Super Betasso: Schmoopy

Boulder County singletracks will soon be under snow so when you have the opportunity to ride this time of year you better take it.  The weather this past weekend was unbelievable and crunched for time there was no doubt it had to be the long route affectionately known as Super Betasso in west Boulder.

Words cannot describe the spectacular trail system out here.  The rails out at Betasso are smooth well groomed hardpacked singletrack and when moist they provide unbelievable traction for those adrenaline junkies.  When the Dirt is dry the trails can be slippery so keep that front wheel underneath you.  The trails thread through a dense and fragrant forest with tight twists and turns and the occasional high bank turn slings you around like a high speed roller coaster.

Trees line some of the finest parts of the system and at certain speeds can add an element of danger so be careful and always ride within your limits.  The shade is abundant and the landscape is pure Colorado.  Last weekend the trail ran clockwise and my route takes you around Canyon Loop to the split then down the Betasso Link to the 4 Mile Link down and back then counter-clockwise on Benjamin Loop to finish out the Canyon Loop back to the trailhead.

It's impossible to highlight any particular area because it is all phenomenal.  I will continue to profess this trail system as possibly the best singletrack experience in Boulder and suitable for any rider of average fitness with average mountain biking skills.

You can find the Super Betasso trial profile on my Garmin page to help you plan your ride.  Don't let the season pass you by and for Dirt clods like me it'll soon be time to give those Fat Bikes a try.  Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Heil Valley Ranch

This was my first time out at Heil since the flooding last year and I knew the trail would be different but nothing could have prepared me for what I found. 

The Wapiti trail had some work done before the flood but the finished product makes this first climb so much easier and with much fewer obstacles.  The climb past the service road just past a mile into the ride saw a good deal of work to smooth out the ride.  Before the facelift this section started out quite rocky and tough to pass without the proper skills but now it will only take a little determination and is suitable for all skill levels.  This trail is near perfect all the way to the split with Ponderosa Loop but nothing compared to the Wild Turkey Loop. 

Catch Wild Turkey via Ponderosa to the right at the split.  Ponderosa splits with Wild Turkey again at 2.9 miles and this day I took the route to the right and a route I highly recommend.  Wild Turkey in this direction is almost unrecognizable.  So many man hours had to go into this trail and we should all be thankful to all the volunteers and Boulder Parks and Rec for all the amazing work, kudos!  It's all downhill in this direction and with the additional features and so many twists and turns, this well groomed trail is sure to bring a smile to any fat tire enthusiast. 

I did the Picture Rock trail down and back and work is still ongoing but seems much smoother than I last remember.  The rollercoaster ride down low is still as thrilling as ever and a can't miss.  I finished off the Wild Turkey Loop then met up with the Ponderosa Loop again before heading back down Wapiti.

There are so many cool photo opps out here, like the homestead ruins on Wapiti, the abandoned car on Picture Rock and the scenic overlook on the north side of Wild Turkey that make this ride so unique.  If you're new to Boulder County, Heil Valley Ranch is a fantastic introduction to Boulder mountain biking and well worth the time and effort.

My time was hampered by a flat in the last 4 miles or so and my speed was seriously affected.  The ride down on a squirrely flat tire made for one heck of a ride and I don't recommend riding this on a flat.  Click here for the trail profile; thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

School Bus: Hide and Seek

So I'm still a freshman when it comes to West Magnolia but I'm making progress.  My first attempt at School Bus went over about as well as an atomic wedgy in front of your favorite girlfriend so naturally I needed to redeem myself.  Instead of spinning my wheels I decided on a practical approach; to wield a macleod and sledge hammer.
 

My solution for finding the elusive school bus came in the form of volunteering.  As luck would have it, trail work was scheduled out at School Bus and I just couldn't let an opportunity to give back pass me by plus I'd get to sink my hands into some fine Rocky Mountain Dirt.  Well, even this didn't help much when I returned a couple of weeks later only to reach the top with no sign of a school bus anywhere.  Turns out that the bus is not the destination, I suppose I could have just asked.
 

Anyway, I did find it after all with a little help; it's just off the trail by about 20 yards just past the 1 mile mark (look for a school bus wheel lodged between 2 aspens on the left as you climb).  As for the ride, it was great.  The trail begins just a few yards from the intersection of 105-2A and 105.  Turn right on 105 and look for the trail just off to the left.
 

