have been recommended that I go left but since I am always too anxious just to get on the trail I have to learn for myself.

Whippletree turned out to be quite a treat.  The trail was in fine condition with a mild climb at first then a juicy rolling downhill section, sure to put a smile on your face.  There are a few blind turns so keep your speed in check and look out for other trail users.  The thrill is relatively short and at about 1.7 miles you reach the Longhorn Trail.  You can either climb to the left or descend to the right.  If I could do it all over again…..  I took the trail right and continued downhill.  For the next 0.2 miles you will rollover a few water bars or if you’re brave enough you can jump off them but be very careful because you can gain a lot of speed here and they don’t call these the Rockies for nothing.

The trail comes to an abrupt about face at 1.95 miles.  The next 0.81 miles is absolute torture.  I’m certainly no advanced rider but I’m also not a beginner but this section was almost impossible for me this early in the season.  Some parts are just too rocky to roll over so you are forced to carry your bike.  When you are able to ride, the climb can be so strenuous it almost-ALMOST-takes the fun out of it.  I was determined so turning back was out of the question.  I’m not too proud to admit that I had to walk the bike a good portion of the way.  By the way, you know it’s steep when you lay your bike down and it starts to slide down the trail.

So I finally reach the junction of Longhorn and Shorthorn trails.  Thankfully a couple of White Ranch veterans were taking a break and set me straight.  Impressed as they were at my attempt up this leg of Longhorn Trail, they clearly recommended riding this in the opposite direction-thanks guys, I’ll remember that next time.  They point me towards Shorthorn and describe a delectable treat and what a tasty treat it was.  From about the 2.66 mile mark to about the 4.04 mark you will be treated to some of the finest rolling sections White Ranch has to offer.  The dirt was nice and damp and very tacky.  A couple of high bank turns hit the spot.  This time of year you’re bound to hit some snowy spots but today only a couple.  A little climbing along the way and some obstacles like rocks and roots but nothing you can’t step over.  My route peaks again at 4.04 miles then the speedy track home.

This section is very rocky so keep your eyes on the trail and watch your speed-mountain bike helmets are a must on this section.  If your bike has full suspension, let it travel because without it this will be a bumpy ride.  There are many trail users and most mountain bikers will take this route so always yield when rolling downhill-don’t worry you’ll get back up to speed in no time.

The ride back down Whippletree was awesome.  Here’s a tip for all you mountain bikers.  Say Thank You to all you pass; hikers, horseback riders and other mountain bikers – this will help build a positive image of us.  As always, follow along at connect.garmin.com/activity/294191192 and use my Garmin page to plan your next trip.

Snow on the way, which means mud will follow – yummy!  Hope to see you on the trail.

Alan

Betasso Preserve 2.0: A Lil' Ain't Enough

Trailhead Entrance: N40°00.873’ W105°20.662

Had a chance to stretch my legs last weekend and what a gorgeous day it was.  It had snowed a few days earlier but up here in Colorado the snow doesn’t stick around for long.  It was a brisk Sunday afternoon and the clouds were breaking to reveal a sun just waiting to warm up the trail.

Betasso Preserve is so close to Boulder and perhaps one of the most enjoyable trails around.  It’s not too difficult for an intermediate rider, quite easy for an advanced rider but it could be a bit strenuous for a novice.  I’m convinced that even a novice can enjoy this ride as long as they ride at a comfortable pace, rest often and hydrate.

The trail is chocolaty sweet; very well groomed with few obstacles.  The climbs are gradual but may feel lengthy to a novice.  This day there were a few wet spots; boy how I love sinking my tires into wet gravel mixed with dirt.  There was also a little snow in the shady areas but no match for my Nobby Nics.

The trail on this day was running counterclockwise, which I had not done before so I was looking forward to a different experience.  I couldn’t decide if the trail was more difficult in this direction or if I was just out of shape; perhaps a little of both. 

I usually catch the main trail by way of the Boulder Canyon Drive link trail.  I decided on this day to drive up to the trailhead instead since I hadn’t started from there before.  You novice riders would be wise to do the same, the link trail from Boulder Canyon Drive can be about as foolish as putting your life savings in a Cyprus bank account. 

The first 1.36 miles are what mountain bikers crave, smooth winding single-track headed downhill.  There are some twists and turns and of course other trail users so please use caution and always yield to hikers.  At 1.36 miles the trail turns up mildly with another short downhill section at 2.05 miles when you reach a trail junction.  Staying right will link you over to the Benjamin Loop, which I highly recommend.  So I chose to go right where you will bottom out again at 2.51 miles to the next climb. 

You’ll climb for another 0.25 miles when you reach the Benjamin Loop.  Today this loop ran clockwise and the climb would continue for another 0.95 miles.  All this climbing is so worth it; rest as much as you need to because this section is great.  For the next 0.84 miles you will be treated to one of the finest downhill sections in the area.  Very few obstacles but many twists and turns on some very smooth single-track-kudos to the track builders.  Of course ride in control because there are some steep drop-offs and a small mistake at high speed can spell big trouble.

The trail levels off a bit at 4.55 miles and you finally return back to the junction at about the 5 mile mark.  The ride back to the Canyon Loop trail is a gentle climb until you start heading up to complete the loop.  For a novice this section will take a bit out of you.  The wet and snowy areas made it more difficult but even on a dry day this section won’t be easy for a novice rider.  It’s a pretty steady climb for about a mile but you do have one short downhill section to catch your breath.  At 6.67 miles it’s all downhill back to the parking lot. 

Remember to enjoy yourself and stop to take in the views.  We were all beginners at one time and when we had to stop to catch our breath, we made sure to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that keep bringing us back time after time.

Follow along at connect.garmin.com/activity/287247439 and take a little time to plan out your rides using all the mapping information contained on my Garmin page.  Spring is here so oil up that chain and adjust those derailleurs; hope to see you out there.

Dirt Life – Alan Romero