Betasso Canyon Loop | Just In Time

I work downtown and from the 41st floor there are mountains as far as the eye can see.  This time of year snowcaps cover our tallest peaks but the foothills tease us with their splendor.  One of my favorite trails in Boulder County is just off Boulder Canyon Drive and from here I can see how someone would put off an afterhours ride to the weekend.  Yesterday I decided to start the timer from work to trail for some perspective.

I ride the bus to work so it’s easy to figure out the time.  I caught the 4:20 from Market Street Station and arrived at my stop at 5:08.  It took me 10 minutes to walk to my house, I wear suits to work (and from work) so once I got home I had to gear up and I was ready to go in about 20 minutes – it’s now 5:38.  I mount my bike rack and hitch up the bike and after a quick stop for a Red Bull I’m at the trailhead at Betasso Preserve by 6:15.  Our sun doesn’t set till about 8:30 so I have plenty of time for a fix of Dirt, dust and mud oh my.

The whole commute from office to trailhead came to approximately 40 miles one way and took about 1hr and 55 minutes.  I should also mention that I took my time so I could get a feel for the commute after work without rushing to make it happen.  Here are some quick tips for avoiding the time robbers:

• Pack your riding gear ahead of time.  I use a medium sized bin for all my riding gear and it’s always in my car – a huge time saver!
• Always store your cycling clothing in the same place.  Sounds easy but it’s funny how things get moved around when you’re not thinking about it.
• Keep a small tool box in the car with extra tubes.  Nothing can ruin your day like arriving to your favorite trail for a last minute ride only to discover you have a flat.
• Keep your hydration pack in your car.  If you forget to fill it at home you can still fill it on the way or at the trailhead.
• Always have the air pressure in your tires ready to go so you don’t have to stop.
• Last but not least, carry a small flashlight or have a night light ready to go.  Time flies when you’re having fun and the sun drops faster than you think up here in the mountains.

As for the ride, the recent rain left Betasso’s Canyon Loop in prime riding condition – hard packed with damp tread for unbelievable traction.  I decided to gear for leg strength so I went with 2 up front and 5 in the rear to start.  This was my first mountain trail of the season so I didn’t want to overdo it.  The air was cool and fresh and mixed with the scent of pine and moist Dirt.  Add to that a mountain scene with not a sound of civilization and what you have is the perfect end to the perfect day.

There is clearly no reason to put off a ride to the weekend so don’t hesitate the next time the mood should strike you.  You can find the Canyon Loop trail profile at Betasso Canyon Loop to help you plan your ride.  Thanks for clicking in and hope to see you on the trail.

Dirt Life

Erie Singletrack | The One Thing

“…and that’s all I need.”  Navin R. Johnson, affectionately known as “The Jerk” found happiness in just one..uhmm..7 things not including his dog, but my first date with the newly constructed Erie singletrack reminds me that there is only one thing I need to have fun on a mountain bike; DIRT…and that’s all I need.

The track is spread out over a sloping plain just north of the Vista Ridge subdivision off County Road 5 and although the scenery surrounding the trail leaves you wanting, the view of the mountains on a clear day can be amazing.  I’m used to our spectacular mountain trails and the entire atmosphere that surrounds them and I can’t help but wonder if the track builders, knowing that there are amazing rides just a few short miles away, had something else in mind for this project.  I should mention that there is no designated parking so just find a spot off any of the side roads.

The trail itself is hard pack singletrack with fantastic rolling sections and plenty of opportunities to catch some air.  I chose to map the course in a counterclockwise direction and at certain speeds this route can be quite exhilarating.

After completing a couple of laps I realized that this track would be perfect for training or racing.  It’s a short course but in the right gear this ride can be a grueling workout.  Having ridden in both directions, clockwise allows for higher speeds early while counterclockwise takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride through the first section of my start before settling down.

With a Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde complex, the trail can be split into two sections.  The south section, in a clockwise direction, is built for speed with some great opps for airing it out but you’ll need to skillfully mash on the pedals to get the most out of it.  Take the north section, in a counterclockwise direction, with some speed and you’ll quickly discover the Mr. Hyde in the trail.  The jumps, twists and turns will get your adrenaline flowing and the skillful rider will definitely want to try this more than once.  I tried the whole trail locked and in half travel and I can’t decide what I prefer so experiment to find the right setting.

Not your typical Boulder County trail, Erie has done a fine job creating a course for many uses.  We need to thank the Erie Singletrack Advocates and their small army of volunteers for all their hard work and the businesses and organizations that made all this possible.  You can find them on the web at Erie Singletrack for more information.  It also sounds like the Velodrome off East County Line Road is nearly operational and this new singletrack is a great compliment for a burgeoning cycling community.  You can also find the trail profile at Erie Singletrack Map and check back often for more trails and maps.

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