Walker Ranch: Will-O'-The-Wisp

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop” - I should have that tattooed on my arm.  On my first attempt at Walker Ranch loop I was so disappointed, partly because I had forgotten my inhaler and I ended up walking the bike for most of the way.  After realizing I'd forgotten my inhaler I could have just turned the car around and tried another day but it was my first time and I thought I’ll just go slowly through till the end.

Walker Ranch loop is located in Eldorado Canyon State Park, about a 20 minute drive up Flagstaff road.  The trail is short by Boulder standards but the mileage can be misleading.  This trail will test your endurance with steep and continuous climbing.

You have two options for tackling Walker Ranch, left starts with a decent climb and right will take you down the canyon; I chose to start with the descent.  The trail is fairly smooth with a few blind curves.  You can really get going however this is a very popular hiking trail and it usually isn’t safe to let the wheels roll.  As you approach the bottom of the canyon the trail gets a little rockier and will require some skill to get over some of these obstacles.  Once you reach the bottom, there is a delightful section of trail that runs along Boulder Creek.  The trail is as smooth and level as you’re likely to see along Boulder Creek in town.  About half way through this all too short section I stop to snap a couple of pictures when I noticed I had lost my water bottle somewhere on the way down.  I contemplated going on without it but I remembered how strenuous it was the first time so I decided to point the bike back uphill to retrieve it.  I finally located it about a mile later.  For a brief moment I thought about just continuing back to the trail head because I knew how difficult the last leg of the ride would be and adding another mile climb might be too much.  “Shoot, I’m here, just go for it” I said.  So back down I went.

Back at the bottom, you travel along the Boulder Creek for about 0.44 miles before the next switch back.  There are many photo opps so have your camera ready.  The trail takes off uphill at a rather steep grade with some obstacles.  It would prove too steep for me and I would be forced off the bike for a short section.  Back on the bike the trail continues the challenging climb but certainly doable; lucky I took a couple of puffs of the inhaler earlier at the trail head.  Along the way I pass a group visiting from Switzerland enjoying some Colorado single track.  A couple of them are going strong while the other two are struggling but they all seem to be enjoying themselves.  I stop for a moment for a drink and a brief conversation with our Swiss visitors, give them a little encouragement then continue up the trail.

At about the 3.8 mile (2.8 actual) mark the trail splits between a technical and less technical section.  I took the less technical route to make up some time.  As you reach the top of the climb (4.2 miles/3.2 miles actual) you arrive at a trail head just off a dirt road.  This is like one of those sections I described at Picture Rock-get ready for a thrill ride down relatively smooth and winding single track.  This seems like a long descent, about 2.15 miles, and has a little of everything to satisfy even the most hard core mountain biker.  Along the way there are some sections that will tempt even the most skilled rider but for most of us it’s probably a good idea to dismount if you want to avoid a mountain rescue.  You’re also exposed for most of this leg so hopefully you rubbed in a little SPF 30.

Before you reach the bottom here you'll find steps carved into the rock at the 6.35 mile mark (5.35 actual).  You’ll clearly notice the drop on the map but nothing can describe how precarious this section is especially if you’re carrying a bike on your shoulder and wearing cycling shoes.  Carefully and slowly I make my way down to a rushing Boulder Creek this time cutting right through a canyon of rock walls.  I take a short break under the shade by the creek, resting for the prolonged climb ahead.

You cross a bridge over the creek and the scene over the creek in either direction would make a great background for your next Christmas photo.  Well, the scene is short lived as the trail quickly turns uphill again.  The initial climb is steep, too steep for my skills so again I’m forced to dismount and hike this section.  This climb runs up a service road so it’s wide but loose on this lower part and becomes clearer before the trail turns back onto single track.  To complete the loop you climb the other side of the mountain on nice single track through dense forest.  This part of the trail is steep with a few switchbacks and rises steadily which makes for quite a strenuous climb.  I ended up stopping often just to catch my breath.  Even before entering this last section I was exhausted; I was hoping to ride most of this section but it didn’t quite turn out that way.  The trail was too steep for my weary legs and roots and rocks just added to the intensity of the ride.  The trail finally topped out at the 8.5 mile mark (7.5 actual).  The last half mile descended gradually on slightly rocky tread down to the trail head.

I didn’t finish like I wanted to but I certainly made progress.  This trail will demand a lot from you and the casual mountain biker may find it overwhelming.  Don’t be discouraged by my description of this trail, give it a shot and persevere, you’ll be glad you did.  Actual mileage doesn't account for the extra mile I took back tracking to find my water bottle so my Garmin route adds that extra mile.

