Quantcast

2017 RM Rides Planning Thread...Monkeyfests?!?!

Adventurous

Starshine Bro
Mar 19, 2014
10,259
8,765
Crawlorado
This thread shall be the repository for all upcoming rides this year organizing by and with monkey participation in. I shall update this first post accordingly to lay out a schedule of activities so those interested in joining can get in on it.

@Full Trucker @stoney @Nick @Pesqueeb @SkaredShtles @Toshi @JohnE @6thElement

April 21 - 23
Where: Moab, UT
Who: Full Trucker

July 14 - 16
Where: Alta, Wyoming
Who: Full Trucker
Link: http://www.grandtarghee.com/summer-music-festivals/targhee-summer-music-fest/

August 5th
Where: CT Trail, Camp Hale to Holy Cross Wilderness
Who: @Adventurous, @6thElement

August 12th
Where: Lenawee
Who: @Full Trucker , @Toshi , @stoney , @6thElement

October 5-8
Where: Fruita/Moab
Who: @6thElement, Maybe you...

October 15th
Where: Kenosha Pass/West Jefferson
Who: @6thElement, Also maybe you
 
Last edited:

Adventurous

Starshine Bro
Mar 19, 2014
10,259
8,765
Crawlorado
Correct me if I am wrong but I think everyone who participated in the August Monarch Crest Monkeyfest last year had a good time. I propose we do something similar this year, 3 day weekend, 3 days of actual riding this time. Destinations I had in mind: Crested Butte, Fruita, maybe Moab depending upon how much driving peeps wanna do. Obviously Fruita and Moab would be ideal in the shoulder seasons whereas CB would be pretty killer in the late August time frame to capitalize on the cooler weather. Thoughts?
 

Serial Midget

Al Bundy
Jun 25, 2002
13,053
1,896
Fort of Rio Grande
Yes, Montana give you good times with 2 weeks of solid riding, "trail blazing" and beer. At minimal cost with kick ass chefs. Plus some top shelf scotch. And you havent done it before. I am plannning 3 days in Moab and Friuta in September.
 

Adventurous

Starshine Bro
Mar 19, 2014
10,259
8,765
Crawlorado
Yes, Montana give you good times with 2 weeks of solid riding, "trail blazing" and beer. At minimal cost with kick ass chefs. Plus some top shelf scotch. And you havent done it before. I am plannning 3 days in Moab and Friuta in September.
I highly doubt I can swing Montana this year, but you shall most assuredly let us CO monkeys know your Moab/Fruita plans as I'd imagine there may be some interest in joining.
 

6thElement

Schrodinger's Immigrant
Jul 29, 2008
15,827
13,058
Wifey and I have already started plans for the year, Monarch Monkey Gathering was plenty of fun so we'd be open to similar.

But we did hit pretty much everything in Crested Butte in September, so that's not high on our ride list for this year, plans could be changed though.

In state, definitely want to hit some of that backcountry CT down past Creede and trails around Durango/Telluride. Moab was on the agenda for September too as it's been a couple of years since I had a whole enchilada. Closer to home the South Park, Burning Bear loop will be ridden too.
 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
18,850
9,556
AK
Correct me if I am wrong but I think everyone who participated in the August Monarch Crest Monkeyfest last year had a good time. I propose we do something similar this year, 3 day weekend, 3 days of actual riding this time. Destinations I had in mind: Crested Butte, Fruita, maybe Moab depending upon how much driving peeps wanna do. Obviously Fruita and Moab would be ideal in the shoulder seasons whereas CB would be pretty killer in the late August time frame to capitalize on the cooler weather. Thoughts?
Moab in August? Mother of all burn?
 

Westy

the teste
Nov 22, 2002
54,225
20,003
Sleazattle
Wanna come do it in CO? You are more than welcome!

Perhaps, was going to burn up a bunch of vacation after I agreed to go on a backpacking trip in Peru with a few friends. Trip has bloated into 14 people, guided with mules hauling gear. Not really my thing now, contemplating all the cool riding trips I could go on instead.
 

boostindoubles

Nacho Libre
Mar 16, 2004
7,838
6,145
Yakistan
If my semi annual trek to Wyoming happens, there's riding to be had. I usually find a ride in Boise or at Curt Gowdy. Sometimes I get down on the Range. The guys at the Pedal House in Laramie have been jabbering about the riding at Glendo State Park for years. They say it's a hidden gem. I'm hoping to check it out asap...
 

6thElement

Schrodinger's Immigrant
Jul 29, 2008
15,827
13,058
If my semi annual trek to Wyoming happens, there's riding to be had. I usually find a ride in Boise or at Curt Gowdy. Sometimes I get down on the Range. The guys at the Pedal House in Laramie have been jabbering about the riding at Glendo State Park for years. They say it's a hidden gem. I'm hoping to check it out asap...
I think it's 5ish years since I hit Gowdy, I need to get back up there.

Day road trip people?
 

Nick

My name is Nick
Sep 21, 2001
23,926
14,438
where the trails are
With the snow crested butte is being we could be skiing there over the summer.

Moab in September and October.