Fall colors painted the hard pack singletrack in spectacular gold and red and the Dirt was moist and tacky almost all the way up to the top.  It was a steady climb with few technical sections, one of which yours truly helped create just a couple of weeks earlier.  You travel through dense pine mixed with aspen trees and all I could hear that morning was the forest breathe with every gust of wind.
 

The climb is gradual with few steep sections but it is continuous and may seem long after a while.  You'll also have the opportunity to test your balance right around the 1.6 mile mark with a plank deck crossing over what appears to be hazardous soil.  Great switchbacks keep it interesting and if it's your first time be prepared for diversions because there are a couple of trail splits and it could have you sidetracked in a hurry.
 

Descending can be sketchy with all the tight turns and rocks and always keep an eye out for other trail users.  It was a great ride on a great trail and one you're sure to enjoy.  Click here for the trail profile - there must have been a disturbance in the force between 4.5 and 5.36 miles as my route gets a bit squirrely but the elevation doesn't seem to be affected.
 

Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.
 

Dirt Life

2014 Caribou Classic: A Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance Special Event

The 2014 Caribou Classic is behind us so we’ll have to wait another year to do this all over again.  This year the start was in the north meadow of Caribou Ranch and a great deal of thanks to the Guercio’s for hosting such a great event.  The BMA did one heck of a job putting it all together and many thanks to all the volunteers who kept the wheels rolling safely and responsibly.

It was a lollipop loop through a rocky climb up Sourdough to Left Hand Reservoir Road and the main aid station.  We then traveled up the rather steep Left Hand Rez Road to the sublime Little Raven trail.  We spilled out onto Brainard Lake Road to connect to the Brainard Cutoff.  We then connected to the boulder fields of South St. Vrain to checkpoint D and the start of the climb back up Sourdough.  You had the option of adding another grueling loop at checkpoint D but in the interest of time I decided against it.  We finally completed the loop back at the main aid station on Brainard Lake and Left Hand Rez Roads and the final stretch back to the staging area.

You would have thought I was out partying with Guns N Roses the night before the way I was riding.  I took an endo early trying to hang on with one hand on a descent as I reached for my sunglasses – the BMA sweepers were awesome offering all kinds of assistance on the trail.  The ride seemed uphill both ways and the rocks beat you up mercilessly.  The pros made it look easy but for most of us this was an absolute Sufferfest, even without the extra mileage at checkpoint D.  Click here for the ride profile (does not include extra miles).

I had a fantastic time and so did everyone else, it was a raging success and September 2015 can't come soon enough.  None of this would have been possible without the extrodinary effort and support from the following sponsors:

Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance - Improve the Trail Experience for Everyone in Boulder County
Caribou Ranch
Oskar Blues - Time For Beer
Cyclehops - Home Made Liquids & Solids
The Pros Closet
Sports Garage
Reeb
Redstone Cyclery
Full Cycle
Contour Logic - Planning + Design for Smart Trail Systems
University Bicycles
The Fix
Bicycle Village
Eldorado Springs - Natural Spring Water
Spot Brand Bikes
Kelty
RockyMounts - Boulder Based Bike Racks
Liberty Home Loans
NanaCakes - Life Is Too Short To Eat Boring Pancakes
RC Special Events - An Events Solution Company
Skratch Labs - Natural Hydration
Motion Fitness
Shaving Peggy - Colorado's Rock-n-Roll Band !!!

Thank you all for the memories!  -Dirt Life

West Magnolia: School Bus

School Bus sounds innocent enough but make no mistake this is a bully of a ride.  The slope doesn't look intimidating at first but the loose and often rocky tread will leave you crying uncle all the way to the top.  I actually never made it to the bus, apparently you need a teacher's note and a chaperon to find it and I had neither.  Report cards are in and it seems I'll need to repeat this class.

I began the ride up Sugar Mag to trail 355 then caught the Hobbit south for a short class on West Mag single-track.  I met back up with 355 then single-file through the gate onto School Bus - School Bus and 355 at this point are one and the same.  The tread here is nice hard pack with a thin layer of crushed gravel but don't get too comfortable because your first pop quiz comes quickly and it's a tough one.

Your first and perhaps steepest climb comes shortly after entering the gate on 355.  This is a short but steep grade and will take a lot of leg strength to complete; make it on two wheels and you're king of the hill.