As always, my route is at Walker Ranch for your entertainment and don’t forget to click on the green arrow in the map.  Remember, you’ll always find the fountain of youth on a trail of dirt-ride on!

Alan Romero

Rollins Pass: All Aboard

I took the dirt bike out to Rollins Pass this afternoon hoping to get a taste of Colorado railroad history.  Located just west of the Rollins Pass trail, the Moffat Tunnel is perhaps the most famous railroad tunnel in America spanning just over 6 miles through the Continental Divide.  To get to the trail head you drive through Rollinsville and Tolland, now a ghost town, and once an old stage stop and mining town serviced by the railroad there.  I've read that tourists used to ride the Moffat Line to Tolland by the thousands just to enjoy an afternoon in the mountains.  Stop along the way and take a few minutes to imagine life up in the mountains by the railroad back in the early 1900's.  Both in Rollinsville and Tolland you'll see reminders of their early railroad and mining days.  

The Ski Train from Union Station in Lower Downtown Denver will pass 28 tunnels before reaching the Moffat Tunnel on your way to Winter Park Ski Resort.  I have yet to make the 56 mile train ride but after my visit this weekend there is no doubt my wife and I will be making a fall visit to Winter Park by train soon.

Rollins Pass trail is a 4-wheel drive road although I think just about any car can make it on a dry day.  There are also plenty of camping areas just off the road and all with picturesque campgrounds.  The road is rough at times but passable on any vehicle but be prepared for a bumpy ride.  I arrived before it got busy and since I was on a dirt bike I could move along much quicker and for most of the trip I would be all by myself.

The views are beautiful and the early fall colors made the ride a moving picture.  The air was cool at over 9000 feet in elevation finally maxing out at over 11,000 feet.  The air was as fresh as you would expect and when the pine was thick the air carried that wonderful fragrance.  I was riding mostly in 2nd and 3rd gear but I kept my speed down because the road is very loose in areas and with a lot of shade it’s hard to see obstacles if you’re going too fast.

Towards the top you pass a small lake, which catches the winter’s snow melt, nestled perfectly against rock walls on one side and pine tree forest on the other.   The trail ends for motor vehicles about half a mile from Needle’s Eye tunnel, closed due to fallen rock at the cutting.  I understand you can traverse over the tunnel to find some old railroad beds and spectacular views of Jenny Lake below.  I would have liked to make the trek but I had no place to securely park the motorcycle.  At this elevation you can still see glacial ice and snow that despite the intense sun is unable to melt.

I took a few minutes to take in the views before heading back down.  The ride was casual, no obstacles or tricky turns and the wide trail would make a great mountain bike trip if you don't mind a long climb.  There are also hiking trails near the Moffat Tunnel and while you're there take some time to visit the old houses once used by miners and railroad workers.  It was a great afternoon absorbing all this natural beauty and all the railroad history in this area triggered thoughts of what life must have been like up here during the industrial revolution.

Click on connect.garmin.com/activity/226250963  to view my route and click on the green arrow to watch as I make my way up and down the Rollins Pass trail.

Find some time to enjoy the outdoors, it's a marvelous escape from the daily grind-Happy Trails.

AR

Picture Rock: Chute To Thrill

I was watching a video the other day of an upfront point of view on Six Flags’ Judge Roy Scream and as I watched I imagined the thrill of rolling up and down at high speed, tucked in tight as the adrenaline heightened my senses.  Most mountain bikers will tell you that the best part of climbing is the descent.  My favorite trails are those with smooth rolling twists and turns.  The speed and the sensation you get can only be described as a roller coaster.  Picture Rock is one of a handful of trails in Boulder County that come as close to a roller coaster ride as I’ve seen.  My bike would be car one and holding on while bent over the handlebars would send me back on that familiar thrill ride.

Picture Rock is located just outside of Lyons, Colorado and this trail is a local favorite among mountain bikers at all skill levels.  This is a multi-use trail so make sure to watch out for hikers and riders on horseback.  From the trail head, the climb is gradual on a smooth single track.  At about the 0.05 mile mark the trail gets a little rough with some rocks set into the trail; great section to practice line choice.  Slowly the brown dirt turns to red and smooths out once again.  The trail climbs gradually and as the trail passes underneath your tires you start to get a sense of the exciting trip back.

The trail twists and turns through brush, cacti and pine trees in direct sunlight and the scent of juniper gently floats in the air for the next 2 miles.  Somewhere near the 3 mile mark you’ll come across an old abandoned vehicle, perhaps the most recognized landmark on the trail.  From this point you can see the remains of another old truck on the disappearing road that was once used to access what appears to be an old homestead.  The trail continues to climb on an exchange of smooth and rocky tread with 8 switchbacks up to Wild Turkey trail-I’m still not sure why they call this Picture Rock, perhaps I’m just too focused to notice.

