Erie Singletrack | The One Thing

“…and that’s all I need.”  Navin R. Johnson, affectionately known as “The Jerk” found happiness in just one..uhmm..7 things not including his dog, but my first date with the newly constructed Erie singletrack reminds me that there is only one thing I need to have fun on a mountain bike; DIRT…and that’s all I need.

The track is spread out over a sloping plain just north of the Vista Ridge subdivision off County Road 5 and although the scenery surrounding the trail leaves you wanting, the view of the mountains on a clear day can be amazing.  I’m used to our spectacular mountain trails and the entire atmosphere that surrounds them and I can’t help but wonder if the track builders, knowing that there are amazing rides just a few short miles away, had something else in mind for this project.  I should mention that there is no designated parking so just find a spot off any of the side roads.

The trail itself is hard pack singletrack with fantastic rolling sections and plenty of opportunities to catch some air.  I chose to map the course in a counterclockwise direction and at certain speeds this route can be quite exhilarating.

After completing a couple of laps I realized that this track would be perfect for training or racing.  It’s a short course but in the right gear this ride can be a grueling workout.  Having ridden in both directions, clockwise allows for higher speeds early while counterclockwise takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the first section of my start before settling down.

With a Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde complex, the trail can be split into two sections.  The south section, in a clockwise direction, is built for speed with some great opps for airing it out but you’ll need to skillfully mash on the pedals to get the most out of it.  Take the north section, in a counterclockwise direction, with some speed and you’ll quickly discover the Mr. Hyde in the trail.  The jumps, twists and turns will get your adrenaline flowing and the skillful rider will definitely want to try this more than once.  I tried the whole trail locked and in half travel and I can’t decide what I prefer so experiment to find the right setting.

Not your typical Boulder County trail, Erie has done a fine job creating a course for many uses.  We need to thank the Erie Singletrack Advocates and their small army of volunteers for all their hard work and the businesses and organizations that made all this possible.  You can find them on the web at Erie Singletrack for more information.  It also sounds like the Velodrome off East County Line Road is nearly operational and this new singletrack is a great compliment for a burgeoning cycling community.  You can also find the trail profile at Erie Singletrack Map and check back often for more trails and maps.

Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail - Dirt Life