The road levels off at the top when you reach your first trail junction with 105.  Trail 105-2A is like the last day of school, it's such a relief and like summer you'll wish it would never end.  If you only have time for a couple of miles then do yourself a huge favor and ride 105-2A; this section is precisely why we ride fat tires.  For 2.5 miles, out and back, you will be treated to superb Dirt tread on tacky double-track under a canopy of tall dense pine and soon to be colorful aspen trees.  Clear those nasal passages because with the recent rainfall the scent of pine oil and moist Dirt will overwhelm you.  Unfortunately the trail ends at private property so it's back to School; bus that is.

Back at the junction you'll rejoin School Bus on 105.  The climb starts immediately on loose rocky tread.  Gear selection and a bit of finesse will pay huge dividends here.  The extra energy expelled for spinning your rear tire will cost you your lunch money so tread wisely.  At 5.92 miles you'll reach a split with 109; 105 to the left will take you down to Rollinsville while 109 loops around through open meadows and dense forest before meeting back up with 105.  Note that the final descent down 109 can get sketchy when wet with all the exposed roots and rocks along the way.

For an intermediate rider this ride was exhausting, a beginner would absolutely hate it although anyone willing to hike their bike up the first climb will absolutely love 105-2A and it's suitable for all skill levels.  Click here for the trail profile and use the search bar on this blog to find your next ride.  The Fall riding season is here and you won't want to miss the most colorful trails around.  Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Blue Dot | Bubblicious

Lollipops, Dots, Star Wars; to some this might sound like movie night with the kids but for a Boulder County fat tire junkie this can only mean one thing: sweet single-track.  Lollipop Loop, Red/Yellow/Blue Dot, Bear Down/Star Wars, just to name a few, are part of a network of classic mountain bike trails affectionately known as the Dot Trails.  Located just outside the town of Nederland Colorado here you’ll find everything from grueling technical climbs to manic chutes through tight single-track, all under the cover of Rocky Mountain landscaping. 

My ride began at the Nederland Park-n-Ride.  From here I rode up the Peak to Peak Hwy to Magnolia Road.  I took a quick detour down Boot then back to Magnolia for a little flavor, kind of like sneaking a few kernels of popcorn while pouring your soft drink.  I entered Blue Dot just off Magnolia Road at mile 4.18 of my ride.  From here it is a mild descent on double-track through towering pines.  The trail narrows gradually to fine single-track on a mixture of Dirt and small rocks, classic Ned tread.  The climbs are gentle by Colorado standards but you will encounter some rather technical sections that will require strong legs and superb rock-hopping abilities.  Threading through the forest is definitely a highlight and the aspen groves will brighten up this trail deliciously in the fall.

You’ll reach the Red Dot/Yellow Dot loop at the 6.4 mile mark.  This section can get a little rocky in areas with an occasional steep climb and descent, one in particular can be a bit precarious with jagged boulders and exposed roots but don’t despair the soft center of the tootsie pop is not far off.  The mountain vegetation gets thick in parts which makes this section that much sweeter.  This loop ran for 1.7 miles and may add about half an hour to your ride.

The whole route from Blue Dot to the Front Range trailhead took me roughly an hour to complete and ran approximately 9.25 miles.  The elevation gain and loss was minimal for a high country ride although there are a couple of areas that rise and fall pretty steeply.

The Front Range road is wide double-track all the way to the trailhead and Magnolia Road and it’s here that I ran into a couple of guys who convinced me that the ride back down to Boulder is Red Hot.  The ride down was intense, reaching speeds in excess of 40 miles an hour on fat nobby tires is not for the fearful.  Mountain bike tires get squirrely on pavement and the fast approaching hairpin turns at high speed are extremely hard on your brakes.

The afternoon went down like sugar; Click here for the trail profile and next time you get a craving head out west for a little sweetness.  Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Fourth of July | Some Summer

Looking for a good off-road workout up in the mountains but you aren’t in the mood for obstacles then I’ve got the ride for you; Fourth of July in old town Eldora.  Fourth of July is actually a Dirt road (County Road 111) that leads up to the Fourth of July trailhead and the Buckingham Campground.  The road is quite popular on weekends and parking at the base and at the top is very limited.  If you’re out for a hike you can catch the shuttle at Nederland High School to the Hessie trailhead and Fourth of July road.  I chose to start the timer at Nederland High School.

From Nederland High School it’s almost 4 miles west to CR 111 road and the Hessie trailhead.  The climb is steady all the way to Fourth of July trailhead with nothing bigger than softball sized rocks to contend with, perfect for a hardtail but may be a bit bumpy on the way down.  The views are amazing as you travel deeper into the Indian Peaks wilderness.  On the way you’ll pass some unbelievable stream shots which are only surpassed by the scented mountain air and if you’re lucky you might even get a little rain.