I chose to loop around Wild Turkey starting right at the trail junction (5 miles).  From here the climb continues on rocky tread.  I had decided that I would live on the middle ring up front and the 4th tallest on the rear.  My technique had predominately kept me on the seat so to help with conditioning I would come off the seat and use my weight when the trail got rough instead of switching to an easier gear.  It would take a lot more leg strength on this 14 mile ride but I know I’ll have to limit riding on a granny gear if I’m to improve my performance.

On and off my seat I power through some of the rock sections and in a taller gear I can pick up speed on the level sections.  On the slight declines some of the turns come quickly with rock and trees just out of sight so you have to keep your eyes focused 3 or 4 bike lengths ahead.  At about the 6.25 mile mark the trail turns level and smooth; reminds me of our local walking paths in town.  This section was a welcome relief from the previous pedal mashing.  The trail leads to a scenic overlook area where I find other mountain bikers taking in the view of Saint Vrain Canyon and Hall Ranch.

After snapping a couple of pictures and a little hydration I continue up Ponderosa Loop on very rocky but passable tread.  I finally reach the top of my ride at 7.7 miles at another Wild Turkey, Ponderosa Loop trail junction.  From here you can take the Ponderosa Loop trail up a few meters and catch another of my favorites in Boulder County; the Wapiti trail down to the Heil Ranch trail head.  I would continue down the Wild Turkey trail in anticipation of lower Picture Rock.

My ride is all downhill from here with few turns.  Speed and control is critical because rocks and trees are all around and you don’t want to get caught off guard.  Now at the Picture Rock junction I turn and maneuver down rocky tread.  Feathering the brakes keeps my speed steady and in control.  At speed it’s easy to lose control especially on loose tread but at the same time you want to try and avoid sliding on your back tire. 

Back on red dirt the roller coaster ride begins.  The trail is smooth and loose in spots.  At first it’s up and down then the twists and turns appear, many blind corners so be ready to hit the brakes.  If all clear let the bike roll, you'll find it impossible to lose the huge smile on your face.  You’re threading through the brush area and with some skill it’s possible to make it through without ever spinning the cranks.  Parts of this section will get slightly rocky so feather the front brakes a bit at higher speeds.  A couple of switchbacks are mixed in to slow you down but don’t despair, it’s not over yet.

So you come out of the brush and the trail opens up.  You’ll be tempted to roll unabated but beware, the trail is smooth but lightly dusted in red dirt and you can find yourself quickly out of control.  Visibility is great for the most part but there are areas with blind turns and you may find yourself up on hikers and be forced into hard braking.  The trail is perfect, focused on the trail I imagine rails underneath, those 26’ tires rolling, shocks absorbing the g-forces, sticking the berms, shooting down and up-yahoo!

I did almost 14 miles on this ride but for you adrenaline junkies, do the gentle climb up about 3 miles then turn around and enjoy the ride.  At this distance you can do it more than once and believe me it is worth it.  

Click on connect.garmin.com/activity/223673520  to view my route and click on the green arrow on the map and follow along.

Click on the g+1 icon or share on your Facebook or Twitter page, your followers will dig it.  Thanks for checking in and Happy Trails!

AR

Caribou Classic: Suffer Fest

I just learned that Caribou Ranch was home to one of the most popular music studios of the 1970’s.  Recording artists from Joe Walsh to Elton John recorded in this studio located just north of the sleepy little community of Nederland CO.  This weekend, Caribou Ranch was the starting point to the Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance 2012 Caribou Classic and yours truly would be participating.  Nicknamed “Suffer Fest,” this ride would take us on a 40 mile journey on a combination of dirt roads, double track and tight single track trails throughout the area.

I arrived promptly at 7am, the fog still laying over the landscape and it was a brisk 40 degrees.  As I exited my car I could hear the bugle of Elk in the background as the frost from my breath floats into the warming air.  The night before I spent preparing my bike and packing for my first extended ride on mountain terrain.  I had no idea what I would need on a ride this long so I stuck to the suggested list provided by the hosts.  This was an exclusive ride open to BMA members only and my first event with the group.  I had no idea what the skill level of the membership would be so I was curious how I would measure up.

I retrieved my number (111) and at about 8:00am 150 mountain bikers lined up for the start.  The most hard core riders took their place at the front and the rest of us filed in behind them.  By the time I got to the lineup I was almost at the very back of the line.  We start after much anticipation up a slight climb on dirt road towards Caribou Ranch.  Quickly I find myself in last place convinced I’ll catch them on the descents.  I knew I wasn’t a strong climber but now I know I'll need to pick up the pace.

