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