Once at the top (approx. 10,100 feet) if you have any energy left you can hike up the Arapahoe Pass 904 trail to the Continental Divide (11,900 feet) or if you’re feeling even more adventurous try some backcountry camping for that true mountain experience.  The ride down can get a little bumpy at times and fast if you lay off the brakes, just be careful because the rocks are loose and the shade can hide some endo-makers.

I’d like to pay special thanks to Mark and Pat of Illinois for the pleasant conversation and Big Fallacy stout; drive safe and maybe we’ll see you next year.

After a long ride in or around Nederland Colorado don’t forget to make your way to the Backcountry Pizza and Subs for a slice of heaven then to the Very Nice Brewing Co. for some fine craft brew.  Summer is Colorado’s best kept secret so dust off that mountain or road bike and head for the hills.  Click here for the ride profile.

Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail - Dirt Life

Rocky Mountain High

Photo: Mattias Fredriksson

Few things can scare you and thrill you at the same time but riding fat tires between 7000 and 14000 feet of elevation on uneven terrain is like nothing you've ever experienced.  Dirt just sweetens the ride and if you did it right you'll find some in your pocket sharing some room with your beer money.

Things happen often and sometimes fast on a mountain bike, that's why we ride 'em.  For me it's about sinking a nobby into fine Rocky Mountain soil until the trail heads downhill then it's all about the flow.  Make it down in one piece and you can grab a Red Bull and pour one out for the privilege to do it again.

We're lucky to live in high altitude with the Rocky Mountains in our back yard, it's no wonder cyclists from around the world head for the hills to step up their game.

I came across a cool article on the Red Bulletin; Click here for some insight on how mountain bike training has evolved.

"Life moves pretty fast.  If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Dirt Life

What's New?

This blog has just become more usable!

You can now search my blog and go directly to the ride you had in mind.  Just type a keyword or phrase and you're there.  For those who are familiar with this blog you know that you'll also find links to my Garmin page for detailed maps and trail profiles at the end of each post to help you plan your ride.

More enhancements are in the works like additional pages with quick links from bike shops to brew pubs and I'm even working on a cool t-shirt to show off your Dirt life.

You'll find the search bar at the top right, you can't miss it.  Try some of my favorite trails using these keywords or phrases.

1. Betasso
2. Heil Ranch
3. Sourdough
4. Hall Ranch
5. Caribou

Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you out on the trail.

Dirt Life

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Waldrop / Sourdough North: Cannonball Run

A black Lamborghini Countach racing down a California highway at break neck speeds; what impressionable young man can ever forget that opening scene?  So I’m standing at the trailhead just off the Brainard Rec Area parking lot contemplating the Waldrop or N. Sourdough trail.  According to most trail guides I’m in for a black diamond run whichever route I choose and at first I feel like Burt Reynolds but soon I’ll feel like Dom DeLuise.

Right out of the gate and past the 814/835 split the tread is absolutely amazing – a superb mix of moist Dirt, pine needles and fine Rocky Mountain gravel.  Waldrop (trail 814) slopes gradually on tight single-track before the cannonballs make their first appearance.  The insanity continues as the descent progresses, sometimes steeply, over boulders that would give any would-be Cannonballer pause.

A rider with supreme rock hopping abilities cold probably make it down on two wheels but for an intermediate rider like myself, with a mortgage, I thought it wise to avoid Dr. Nikolas Van Helsing and dismounted where appropriate.  Your sense of smell will be overcome with the aromas of pine forest, rain and moist Dirt kept ripe by the abundant shade; will surely take your mind off the treacherous terrain.

At 1.68 miles you reach a trail junction with the Brainard Snowshoe trail.  Clouds were building and I didn’t have much time for exploring more unfamiliar terrain so I stuck to the main trail to the right.  Here it got a little wet but the black clay mud stuck to the ground which made for nice traction, for mud anyway.  You’ll roll along a couple of raised platforms to keep you above the really soggy stuff – they’re about 6 to 8 inches wide and will test your balance – before reaching a sweet bridge over the South Saint Vrain creek at 1.84 miles.  The rushing water was quite a sight and flows west in case you lose your bearings – also a nice boardwalk at 2 miles.

