Heil Ranch: Gonzo

Parking Entrance: N40°07.960’  W105°17.679’

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”

Hunter S. Thompson had some things figured out; if I could just convince my friends and family that the thrill they seek can be found right under their feet.  Heil Ranch offered a little bit of what I fancy this weekend – tacky trail and mud puddles, sun, shade and fresh mountain air.  We can all find a reason to put something off but it’s the little things you’ll miss, waiting for the right time.

Finding the time to engage in any recreational activity is perhaps the most difficult condition to overcome.  You deserve to treat yourself to an escape once and a while so ‘when’ you find the time, let me help you with the rest.

The first thing you need of course is a bike.  If you don’t own one, you can be sure there is a local bike shop not too far away with employees who’d love to trade places with you.  Most bike shops will have rentals available and of course the latest models for purchase.  So what kind of bike?  Well, if we’re talking mountain biking then of course you’ll want the fat tire variety.  Today you have a choice of wheel size (26 or 29 inches) and your choice will depend on the type of trail you plan to tackle.  Ask your sales person what they would recommend.  Most bike manufacturers these days pay close attention to weight, even on their low end bikes, which by the way are often the same as the higher priced models but with entry level components.  There’s no reason to worry so much about weight these days unless you’re out to compete so focus more on comfort.

Full suspension or hard tail?  It all depends on the trail you intend to ride.  I find that a full suspension works great on uneven trails with lots of obstacles like rocks and roots.  If you plan on riding a smooth surface with minimal elevation changes then go with a hard tail, you’ll appreciate the less weight plus you won’t be bobbing up and down like a chicken.

Choose your trail wisely.  When I started this blog I wanted to help people get the most out of their afternoon and before all this technology for me it was often a roll of the dice.  Colorado has some of the most technical riding in the country and if you’re not prepared it can ruin your afternoon.  Furthermore, we are in the Rocky Mountains so climbing goes without saying.  This is precisely why I link my Garmin page to all my posts.  On this page you will find distance and elevation statistics to give you a better idea of what you can expect and here in Colorado you need to know what you’re in for before you head out.  Make sure you’re in good shape before attempting high elevation climbs.  The thin air will rob you of your strength quickly.

I rode Heil Ranch again this weekend and it was just what the doctor ordered.  It is an intermediate ride with a tasty assortment of rocks the higher you go.  The Wild Turkey trail (loop) is the rockiest part of the trail with rocks ranging from golf ball to basketball size but nothing you can’t find your way over or around.  It smelled like Christmas all the way up to the Ponderosa Loop and snow melt formed the many water puddles along the way; my bike and I were pretty filthy by the end of the ride – now that’s the Dirt Life!

Finally, make sure you take some water with you.  Most of Boulder County trails are short enough that one water bottle is all you need as long as you have plenty before your ride.  On hotter days you may need more but I’ve never taken anything more than one water bottle on each of my rides.  If I plan on really pushing it or if I think I’ll be out for more than 3 hours then I will typically go with a Camelback.

Here is the link from my latest ride connect.garmin.com/activity/305450779 and I hope it helps in your preparation.  Lose the ‘Fear and Loathing’ of the work week and head up to the mountains, your mind and body will thank you for it.

I hope to see you on the trail – Alan Romero

White Ranch: Breed's Hill

Trailhead: N39°47.943’  W105°14.923’

June 17, 1775, Dr. Joseph Warren makes his way up Breed’s Hill, at first as Major General then suddenly as a soldier.  I can just imagine the anxiety, then the adrenaline followed by a whole lot of anguish and fear.  My route out at White Ranch this weekend was nothing like the Battle of Bunker Hill but it sure will test your resolve.  I managed to complete the trail in one piece, General Warren was not so lucky.

I began my ride from the lower trailhead off W. 56th Avenue.  I prefer climbing early then ending the day with the descent.  White Ranch has another trailhead up higher with the parking areas accessed by Crawford Gulch or Drew Hill Roads.  Attempting this ride from the W. 56th trailhead with no real endurance training during the winter was my first mistake.  Planning my route with no inquiry was another.

White Ranch will require a number of different skills to complete safely.  I would not recommend this route to a novice rider; an intermediate rider would also have some difficulty with this route and some sections I can’t imagine even the most advanced rider passing without dismounting.

The first section up Belcher Hill Trail is quite pleasant.  There is a very short rock section that is certainly passable with the proper skill set but it’s so short that dismounting and walking your bike will get you back on your way without much fuss.  Most of the first mile is climbing but the trail is well groomed and for most fit riders it shouldn’t be too difficult.  A beginner or someone from low altitude may have some difficulty through this section.  The sights are ok if you don’t mind views of luxury living in the foothills of Golden Colorado.  Personally, if I’m setting out to explore on a mountain bike I would prefer views of rugged wilderness but White Ranch will provide some atmosphere along the way.

You reach the first trail junction at 1.13 miles.  You have the option to go left and continue up Belcher Hill Trail or you can go right up Whippletree Trail.  Now if I had done any preparation it would have been recommended that I go left but since I am always too anxious just to get on the trail I have to learn for myself.

Whippletree turned out to be quite a treat.  The trail was in fine condition with a mild climb at first then a juicy rolling downhill section, sure to put a smile on your face.  There are a few blind turns so keep your speed in check and look out for other trail users.  The thrill is relatively short and at about 1.7 miles you reach the Longhorn Trail.  You can either climb to the left or descend to the right.  If I could do it all over again…..  I took the trail right and continued downhill.  For the next 0.2 miles you will rollover a few water bars or if you’re brave enough you can jump off them but be very careful because you can gain a lot of speed here and they don’t call these the Rockies for nothing.

The trail comes to an abrupt about face at 1.95 miles.  The next 0.81 miles is absolute torture.  I’m certainly no advanced rider but I’m also not a beginner but this section was almost impossible for me this early in the season.  Some parts are just too rocky to roll over so you are forced to carry your bike.  When you are able to ride, the climb can be so strenuous it almost-ALMOST-takes the fun out of it.  I was determined so turning back was out of the question.  I’m not too proud to admit that I had to walk the bike a good portion of the way.  By the way, you know it’s steep when you lay your bike down and it starts to slide down the trail.

So I finally reach the junction of Longhorn and Shorthorn trails.  Thankfully a couple of White Ranch veterans were taking a break and set me straight.  Impressed as they were at my attempt up this leg of Longhorn Trail, they clearly recommended riding this in the opposite direction-thanks guys, I’ll remember that next time.  They point me towards Shorthorn and describe a delectable treat and what a tasty treat it was.  From about the 2.66 mile mark to about the 4.04 mark you will be treated to some of the finest rolling sections White Ranch has to offer.  The dirt was nice and damp and very tacky.  A couple of high bank turns hit the spot.  This time of year you’re bound to hit some snowy spots but today only a couple.  A little climbing along the way and some obstacles like rocks and roots but nothing you can’t step over.  My route peaks again at 4.04 miles then the speedy track home.

This section is very rocky so keep your eyes on the trail and watch your speed-mountain bike helmets are a must on this section.  If your bike has full suspension, let it travel because without it this will be a bumpy ride.  There are many trail users and most mountain bikers will take this route so always yield when rolling downhill-don’t worry you’ll get back up to speed in no time.

The ride back down Whippletree was awesome.  Here’s a tip for all you mountain bikers.  Say Thank You to all you pass; hikers, horseback riders and other mountain bikers – this will help build a positive image of us.  As always, follow along at connect.garmin.com/activity/294191192 and use my Garmin page to plan your next trip.

Snow on the way, which means mud will follow – yummy!  Hope to see you on the trail.

Alan