Doudy Draw: Wide Open

Thanksgiving in Boulder Colorado was unseasonably warm this year and while our peaks are lightly dusted in champagne powder the Front Range was prime and ready for our fat tires.

I didn’t want to venture too far to burn off some calories so it was the Doudy Draw trail for these restless legs.  The Doudy Draw Trailhead is located just off of Eldorado Springs Drive.  The parking lot is well marked and off to the left as you drive towards Eldorado Springs.

Doudy Draw is a very popular trail because of its proximity and mild terrain.  This trail will not demand a lot of skill but when the snows come to the high country, this trail should give us dirt clods something to cheer about.

The trail begins on a wide gravel path for about 0.46 miles to the Community Ditch intersection and a delightful pedestrian bridge with the Flatirons in full view to the west.  From here the trail narrows to single track on loose dirt and some rock.  This section is a breeze for any intermediate to advanced rider however a novice may find it a bit difficult to maneuver through the rocks on a continuous climb.  The climb is pretty mild but it does span close to a mile, keep a steady pace and you’ll reach the next trail junction with no problem.

You’ll come to a peak with two options.  To the left, the trail descends down to a rather steep climb then continues up on a really cool path towards the Flatirons Vista trailhead.  I chose to go right to complete the Spring Brook loop.

From here the trail is hard packed single-track and descends for a short distance before the next climb.  The descent is almost unnoticeable on my Garmin Edge even though I am under open sky for a mile and a half or so.  At the junction I took the trail left (Spring Brook South) on a slightly flat path to the next climb through the edges of sparse pine forest.  The trail remains hard packed single-track on an easy to moderate climb, depending on your skill level.  The trial seems to flatten out at about the 2 mile mark and continues further into the trees. 

As I cruise on through a startled deer dashes across my path to join a small group of deer about 15 feet from the trail.  I stop suddenly to snap some photos before continuing on.  At the 2.5 mile mark (Spring Brook North), get ready for some speedy twist and turns as you descend gradually down the trail.  There are a lot of turns and carrying speed on this loose dirt could spell trouble.  Be considerate of other trail users, especially on this section because you will be tempted to roll with reckless abandon.  As you exit the trees the trail opens up once again to spectacular views of the Boulder Foothills (picture: top).  At high speed this section is a bit more precarious because of the drop offs and blind turns.  Ride in control and yield to climbers and hikers.  The loop closes at 3.6 miles into your ride and the short ride back begins.

This is the perfect trail for a novice because it will give you a chance to practice some important skills.  It is not very challenging but it has its fine points.  If you love dirt as much as I do, sometimes the trail just doesn’t matter as long as I can sink a nobby into terra firma.  Follow my path at connect.garmin.com/activity/246883027  and use the information on the website to plan your ride.  There is a lot of useful information on these Garmin pages to help you get a feel for the trail.

Thanks again for clicking in and Happy Thanksgiving. 

Alan Romero

Heil Valley Ranch: Wapiti

It’s November 18th and the sun was gracing our clear blue skies today.  In winter we fat tire enthusiasts take to the hills any chance we get and today our weather was in full cooperation.

I decided to ride my favorite training ground-Heil Valley Ranch.  Heil Valley Ranch is located just off of Left Hand Canyon road in north Boulder.  I can always count on Heil for prime riding most of the year.  It can get snowed over but today the trail was nice and dry.

The ride starts at the trailhead on a service road headed north on a gradual climb.  The first time I brought a bike up here I couldn’t make it 5 minutes up this climb before I had to stop.  This does not mean the climb is difficult, quite the opposite in fact.  Today I would post my best time on this trail.  The road is a bit rocky at the bottom but clears nicely as you make your way up to the Wapiti trail.

This first section is hard packed single track and out in the open but not for long.  After a short pedestrian bridge and one really cool switchback, once you pass the park bench you’re right up among the pine trees.

The climbing is pretty steady and with all the recent trail work the route is certainly bike friendly.  No real obstacles on this section, the trail is well groomed and quite shady.  Be on the lookout for riders coming down, they’re supposed to yield to climbers and most do but sometimes you have some riders not paying attention.

Today I’m making great time, carefully pointing my front tire through rocks and roots, rolling over soft dirt and pine needles.  There are a couple of switchbacks up this section but no problem as long as you keep the pedals moving.  It is heavily wooded although the trees seem a bit thin.  There are a couple of rocky sections, nothing too difficult.  Around the 1.6 mile mark you cross a service road and the trail takes on a much rockier personality.

The climb, coupled with rock and loose dirt turns a Green climb into a Blue.  You’ll need to pound on the pedals in a few sections; be careful because there are some pretty jagged rocks up here.  You’ll pass some groomed sections, one long enough to take your eyes off the trail to see if you can catch a glimpse of deer that claim Heil Ranch home. 

Around the 2 mile mark you come to an old homestead ruin.  It’s hard to know how long this has been here but you’ll quickly notice that this structure was completely built using rock from the area.  The trail takes an abrupt turn here on the way up to the first trail junction.  If you’ve made it this far keep going because the trail continues at a much milder climb with fewer rocks until you reach the junction.

