Betasso Preserve | Cheers! Boulder

Mountain biking in Colorado in the fall is like chocolate in your Dom Pérignon; the trails are moist and dark and hidden beneath gold colored leaves and together make for one tasty treat.  Boulder County trails are coming back online after the horrific flooding recently, unfortunately some will take a while longer but we are happy to wait while those affected get back to normal.

It was going to hit the mid 60’s this weekend and with winter on the horizon we fat tire enthusiast have to hit the trails while we can.  My Moab plans were derailed this weekend but Boulder in the fall will never leave you wanting.

Boulder Canyon Drive is finally open and Betasso Preserve is only a few short minutes from downtown Boulder.  I entered through the Boulder Canyon link trail, which is sure to challenge the best riders.  Trail work has been done on this section to make it more rider friendly but the steep grade still requires strong legs and strong lungs.  With my TwinLoc system fully engaged and in a climbing position I headed up as far as I could before my ride was interrupted.  From here the grade was too steep for me to remount so I ended up walking for a short distance before I could keep going.  This section is steep and rocky so you’ll need to exercise certain skills to keep your front wheel on the ground.  If you have to stop, take caution when mounting up because the trail is very uneven and steep and the ledge looks muy peligroso.

If you can make it through this leg of the trail you’ll be treated to one of the finest trail systems in the area.  Full of twists and turns, the trail this weekend was tacky in all the right areas from the recent light snow fall.  Threading through dense forest, feathering my breaks to control my speed, the chill in the air surrounds you as you wind around on through to the sunny spots that are sure to warm the chill.  With the damp Dirt your tires can really hook up allowing the skilled riders to take the high bank turns, just be careful for wet roots and rocks as you come out of the turns.

It was a great ride.  Canyon loop was running clockwise, which I feel is a bit easier than the opposite direction.  Benjamin loop was running counter-clockwise and it seems to me that the level of difficulty is about equal in either direction.  This loop is worth the extra mileage so give it a shot if you get the chance.  Four Mile link was closed as I’m sure it has suffered some flood damage.  Please mind all the trail closures; they’ll open when they’re safe.
 

View the profile at connect.garmin.com/activity/397749590 and don't forget to mind the closures.  Have a great ride and hope to see you on the trails.

Dirt Life - Alan

Smoke 'em if you got 'em | The New Colorado Fatty

My window was cracked to breathe some fresh air into a stagnant room.  The nights’ silence is usually interrupted by the sound of crickets while the breeze stirs the waning leaves.  For the first time in months I awoke to complete silence – the day was October 4.

It’s 5:00am, I rub the sleep from my eyes then peek out the bedroom window only to find that winter is just around the corner – large wet snowflakes floating heavily, coating the landscape to look like a funnel cake garden.  I’m never sure how to react to the first signs of winter, I love the snow but it also means my favorite trails will be nearly impossible to ride; or will they?

From my previous posts you may gather that I have an unusual love affair with Dirt and the nobby tires that carry me through, so it should come as no surprise how delighted I was when I first discovered “Fat Bikes.”  The most distinguishing feature of the Fat Bike is its tires, hmmm.  Usually measuring 26x40, these tires are large enough to keep you above most sinking terrain.  Here in Colorado these bikes are especially popular in the winter to give us Dirt clods another option for riding our open space parks in the snow.

Most frames are rigid but you may find front and full suspension options around.  The large tires increases the weight of the bike so don’t expect it to handle like your trusty 26er.  Suspension will likely add considerable weight and coupled with the increased tire friction you’ll certainly need to be fit before mounting up for a snow ride.  The drivetrain options should help level off most trails so have no fear.

I have not had the pleasure of riding one of these personally but I have my eye on one in particular – the Salsa Mukluk; an aluminum frame, 2x10 drivetrain, Holy Rolling Darryl rims and Avid BB7 disc brakes.  Golden Bike Shop, located at 722 Washington Avenue in beautiful Golden Colorado has demos for rent and are currently building their fleet with choice options like the Surly Pugsley, Salsa Mukluk, 9:zero:7 and the Salsa Beargrease.  Their rates are $60/day for aluminum and $80/day for carbon.  You can find them on the web at www.goldenbikeshop.com or give them a call at (303) 278-6545 for more information.  The shop is located close to many open space parks so if you don't have a bike rack find a good parking spot, hop on a Fatty and head for the hills.

I can’t wait to give them a try for myself.  The recent snow has melted but sounds like there’s more on the way.  I promise myself that I will ride during winter regardless of the conditions but I can't seem to keep that promise, perhaps that would change if there were a Fat Bike in the garage.  There will be a Global Bike Summit in Ogden, UT on January 24-25.  I hope to make it out and if I’m able to attend I should have some great pics.  Till then, enjoy the weather and hope to see you on the trail.

Alan - Dirt Life