Doudy Draw: Wide Open

Thanksgiving in Boulder Colorado was unseasonably warm this year and while our peaks are lightly dusted in champagne powder the Front Range was prime and ready for our fat tires.

I didn’t want to venture too far to burn off some calories so it was the Doudy Draw trail for these restless legs.  The Doudy Draw Trailhead is located just off of Eldorado Springs Drive.  The parking lot is well marked and off to the left as you drive towards Eldorado Springs.

Doudy Draw is a very popular trail because of its proximity and mild terrain.  This trail will not demand a lot of skill but when the snows come to the high country, this trail should give us dirt clods something to cheer about.

The trail begins on a wide gravel path for about 0.46 miles to the Community Ditch intersection and a delightful pedestrian bridge with the Flatirons in full view to the west.  From here the trail narrows to single track on loose dirt and some rock.  This section is a breeze for any intermediate to advanced rider however a novice may find it a bit difficult to maneuver through the rocks on a continuous climb.  The climb is pretty mild but it does span close to a mile, keep a steady pace and you’ll reach the next trail junction with no problem.

You’ll come to a peak with two options.  To the left, the trail descends down to a rather steep climb then continues up on a really cool path towards the Flatirons Vista trailhead.  I chose to go right to complete the Spring Brook loop.

From here the trail is hard packed single-track and descends for a short distance before the next climb.  The descent is almost unnoticeable on my Garmin Edge even though I am under open sky for a mile and a half or so.  At the junction I took the trail left (Spring Brook South) on a slightly flat path to the next climb through the edges of sparse pine forest.  The trail remains hard packed single-track on an easy to moderate climb, depending on your skill level.  The trial seems to flatten out at about the 2 mile mark and continues further into the trees. 

As I cruise on through a startled deer dashes across my path to join a small group of deer about 15 feet from the trail.  I stop suddenly to snap some photos before continuing on.  At the 2.5 mile mark (Spring Brook North), get ready for some speedy twist and turns as you descend gradually down the trail.  There are a lot of turns and carrying speed on this loose dirt could spell trouble.  Be considerate of other trail users, especially on this section because you will be tempted to roll with reckless abandon.  As you exit the trees the trail opens up once again to spectacular views of the Boulder Foothills (picture: top).  At high speed this section is a bit more precarious because of the drop offs and blind turns.  Ride in control and yield to climbers and hikers.  The loop closes at 3.6 miles into your ride and the short ride back begins.

This is the perfect trail for a novice because it will give you a chance to practice some important skills.  It is not very challenging but it has its fine points.  If you love dirt as much as I do, sometimes the trail just doesn’t matter as long as I can sink a nobby into terra firma.  Follow my path at connect.garmin.com/activity/246883027  and use the information on the website to plan your ride.  There is a lot of useful information on these Garmin pages to help you get a feel for the trail.

Thanks again for clicking in and Happy Thanksgiving. 

Alan Romero

Heil Valley Ranch: Wapiti

It’s November 18th and the sun was gracing our clear blue skies today.  In winter we fat tire enthusiasts take to the hills any chance we get and today our weather was in full cooperation.

I decided to ride my favorite training ground-Heil Valley Ranch.  Heil Valley Ranch is located just off of Left Hand Canyon road in north Boulder.  I can always count on Heil for prime riding most of the year.  It can get snowed over but today the trail was nice and dry.

The ride starts at the trailhead on a service road headed north on a gradual climb.  The first time I brought a bike up here I couldn’t make it 5 minutes up this climb before I had to stop.  This does not mean the climb is difficult, quite the opposite in fact.  Today I would post my best time on this trail.  The road is a bit rocky at the bottom but clears nicely as you make your way up to the Wapiti trail.

This first section is hard packed single track and out in the open but not for long.  After a short pedestrian bridge and one really cool switchback, once you pass the park bench you’re right up among the pine trees.

The climbing is pretty steady and with all the recent trail work the route is certainly bike friendly.  No real obstacles on this section, the trail is well groomed and quite shady.  Be on the lookout for riders coming down, they’re supposed to yield to climbers and most do but sometimes you have some riders not paying attention.

Today I’m making great time, carefully pointing my front tire through rocks and roots, rolling over soft dirt and pine needles.  There are a couple of switchbacks up this section but no problem as long as you keep the pedals moving.  It is heavily wooded although the trees seem a bit thin.  There are a couple of rocky sections, nothing too difficult.  Around the 1.6 mile mark you cross a service road and the trail takes on a much rockier personality.

The climb, coupled with rock and loose dirt turns a Green climb into a Blue.  You’ll need to pound on the pedals in a few sections; be careful because there are some pretty jagged rocks up here.  You’ll pass some groomed sections, one long enough to take your eyes off the trail to see if you can catch a glimpse of deer that claim Heil Ranch home. 

Around the 2 mile mark you come to an old homestead ruin.  It’s hard to know how long this has been here but you’ll quickly notice that this structure was completely built using rock from the area.  The trail takes an abrupt turn here on the way up to the first trail junction.  If you’ve made it this far keep going because the trail continues at a much milder climb with fewer rocks until you reach the junction.

Wapiti trail meets with Ponderosa Loop at the 2.69 mile mark.  The trail is extremely rocky and I chose the descent down to Wild Turkey Loop.  This section is fast if you let yourself roll, just be very cautious because rocks are plenty, some that look quite sharp too.  At the junction I go left down to the scenic overlook.  You may remember my Picture Rock post-part of this ride will run along a common section going in the opposite direction because this time I started on the other side of the mountain.  I stop for a few minutes to snap some pictures then off I go on a gradual but very rocky climb up Ponderosa Loop.

Up to this point, other than my rest stop, I haven’t had to stop-a significant improvement for me, especially at this pace.  This climb up the other side of Ponderosa Loop is so rocky I have no chance to take my eyes off the trail.  The trial tops out at 6703 feet; the wind is blowing through a sparse pine forest when I hear some sticks snap just behind me.  I slow and lift my head for a moment when my eyes catch a glimpse of 3 wandering bucks.  I quickly come to a stop, scramble for my camera hoping to snap a photo of these magnificent animals.  Like a friend waiting for me to catch up, they stand there just looking at me, waiting to enter into immortality.  I stand there, my eyes meet the curious stare of the largest buck; looking at each other as if deciding to fight or retreat.  To my relief he chooses to disappear into the woods.

Back on the bike I roll down rocky tread back to the Wapiti trail for the exciting trip down.  Get ready for a thrill ride with a few terrifying speed sections.  This downhill will require some skill; if you’re not comfortable on a bike don’t test your skills here-trees won’t move when you hit ‘em!

Hydraulic brakes work great here because you can apply them with just one finger while the rest of your hand grips the handlebar.  You’ll also need to have a good feel for the width of your bars because trees can line up pretty close together while the trail threads between them.  Also, remember to yield to hikers and climbers.

This trail will require a bit of leg strength and some well tuned lungs.  On my first ride, about 2 years ago, I had a difficult time completing this ride so if it’s your first time, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself turning back.  I would suggest at least going as far as the Wapiti, Ponderosa Loop junction (2.7 miles), the ride down from here is incredible.

Always wear a helmet on our trails and ride in control.  A hard tail bike would make it ok but full suspension keeps the tires where they need to be, on the ground.

Follow my route at connect.garmin.com/activity/244741357  and don’t forget to click on the green arrow to run the player.  Snow is covering our peaks and will soon cover our trails down here.  We can ride all year long so check back often.  Make time to ride; you’ll be glad you did.  Happy Trails.

AR