From here it is a short climb to another trail split at 2.17 miles with South Saint Vrain trail No. 909; I chose to stay right toward Sourdough Trail 835.  The trail in this direction starts flowing nicely but the rocks reappear with a familiar vengeance.  You reach another split at 4.05 miles and here’s where I made my first mistake.  Having caught up with some other riders I decided to head in their same direction or left on Sourdough 835; that worked out about as well as a couple of priests in a red Ferrari trying to win a date.  In hindsight I probably should have gone right toward the Red Rock trailhead but I was riding solo and if I had any trouble out here in the wilderness I thought it would be safer to be near other trail users.

This section of Sourdough was gnarly (see opening paragraph pic) I found myself dismounting often to avoid any pain and suffering.  I soon lost track of my comrades and after about half a mile I finally spilled out onto an isolated forest road tucked away within a canopy of pine trees now simmering in the cool mist of cloud cover.  The trail sign pointed left so naturally I went all Bradshaw/Tillis and headed right to a dead end at the private and secluded Duncan Park.  After the short detour I was back on track, so I thought.  Having passed a few feeder roads and missing the trail along the way I was relieved to catch up with a firewood delivery truck and followed them out to Hwy 72.  From here it was one long climb back to the Brainard Rec Area parking lot.

Turning around and retracing my route would have meant more hike-a-bike and could have felt longer than sitting through Cannonball Run 2.  You’ll quickly find that Black Diamond up here in the Rockies means boulders and the Waldrop/Sourdough tandem is full of ‘em.  I wouldn’t recommend riding alone out here but if you do make sure you stick close to other trail users.  I had the wherewithal to bring along my Garmin handheld but thankfully I didn’t need to use it. 

You can find the route profile at Waldrop Sourdough North; this was one heck of a ride and one I won’t soon forget.  Thanks for clicking in and hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Centennial Cone | The Ultimate Multi

“We got 4:11 Positrac outback, 750 double pumper, Edelbrock intake, bored over 30, 11 to 1 pop up pistons, turbo-jet 390 power.”  What do you call a ride that has got everything?  David Wooderson calls it a Chevelle, I call it Centennial Cone.  The sweet mounds down in JeffCo have got the good stuff and last weekend I thought I’d give the 16 mile loop a try and what I found was pure Colorado mountain biking.

Before you go make sure to check your calendar because mountain bikes are only allowed on even numbered days on the weekends, during the week it’s a free for all.

So I began at the Mayhem Gulch trailhead off the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic Hwy) or Hwy 6 out of Golden Colorado.  The climbing starts immediately at a moderate grade.  The trail is super smooth with very few obstacles and the climb is continuous through the first 2 miles.  The trail splits at the 1.51 mile mark; to the left is the Juniper trail and Mayhem Gulch continues to the right, which is the route I took this day.

Continue climbing for ¾ miles to the first downhill section at mile mark 2.22.  For the next half mile you will need a hammer and chisel to wipe the smile off your face.  At 2.31 miles you reach a second split this time with the Travois trail; go right.  The trail narrows a bit and in some areas the steep drop-offs coupled with loose tread make this section a thrilling yet precarious part of the ride – off to the right you’ll have fantastic views of Clear Creek.  At 2.77 miles the next climb begins.  You’ll reach another short downhill section at 3.68 miles so catch your breath because another climb awaits at 4.16 miles.  This climb is relatively short and feels tough after all the climbing you’ve done so far.

At 4.59 miles at an elevation of 7800 feet “you stand at the threshold to the magical world of sensual delights that most men dare not dream of.”  Hold on over the next 1.85 miles for one of the most enjoyable things you’ll ever do on a mountain bike.  The trail will traverse through dense forest on clear tacky single-track with some challenging switchbacks.  You can catch some insane speeds through this section but be extremely careful because trees and rock line the trail all the way to Elk Creek.  The shade is a bonus since most of the trail to this point has been under full exposure.  At the 6.44 mile mark you reach the bottom and you’re now standing on a well-constructed pedestrian bridge over Elk Creek – stop and enjoy a few moments because your longest climb comes next.

For the next 2.28 miles you’ll climb through tranquil forest on smooth single-track.  This climb is at a lower grade than the climbs before but fatigue will not make it seem so.  The final quarter mile of this climb gets steep and very technical, only the studliest rider will make it on two wheels.  You’ll reach another peak at 8.80 miles followed by 0.85 miles of downhill bliss.  You’ll see a bit more rocks here but nothing larger than softball size.  At 9.43 miles you reach another trail split, this time with the Sunset Trail – go right to continue on the Travois trail.