Sounds like rideit is going to organize a Tetons monkeyfest! ;)
 

6thElement

Schrodinger's Immigrant
Jul 29, 2008
15,827
13,058
Phillips Ridge and Game Creek were fun loops when I hit some of the Jackson stuff iirc. I've never hit any of the DH's from the top of the pass, just ridden over it on the road. I'm sure there's plenty more good stuff.
 

rideit

Bob the Builder
Aug 24, 2004
23,055
11,298
In the cleavage of the Tetons
Phillips Ridge and Game Creek were fun loops when I hit some of the Jackson stuff iirc. I've never hit any of the DH's from the top of the pass, just ridden over it on the road. I'm sure there's plenty more good stuff.
A few hundred miles of good stuff. Trails for every taste.
I could easily put together five days of ridiculousness, combining both epic XC and superb lift/shuttling.
Think about it.
 

Serial Midget

Al Bundy
Jun 25, 2002
13,053
1,896
Fort of Rio Grande
A few hundred miles of good stuff. Trails for every taste.
I could easily put together five days of ridiculousness, combining both epic XC and superb lift/shuttling.
Think about it.
I would hit it, tent camping as I am pretty sure I cannot afford to keep up with the well heeled tourist types. :)
 

rideit

Bob the Builder
Aug 24, 2004
23,055
11,298
In the cleavage of the Tetons
Kid friendly riding in Arizona?
So, I am taking the camper and my ten year old son on a long spring break trip through Arizona this early April. Any suggestions on good non technical trail systems to hit for a few days? We will start in Page (where I think he will like the single track around town) and head south from there, to wherever riding may take us. We will go through Flag and probably Sedona (reccs needed for not too technical, not too climbs trails), and then south towards Phoenix and Tucson (if I can find good riding for him there).
Thoughts, good Arizonians? ( we will be coming from the snowy Tetons!)
 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
18,850
9,556
AK
Kid friendly riding in Arizona?
So, I am taking the camper and my ten year old son on a long spring break trip through Arizona this early April. Any suggestions on good non technical trail systems to hit for a few days? We will start in Page (where I think he will like the single track around town) and head south from there, to wherever riding may take us. We will go through Flag and probably Sedona (reccs needed for not too technical, not too climbs trails), and then south towards Phoenix and Tucson (if I can find good riding for him there).
Thoughts, good Arizonians? ( we will be coming from the snowy Tetons!)
Prescott has miles and miles of trail, most of it is non-technical. At the end of the month there is the Whiskey Off Road race too, a huge riding weekend event. It's sure to be buzzing during that month. Flag can be hit or miss that early in the season, there can still be snow/ice on the trails. Also some good stuff over near Payson and in the White Mountains (but same problem with snow).
 

Full Trucker

Frikkin newb!!!
Feb 26, 2003
10,483
7,523
Exit, CO
For any of you shitbitches that can make it, I'm headed to the desert for my birthday which is April 22nd. Mojab would be the place. Definitely gonna be there 21-23, but probably also going out moar earlier. Plan is camping. My posse's getting big, and my posse's getting bigger, so if you want to come out you gotta lemme know so there's enough of that sweet sweet desert sand to camp in.

DOOO IIIT
I think this is pretty much a done deal. Staying over in Driggs, camping on a friend's land. Riding bikes and drinking beers and watching a pretty effing sweet line-up.
 

SkaredShtles

Michael Bolton
Sep 21, 2003
65,375
12,529
In a van.... down by the river
<snip>
But we did hit pretty much everything in Crested Butte in September, so that's not high on our ride list for this year, plans could be changed though.
Star Pass? Green Lake? Timberline/Texas Ridge? Eccher Gulch? Julie Andrews? Hunter Creek?

In state, definitely want to hit some of that backcountry CT down past Creede
Oh yes... yes you do. But don't forget the stuff down there BEFORE Creede too. Just ask @Full Trucker.

Closer to home the South Park, Burning Bear loop will be ridden too.
I could be conviced to do this one again... if only to serve as a warning to others. :D

For any of you shitbitches that can make it, I'm headed to the desert for my birthday which is April 22nd. Mojab would be the place. Definitely gonna be there 21-23, but probably also going out moar earlier. Plan is camping. My posse's getting big, and my posse's getting bigger, so if you want to come out you gotta lemme know so there's enough of that sweet sweet desert sand to camp in.
Once again... FOAD. :rant:
 
Last edited:

6thElement

Schrodinger's Immigrant
Jul 29, 2008
15,827
13,058
Star Pass? Green Lake? Timberline/Texas Ridge? Eccher Gulch? Julie Andrews? Hunter Creek?


Oh yes... yes you do. But don't forget the stuff down there BEFORE Creede too. Just ask @Full Trucker.


I could be conviced to do this one again... if only to serve as a warning to others. :D


Once again... FOAD. :rant:
Crystal Peak, Star Pass, Hunters Creek Loop is now one of my favourite rides, love that high country stuff.

Red Cone etc will likely be on the agenda in August. Not sure about the timing of the CT down towards Creede...yet :D
 

Adventurous

Starshine Bro
Mar 19, 2014
10,259
8,765
Crawlorado
So then for you CB vets, let's say I have 3 days to spend riding the area this summer. What are the truly must-do epic rides to put on my short list?
 