Wapiti trail meets with Ponderosa Loop at the 2.69 mile mark.  The trail is extremely rocky and I chose the descent down to Wild Turkey Loop.  This section is fast if you let yourself roll, just be very cautious because rocks are plenty, some that look quite sharp too.  At the junction I go left down to the scenic overlook.  You may remember my Picture Rock post-part of this ride will run along a common section going in the opposite direction because this time I started on the other side of the mountain.  I stop for a few minutes to snap some pictures then off I go on a gradual but very rocky climb up Ponderosa Loop.

Up to this point, other than my rest stop, I haven’t had to stop-a significant improvement for me, especially at this pace.  This climb up the other side of Ponderosa Loop is so rocky I have no chance to take my eyes off the trail.  The trial tops out at 6703 feet; the wind is blowing through a sparse pine forest when I hear some sticks snap just behind me.  I slow and lift my head for a moment when my eyes catch a glimpse of 3 wandering bucks.  I quickly come to a stop, scramble for my camera hoping to snap a photo of these magnificent animals.  Like a friend waiting for me to catch up, they stand there just looking at me, waiting to enter into immortality.  I stand there, my eyes meet the curious stare of the largest buck; looking at each other as if deciding to fight or retreat.  To my relief he chooses to disappear into the woods.

Back on the bike I roll down rocky tread back to the Wapiti trail for the exciting trip down.  Get ready for a thrill ride with a few terrifying speed sections.  This downhill will require some skill; if you’re not comfortable on a bike don’t test your skills here-trees won’t move when you hit ‘em!

Hydraulic brakes work great here because you can apply them with just one finger while the rest of your hand grips the handlebar.  You’ll also need to have a good feel for the width of your bars because trees can line up pretty close together while the trail threads between them.  Also, remember to yield to hikers and climbers.

This trail will require a bit of leg strength and some well tuned lungs.  On my first ride, about 2 years ago, I had a difficult time completing this ride so if it’s your first time, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself turning back.  I would suggest at least going as far as the Wapiti, Ponderosa Loop junction (2.7 miles), the ride down from here is incredible.

Always wear a helmet on our trails and ride in control.  A hard tail bike would make it ok but full suspension keeps the tires where they need to be, on the ground.

Follow my route at connect.garmin.com/activity/244741357  and don’t forget to click on the green arrow to run the player.  Snow is covering our peaks and will soon cover our trails down here.  We can ride all year long so check back often.  Make time to ride; you’ll be glad you did.  Happy Trails.

AR

2012 Boulder Cup: Cyclocross

The Valmont City Bike Park was host to the 7th annual Boulder Cup Cyclocross event this past weekend and thousands of spectators gathered to watch some of the country’s most elite riders compete in a race of strength and endurance.

Cyclocross is a form of racing done on modified road bikes equipped for off-road terrain.  Races typically take place in the fall and in some areas all winter long.  This form of racing grew from a desire to maintain fitness during the winter months while keeping up with competition at the same time.  Cyclocross is also the perfect activity for us mountain bikers to keep up our endurance during these colder months when our trails are usually covered in snow.

The Boulder Cup is Colorado’s premier Cyclocross event and this year was no exception.  Cycling teams gathered under their tents, the latest technology on display and some of the nicest athletes you'll ever find.  I had the distinct pleasure of meeting my first Olympian this year; Georgia Gould, bronze medalist in mountain biking at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.  Riding for team Luna Chix, she was among the elite women riders to compete this past weekend and she dominated.

Valmont City Bike Park is an amazing place; the designers have created a spectacular mountain bike training facility including a terrain park, dual slalom run, two pump parks and several classic Cyclocross features including a sandpit and two staircase run-ups.  Trails run in all directions, taking you on all sorts of trail options with obstacles similar to what you’re likely to find up it the Boulder foothills.  The park contains elements to help you in all areas of riding from balance and speed to rock hopping.  If you’re into high speed banking, check out the dual slalom course-it’s exhilarating.  The climbs are fairly easy so if you’re looking for climbing practice in the winter, try Flagstaff road instead.

It was a great day of racing and the view of the Boulder Flatirons was as clear as could be.  Do yourself a huge favor and visit the Valmont City Bike Park, it will surely be a day well spent for kids and adults alike.  

Just another indication that Boulder is the ultimate cycling destination....AR

Golden Gate: Mountain Lion

Golden Gate State Park proudly claims more than 12,000 acres of dense forest, rocky peaks and aspen groves laced with miles of trails that will satisfy even your most adolescent desire for the outdoors.  Located just outside beautiful Golden Colorado, it offers one of the best locations for a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountain Range from Panorama Point.  This past weekend I dared to ride the Mountain Lion trail; again!

I caught the Burro trail at the Bridge Creek parking area, just outside the private property line in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.  The state park map describes this as a “Difficult” trail for all users including hikers, bikers and horseback riders.  This wasn’t my first time out here so I had a good idea what lay ahead.

The trail immediately starts with a rather difficult climb; I wasn’t able to make it before and this time was no different.  It is a steep climb on very rocky tread, the trick is continuous pedaling but I haven’t been able to make it without coming off the pedals and once you’re off it’s quite difficult, on steep inclines, to clip back in.  I did however make it higher than I did before, just a few yards from the first switchback.