The trail starts to open up around here exchanging pine trees for wild flowers and open meadows.  You meet back up with the Sunset trail at about the 10 mile mark.  At 10.64 miles you’ll come to a small trailhead parking area and also the end of single-track for the time being.  There’s a lot of sun on this leg of the ride so hopefully you lathered up with some SPF.

The wide double-track Dirt road winds through open fields and private ranch lands so be respectful and close all the gates behind you.  It seems like a lot of climbing at first but hang in there because the end is near.  You finally reach the highest point (7958 feet in elevation) of the ride at 12.22 miles and it is literally all downhill from here.  You’ll catch the Juniper trail at another trailhead at around the 13.72 mile mark.  Enjoy all your hard work; barring any mishaps you’ve all but finished this epic ride.  You’ll come across the split with Mayhem Gulch at 14.84 miles for the final slide home.  The tread gets loose so watch your speed and slow down around every blind corner because chances are there is someone coming up.

I’m not kidding when I say this was the best trail I’ve ever ridden, and that says a lot given the extensive trail systems in and around Boulder County.  This trail has everything and I believe anyone can do it although a beginner or someone from lower elevation may not be able to finish it their first time out.  If I were to make a suggestion, for the part-time enthusiast or visitor ride up 4.59 miles and stop just before the descent and turn around.  The climb out from Elk Creek is a bear and will be a bit much for someone who’s not used to this kind of a workout.

You can find the trail profile at Centennial Cone and try clicking on the player tab for a larger view and to watch the route play out.  Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Chapman Drive | Get Away

Making your way in the world today

Takes everything you’ve got

Taking a break from all your worries

Sure would help a lot.  Wouldn’t you like to get away?

The characters down at Cheers sure knew how to take a break but for some of us sometimes a little sweat and strain goes down better than a mug of tasty suds.

Find the Red Lion Restaurant and you find the Chapman Drive trailhead.  The trail is actually a closed road featuring a continuous 2.6 mile climb from Boulder Canyon Drive to Realization Point and Flagstaff Road.  It’s a 7% grade climb which means the climb slopes 7 feet for every 100 feet of length – not particularly difficult by Colorado standards but those from lower elevations may find it strenuous at times.  The tread is fine gravel Dirt road and often loose with fantastic views and if that isn’t enough to pull you off the bar stool you’ll cheer over the refreshing aromas especially after a little rain.

The heavy rains from last year have made their own bas-relief impressions on the trail and some sections get mighty narrow so check your balance because some of the trenches are deep.  Rocks are few but they just so happen to be concentrated around all the eroded parts of the trail so watch your speed.

This is a multi-use trail so be mindful of other trail users and always yield to hikers although most are happy to let you by.  Climbers always get the right of way and since part of the trail gets narrow it’s important to follow trail etiquette.

Most Boulderites ride Chapman Drive as part of a larger loop and if you don’t mind riding the majority of the loop on pavement alongside local Boulder traffic then this loop ride is well worth the effort.  Click here for the trail profile and if you should ever find yourself in need of a little cheer, hop on the bike and give Chapman Drive a try.

Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail. 

Dirt Life

Hobbit Trails | Return to Splendor

Trailhead coordinates: N39°56.795’ W105°31.054’

The Shire is not as Frodo left it before his quest for Mordor.  The vibrant forest that once engulfed the area has suffered from the chain of a saw but not for selfish plight but rather to preserve the forest for generations of Hobbits to come.  Part of the forest may be gone from this once thriving location but the spirit of Middle-Earth remains in some of the finest single-track you’re likely to find in Nederland Colorado.   

West Magnolia and the Hobbit Trails used to lie beneath an abundant pine forest but in recent months deforestation has taken place to rid the area of any fire danger so the first 1.3 miles is fully exposed but the trail is as clear as I remember and still a blast to ride. Temperatures run 10 to 15 degrees cooler up here so even on bright sunny days you'll find the full exposure tolerable.

The first mile or so takes you on ride along meandering single-track over supreme Rocky Mountain terrain.  This section will leave you breathless; without the trees you’re able to enter the turns much faster but be careful because the trail gets loose and the protruding tree stumps litter the area.  At 1.3 miles you’re back in Middle Earth underneath a canopy of towering pine trees.  The trail climbs and descends gently and you’re sure to find all the tight turns intoxicating. 

