Betasso Preserve | Cheers! Boulder

Mountain biking in Colorado in the fall is like chocolate in your Dom Pérignon; the trails are moist and dark and hidden beneath gold colored leaves and together make for one tasty treat.  Boulder County trails are coming back online after the horrific flooding recently, unfortunately some will take a while longer but we are happy to wait while those affected get back to normal.

It was going to hit the mid 60’s this weekend and with winter on the horizon we fat tire enthusiast have to hit the trails while we can.  My Moab plans were derailed this weekend but Boulder in the fall will never leave you wanting.

Boulder Canyon Drive is finally open and Betasso Preserve is only a few short minutes from downtown Boulder.  I entered through the Boulder Canyon link trail, which is sure to challenge the best riders.  Trail work has been done on this section to make it more rider friendly but the steep grade still requires strong legs and strong lungs.  With my TwinLoc system fully engaged and in a climbing position I headed up as far as I could before my ride was interrupted.  From here the grade was too steep for me to remount so I ended up walking for a short distance before I could keep going.  This section is steep and rocky so you’ll need to exercise certain skills to keep your front wheel on the ground.  If you have to stop, take caution when mounting up because the trail is very uneven and steep and the ledge looks muy peligroso.

If you can make it through this leg of the trail you’ll be treated to one of the finest trail systems in the area.  Full of twists and turns, the trail this weekend was tacky in all the right areas from the recent light snow fall.  Threading through dense forest, feathering my breaks to control my speed, the chill in the air surrounds you as you wind around on through to the sunny spots that are sure to warm the chill.  With the damp Dirt your tires can really hook up allowing the skilled riders to take the high bank turns, just be careful for wet roots and rocks as you come out of the turns.

It was a great ride.  Canyon loop was running clockwise, which I feel is a bit easier than the opposite direction.  Benjamin loop was running counter-clockwise and it seems to me that the level of difficulty is about equal in either direction.  This loop is worth the extra mileage so give it a shot if you get the chance.  Four Mile link was closed as I’m sure it has suffered some flood damage.  Please mind all the trail closures; they’ll open when they’re safe.
 

View the profile at connect.garmin.com/activity/397749590 and don't forget to mind the closures.  Have a great ride and hope to see you on the trails.

Dirt Life - Alan