Once over this first climb, the trail ascends gradually on intermediate tread to the first trail junction; Burro and Mountain Lion.  I chose to ride Mountain Lion for its scenery and it just so happens to be one of the longer trails in the park.  I go left up past another Burro, Mountain Lion junction and continue up Mountain Lion.  This section of trail is nice; single track and mostly smooth with just a few rocks.  At the 0.87 mile mark the trail turns downward on rocky tread.  Watch out for hikers as you pick up speed and be careful because the trail is very rocky. 

At around the 1 mile mark you come across the restored Tallman Ranch-the Tallman’s were Swedish immigrants who homesteaded here in 1876 because it reminded Anders Tallman of his Swedish homeland.  I was a little disappointed with the modern looking porch swings; not sure why those in charge did not prefer a more authentic feel.  In any event, it is worth stopping for a few moments to see how pioneers lived in the late 1800’s.  There is a plaque just above the pond with a delightful narrative of this historic landmark.

After a few pictures I continue on past the Buffalo, Mountain Lion trail junction and the Forgotten Valley backcountry campsite.  The climb is gradual on double track before suddenly turning up the mountain on tight single track.  This part of the climb is long and very strenuous.  My Garmin Edge recorded a sudden spike in elevation, I can only guess that it must have lost signal under the cover of pine and aspen trees because it wasn’t that steep.  It was however steep enough to wear me down considerably, even after a few brief stops to catch my breath.  The trail is decorated with a few extremely difficult sections with exposed roots and large rock formations competing against you and at steep angles.  The trail finally peaks at 8909 feet at the 2.16 mile mark.

Once on top, the trail immediately starts to descend.  For the next half mile, you will need a lot of skill and some intestinal fortitude to make it down this section.  The trail runs through deep woods with steep drop offs and exposed rock and roots, it will be pretty darn intimidating at any skill level.  I was tempted in many areas to test my skills but good sense would prevail as I clung to trees with one hand while walking the bike with the other.  About halfway down you come across the other side of Burro trail but I continue on down Mountain Lion.

Beginning at around the 3 mile mark the trail clears a bit, from large boulders at least, and takes you down what could be one of the best trails in the area if not for all the intermittent rock protruding from the ground.  These rocks are scattered all along the trail and makes for quite an obstacle course.  The woods are dense and damp from mountain dew and you can hear Deer Creek in the background adding some ambiance to your ride.  I take a couple of spills along this stretch but nothing too serious.  This time out was far more difficult that the last time I rode here; I could only guess it was because of my choice of pedal.  I was on platform pedals last time so I was able to use my feet more to keep my balance.  There are a couple of small creek crossings and log bridges, which unfortunately are not bike friendly.  You’ll also find a couple of hidden campsites in the area; would be perfect for an overnight camping trip.

The long downhill ends at the 4.47 mile mark.  From here you begin another climb, this time on a service road.  The road climbs for 0.75 miles and it may not look steep on the map but I had a bear of a time on this climb-the first hundred yards really takes it out of you, especially after all you’ve been through up to this point (I actually did this part twice because when I reached the top I noticed I hadn’t started the timer on my Garmin Edge so I went back down to start the recording again).  The trail turns downward again at 5.20 miles into your ride.  This part of the trail is probably the easiest descent of the whole ride.  The trail is not too technical with some great twists and turns, too bad it doesn’t last long.  This section brings you down to the Nott Creek trail head and continues through on great but short single track.  The trail turns quickly up the mountain again, so quickly you’ll miss the turn because this short section takes you pretty fast.

The first part of this next climb, at the 6.03 mile mark, is impossible to pass on a bicycle; I suppose there may be some riders who could do it but they’d have to be exceptional or specialists.  At this point in the ride I’m completely exhausted.  The rest of the climb is at about a 45 degree angle for almost a mile, so long and toilsome, I didn't even have the energy for mental notes.  I would end up stopping twice to sit and catch my breath and give my legs a rest.  It’s so hard for me to lose my enthusiasm on a trail but I was so ready to be done by the time I reached the top of this climb (6.81 miles).

The Mountain Lion trail drops for just a short while and meets back up with the Burro trail for a final time before heading down to the trail head.  Coming down this final section can be difficult; you’re coming down a lot faster over many obstacles and then you add an element of fatigue; this ride ends in dramatic fashion.

I had a very hard time the first time I rode this trail; this time around I did much better.  I was out about 3 hours on a very difficult and arduous trail.  This ride is not for everyone and will demand a lot of skill and stamina.  For those who don’t care for an epic ride, find some time to at least make it out to the Tallman Ranch, this is a great area for a picnic and skipping rocks.

Follow my ride at connect.garmin.com/activity/235386948 where you’ll find my ride statistics and trail route.  Riding out in isolation can be very therapeutic so if you're looking for a break from the daily routine, find a little time for some R&R and hit the trails, you'll be glad you did.  Remember, you'll find the fountain of youth on a trail of dirt-ride on!

Alan Romero