The tread is rocky but nothing larger than baseball or softball size.  Under the trees the Dirt is what your tires crave; a perfect mix of fine gravel and light soil seasoned with pine needles and the occasional water crossing.  There are short technical climbs that could give you problems if you’re not used to rolling over rocks and roots, just keep your legs moving and you should be fine.  There are a few very wet spots along the way and it’s tough to know if they will dry out over time.  If not, be prepared for mud but don’t sweat it because the trail is relatively short and you’ll be back at the trailhead in no time.

For those who remember it’s tough to see such a pristine trail system disrupted but we all understand that some single-track is better than nothing at all.  Click here for the trail profile and after your ride do yourself a huge favor and check out the Very Nice Brewing Company in Nederland for a flight of tasty suds - you have to try the Petrichor ESB; if a campfire had a flavor, this would be it.  One tip in the event you find yourself at a trailhead without a map; designated trails have maps at the trailhead and if you have a camera handy snap a photo of the map before you depart and zoom in if you get sidetracked.  Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Marshall Mesa | Doudy Draw

One of the best things about living in Boulder County are the abundance of riches in terms of mountain bike trials and most only a song or two away from home.  South Boulder is one area where stress goes to die.  Marshall Mesa and Doudy Draw have a number of routes to choose from that are sure to satisfy the most discerning tastes.  For example, you can begin at the Greenbelt Plateau trailhead and traverse the high plains for that single-track craving or pedal out of the Flatirons Vista trailhead for a more intimate setting.  The Doudy Draw trailhead gives you access to the whole area including the Spring Brook loop or if you’re more daring you can test your climbing skills up Rattlesnake Gulch up in Eldorado Canyon which is just a short ride up Eldorado Springs Drive.  For me, this stormy afternoon I chose the Coalton trailhead off McCaslin Blvd and Coalton Road (trailhead) as my starting point to add a little distance to my ride.

From here the ride begins on very wide double track with one short climb.  For beginners or those from lower altitudes this climb could be a little taxing but stick with it because it gets so much better.  The double track continues to the 2.84 mile mark before turning west on some very cool single-track.  The trail gets narrow at times which is great for testing your balance and when you add rolling downhill’s it makes for one heck of a ride.  You’re fully exposed here and the rain and the wind this afternoon luckily was void of any lightning otherwise it would have been a really short ride.  This whole area hosts a number of cattle so please remember to close the cattle gates behind you.

Once through I crossed highway 93 at the Greenbelt Plateau trailhead and onto Doudy Draw.  At the 6.78 mile mark is another highlight of this ride and although it’s short it is a favorite for many mountain bikers with a gentle slope as you thread down a ridge overlooking the Boulder Flatirons.  Here you’ll encounter the only real climb, in the opposite direction, but don’t worry because it’s short and can be a little tricky on the way down because there are rocks along the way so be careful.

I hooked up with the Spring Brook loop and chose to go left.  Thinking back I should have gone right since I have yet to map this section in that direction.  Oh well, good thing this whole area is only minutes from my house.  The tread is mostly hard packed Dirt and Flatirons Vista has it's fair share of gravel and rock so be prepared you hard tails.

The afternoon was cold and wet but as long as you’re prepared (rain jacket) there isn’t much that can ruin a day of mountain biking in Boulder County.  Click here for the trail profile and feel free to leave a comment on this trail or any other for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure.  Thanks for clicking in and I hope to see you out on the trail.

Dirt Life

Pennsylvania Gulch | Sublime Punishment

Trailhead coordinates: N40°02.138’ W105°28.144’

Back In Time

Driving down Wall Street in the Boulder foothills is like driving through a scene in Butcher Holler.  A light rain showered the area all day filling a thousand little puddles along the Dirt road, giant jagged rock walls blooming with blue spruce and aspen trees, the occasional Detroit relic on one side, a flowing stream on the other sharing the scene with propane tanks and woodsheds nestled within towering pine.  Looking for a challenge I settled on Pennsylvania Gulch with a starting point at the town site of Sunset.

Private road; oops

This is perhaps the most difficult route for this ride, one reserved for the advanced and slightly insane.  I parked at the top of the south Switzerland Trail and made my way down to the town site of Sunset.  This was my first attempt at Penn Gulch so my first hurdle was to locate the trailhead.  Making my way around the town site of Sunset I stumbled upon what I can only describe as the Paris, CO hideout.  A trail running along a stream, you finally come to a rather spacious cave opening, all that was missing in this scene were a couple of dueling banjos.  Figuring I had missed the trail earlier I backtracked and found myself in a ridge hiking along an eroded waterway in deep woods and scat I couldn’t identify; hardly a trail, I concluded I was way off track and turned around.