The road levels off around the homestead for a few meters then suddenly descends.  Here I would pass half the group as they slow around the corners.  From the road we turn onto double track and the first trail junction; Flume Loop to the left and Sherwood Creek trail to the right.  Some of us chose to take the Flume Loop trail through dense pine forest.  The trail was in perfect condition; single track under a cool canopy of lodge pole pine and damp with plenty of traction.  The loop was short and met back at the trail junction with Sherwood Creek. 

Sherwood creek continued on double track and pleasant tread which later met with Caribou Road.  I was able to keep a steady pace and before I knew it I was all alone.  The course was marked for the most part however when direction was needed most, markings were nowhere to be found.  At one point I had to retrace my route hoping I’d come across other riders to help me get back on track.  After a few minutes with no other riders in sight I decided to look for tire tracks, which I then followed luckily to the next check point.

Here we would catch a dirt road leading up to Caribou Flats trail head.  This road was incredibly steep for a mountain bike and took a lot of strength and energy to climb.  Fearing I was once again in last place I was pleasantly surprised to notice more riders behind me.  I would take my first water break as my fellow participants did as well.  I was the first to depart and would not see most of the riders for the rest of the ride.

Now up at the Caribou Flats trail head I would take another break from one of the most exhausting climbs on the course.  At this point my legs were suffering from incredible fatigue and at just over the 10 mile mark I was starting to wonder if I would finish.  From here I would descend onto trail 505 as I did before on my Sticks and Stones post.  I would pass a number of riders on this descent as well.  The trail this time had even more water holes and mud became a major obstacle not to mention the extra skill it would take to negotiate rocks on wet tires.  My bike and my shoes were covered with mud but I knew there would be a creek crossing up ahead for a quick rinse so I didn’t mind too much.  Once at the creek crossing I misjudged the depth and as I rode past two riders contemplating their crossing my feet plunged beneath the water.  After 5 revolutions I would make it past the freezing cold water with soaked feet and a bike still caked with mud.  I ended up stopping a few hundred feet ahead just to wring out my socks.

From here it was a steady climb through packed dirt, mud and very rocky tread towards the top.  Once on top (13 mile mark) we take the dirt road down to the Sourdough trail head.  On this leg of the course I would reach speeds of 26 miles an hour on a road of loose gravel, rock and packed dirt.  This road would take us to the Sourdough trail head and our next check point.  I’m now on mile 17 of this 40 mile trek and my legs shake with fatigue and my seat is starting to feel like a cinder block.

I knew what Sourdough was like; a great deal of climbing, very rocky in sections and long.  Before heading up I started to work the math; OK this is a 40 mile ride, I’m at 17 miles, if 40 miles ends at this check point then I probably only have a 10 mile climb and a 10 mile descent.  I wasn’t sure I could make it but I wanted the challenge.

I take off up the trail knowing I may not finish but I wasn’t ready to call it a day.  The trail is just as I remembered and even more difficult after 17 miles of agony.  Slowly, I make my way stopping often just long enough to stretch my legs.  To avoid cramping up I try to keep pedaling on my granny gear with little relief.  At about 1:00pm I start to encounter the top riders on their way down.  These guys and gals have incredible skills as they speed down the trail as fast as is possible on this trail.  At just over the 19 mile mark I just can’t safely go on any longer and I turn around.  Normally the downhill would be a welcome change but on weary legs the ride down seems almost as difficult.

I finally reach the check point on my way back.  The route back to the ranch took us down hill on Highway 72.  On the highway I will reach almost 36 miles an hour; made for quite a short trip back.  As I pull in to officially finish, I’m greeted with burgers and beer provided by Oskar Blues.  I finished the day with over 27 miles logged in just under 6 hours, certainly room for improvement but not bad for a first timer.  After meeting some of my fellow participants and a juicy burger, I load up the Rover and head back down to Erie.

I’m not sure how many actually finished but one thing I know is that everybody had a great time.  I met some great people and it was nice to ride with someone other than myself.  I have some work to do if I expect to keep up with this group.  This should be a great reason to ride more during the week.  Google Caribou Ranch and click on the wikipedia link, you'll be amazed at all the recording artists who've recorded there.

Follow my route at connect.garmin.com/activity/220371383

Click on the green arrow in the map to launch the player and follow along.  Click on the g+1 icon if you'd like to share my adventure and don't be shy about leaving a comment.

Thank you for checking in and I hope you can find the time to enjoy the outdoors on two wheels-Happy Trails.

AR