SkaredShtles

Michael Bolton
Sep 21, 2003
65,375
12,529
In a van.... down by the river
So then for you CB vets, let's say I have 3 days to spend riding the area this summer. What are the truly must-do epic rides to put on my short list?
Tough one. Make sure Dr Park is included, although that's just a 1/2 day ride, really. I'd say throw in 401 for scenery (bonus - start with 403, then 401). Teocalli Ridge - probably will want to combine this with Farris Creek for a full day.

And do the Star/Hunter loop. I haven't descended Hunter yet (we came down to West Brush from Star), but from all reports... it's yuuuuge good fun.

Actually - just go here and do the rides Frank likes best: https://14erskiers.com/blog/crested-butte-mountain-bike-guide/
 

6thElement

Schrodinger's Immigrant
Jul 29, 2008
15,827
13,058
Star Hunter loop was probably my favourite big ride we down there last year.
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7004599

If you've not been before, 401 should be ridden at least once. Snodgrass, 403, 401 loop to make it into a proper ride.

Dr Park and Teocalli Ridge were both fun downhills too, we did both in a same day.

There's 3 days to keep you happy.
 

Full Trucker

Frikkin newb!!!
Feb 26, 2003
10,483
7,523
Exit, CO
Just mind you don't get "Koneslla'ed" ! Apparently, that's a thing. Here's my thoughts on great rides in CB, mind you there's still a lot more trail than any one of us has ridden down there, even those of us that think they've "hit pretty much everything" there is. ;)
  1. There are a lot of classics in CB, but arguably the most classic-est of the classics is the 401. And the whole Snodgrass/403/401 thing is probably the right call, otherwise you can knock out 401 pretty quick (especially if you have a shuttle) and go do other shit. Might I suggest Green Lake Trail if you wanna do two shorter rides in one day? I'd do that second though, it's a steep-ish out-and-back that is kinda tough going up but SUPER fun going down... puts 401 to shame on the actual riding part. 401 is real pretty, though...
  2. In the Strand Hill area Teocali is pretty bitchin, as was mentioned throw an add-on to make it a full day. Might I suggest a Teo/Strand Combo Meal for your riding enjoyment? I haven't ridden Farris Creek or 402 but I hear good things and either of those can be substituted for a no-cost up-charge on your dinner.
  3. You could also get yourself Nine and a Half Strand because the 409.5 is a burner of a descent—would be my pick over Doctor's Park if it were longer. Accessed by 409 and the new-ish Point Lookout trail, then tack on Strand, Farris, or 402 for a full-ish sorta day. Delicious!
  4. Everybody (and I do mean EVERYBODY) loves Doctor's Park. Those who don't think it's a full-day ride simply haven't ridden it by first riding Reno-Flag-Bear. Three big, fast, fun descents, each one bigger and more awesome than the one before it. What's not to love? This is a big shuttle, but I'll do it because Keeping With Tradition is how I roll and I've never ever ridden Doctor's any other way. Usually I get the shuttle up to Reno Divide, but you can also pedal up from the Deadman's TH for extra fitness points.
  5. Another classic route in CB is Reno-Flag-Bear-Deadman's but I haven't ridden the Deadman's part so I can't really tell you anything about that. The other bits are rad though. And if you wanna be a stud, You can always do Reno-Flag-Bear-Rosebud-Julie Andrews-Deadman’s for extra... well... everything.
  6. Crystal Peak-Star Pass area is super neat, very high alpine with awesome views. When I rode it we came down Brush Creek which is a hoot for sure, and I haven't ridden Hunter's Creek. That said, there was something about this ride that didn't quite capture me the way other trails in the CB area have. It could be that we had a person who came into town straight from sea level and he SUFFERED up that climb, and we ended up waiting an hour for him at Crystal Pass, we hadn't even gotten to Star Pass yet. Our original plan had us going back up Block and Tackle maybe? Then taking 405 to 409.5 down to Brush Creek TH but we bagged that due to his suffering and just went down Brush Creek instead. I might be jaded.
  7. We Grotesquely Underestimated how big of a ride this was to be.
Things I haven't ridden yet include Dyke Trail, Scarp's Ridge, Snodgrass/403, Hunter's Creek, Block and Tackle, 405 the entire way, Deer Creek Trail, Deadman Gulch, Doctor's Park Bonus and a few others. It sounds like a lot, but the list of what I have ridden is longer. Like I said... there's a shitload of trail down there.
 
Last edited:

Full Trucker

Frikkin newb!!!
Feb 26, 2003
10,483
7,523
Exit, CO
Star Pass? Green Lake? Timberline/Texas Ridge? Eccher Gulch? Julie Andrews? Hunter Creek?
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Maybe? No.

Oh yes... yes you do. But don't forget the stuff down there BEFORE Creede too. Just ask @Full Trucker.
Mmmm... Deep Creek...

I could be conviced to do this one again... if only to serve as a warning to others. :D
You don't need to ever ride a bike again and you'd be doing a fine job of serving as a warning to others.

Once again... FOAD. :rant:
Suck it, princess.