Rideable but loose

Finally back at the Switzerland Trail a fellow biker steered me in the right direction and I was on the trail in no time.  The trail climbs immediately on very loose Dirt and gravel.  The gravel slowly turns to rock and the rocks seem to get bigger the higher you go.  If this isn’t enough to give you pause, add in the steep grade and what you have is an afternoon of sublime punishment.  It would take a well conditioned athlete with superior skill to make this climb without dismounting and I’m not too proud to say I possess neither, apparently!

It gets worse!

Determined to map this beast, pushing on through the rain, albeit light, and wind I finally reached the plateau in a time just shy of an hour and an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet, which is quite a ratio of rise and run.  I can’t recall a time when I walked a climb more than I rode, which should give you an indication of just how difficult this route can be.  Coming down is just as challenging and very precarious given the abundance of rock and the steep grade.  “Step Off” if you possess limited skills or inferior equipment, no peanut butter and jelly sandwich will save you here.

This was the hardest climb since Vail Mountain and Walker Ranch and easily the most dangerous.  I understand that one can perform a loop extending all the way to Nederland and perhaps one day I’ll give it a shot but definitely in the opposite direction.  You can find the trail profile at Pennsylvania Gulch and remember that Pennsylvania Gulch begins around the 6.20 mile mark.

Thanks for clicking in and hope to see you on the trail.

Finally at the top

Dirt Life    

Teller Farm | Wheatstraw

My grandparents were farmers and my mom often delights us with tales from the farm.  I recall as a kid climbing over farm equipment and walking over scattered hay bales in the summer heat as the southern breeze tossed up the fleeting soil, carrying with it the scent only a farm could produce.  Teller Farm is just minutes from my house and I had been looking forward to mapping this nostalgic trail for quite some time.  I rarely ride with headphones because I love the sound of silence but the whole farming atmosphere needed a soundtrack and visions of Peetie Wheatstraw sitting on a porch behind his trusty dobro called for my best mix of St. Louis blues.

I started off the south trailhead which is tucked away off Arapahoe Avenue amidst some of the grandest trees you’ll find in the area.  One of my favorite attractions of this trail is the free roaming livestock.  It’s so hard to pass the cows without stopping; their large brown eyes focus in on you as you ride by, at times meeting you head on.

The trail itself is very well groomed double-track and mostly hard packed Dirt.  Along the way you’ll breeze by a row of lilac trees and this time of year they are in full bloom, painting the air with broad strokes of purple.  Small irrigation canals follow along before turning north towards a coral of horses and cattle.  Here you’ll get the full aroma of a farm and for some of us it’s not so displeasing.  I’m such a Dirt clod when it comes to terrain and one of my favorite ground cover is hay on loose brown Dirt and you’ll find plenty of it here, even if only for a few yards.  At this point you will have passed 3 cattle gates, which should always be secured behind you, and now you’re at the north Teller Farm trailhead off Valmont Road (you can start from here too if you wish to bypass the farm.)

The trail continues from the northwest corner down a short distance to a road crossing for the next section of your ride.  Here you’ll be bombarded with a taste of honeysuckle and more lilac trees.  The trail become a bit loose and there is a small stream crossing that has been repaired after the last flood with rocks of varying size.  Moving along you’ll cross a well constructed pedestrian bridge set over a slow flowing stream and a great place for a photo.

The first of the climbs comes shortly after the bridge.  It is short and mild for most but those new to mountain biking may find this climb a bit taxing.  You’ll traverse a really cool single-track section after reaching the top before ascending and descending along two barbed wire fences.  The fastest sections to this trail come last just before reaching the East Boulder Trail Gunbarrel trailhead.  This is a popular trail for runners and dog walkers so be on your best behavior and yield when appropriate.

It was overcast with storms threatening but even a short sprinkle could not dampen my mood this afternoon.  Making my way back I stopped on a couple of occasions to visit with the horses and cattle hoping they would allow me to grab a photo up close.  click here for the trail profile and a link to my Garmin page.

It was a great afternoon, for a little while you’ll feel like you’re out riding fences on some old country farm road and what a feeling after dealing with 5 o’clock traffic.  Give this one a shot if you’d like to escape the city life for a while without the long drive.  It’s a very easy trail and the climbs come late in case you choose to skip these sections.  Thanks for clicking in and hope to see you on the trail. 

Dirt Life