Little Raven: Tribute! Warrior

Sourdough CR116 Trailhead: N40°01.656’  W105°31.478’

Chief Little Raven was a proud warrior, dedicated to peace and preservation of the land his people held dear.  Time after time his will would be tested from broken promises to unforgivable massacre but he never lost sight of his goal for peace for the Arapahoe.  The Little Raven trail is a lasting tribute to a great man and your chance to find your inner warrior.

Four times' the charm, for this week most of Sourdough and finally Little Raven have been mapped.  This route takes you one-way up Sourdough then on to Little Raven.  Rain clouds followed me all day and it just seemed safer to call it a day once I reached the end of the trail.  Certainly the ride back would have been quite the challenge, perhaps next time the weather will cooperate.

Sourdough was in perfect condition this time around.  A little rain made the ride a bit cold and despite some slippery rocks it produced fine trail conditions.  A word of caution, if storm conditions exist you may want to consider ending your ride if lightning is active - lightning can be very dangerous up in the mountains and no ride is worth the risk.  The tread is half hard-pack and half rocky single-track.  Rocks will range in size, some impossible to pass on two wheels but no match for a determined rider on two feet.  Little Raven had its fair share of rock but most was Dirt soil and light mud, oh yeah!

Shade is abundant and parts of this ride will surely bring a smile to your face, perhaps even a little vocal display of approval.  The climbing is steady with some well placed descents.  Water features are few so enjoy them when you can - there is a great one at Peace Memorial Bridge about 2.45 miles from the Sourdough trailhead.  I reduced the rear tire pressure a bit for better traction and this seemed to help with the climbing - bring a pump because you'll need to add air along the way.  Some sections will call for good line choices and strong legs so make sure you're ready.

802 to Little Raven

You'll finally reach 802 to Little Raven at about 5.15 miles and you have two choices.  North (right) will take you down the to the CR104 Sourdough trailhead, which looks to be less than half a mile and West (left) will take you up towards Little Raven.  I had been dying to give Little Raven a try so naturally I pointed the Schwalbe Nobby Nics West.  This first section is brutal and for about 0.06 miles your determination will be tested (this picture is only the beginning).  It runs up along a water bed and years of snow melt have formed a bit of a 'V' with plenty of exposed rock, mostly the boulder variety.  Only an expert, a level of skill I have yet to acquire, would be able to pass this section without dismounting.  The trail becomes more rideable the closer you get to mile 5.67 so don't give up, you're almost there.  

The Little Raven officially begins after a short climb up CR104 toward Lefthand Reservoir.  At or about 6.80 miles you'll catch the Little Raven.  This trail turns to very narrow single-track through dense pine forest so keep your eyes peeled for trail markers because at times it's hard to make out a trail.  You'll cross some really cool man made lumber paths, about 12 inches wide, that run over the soggy parts of the trail.  Check your balance because the slightest mistake and your shoe will find the bottom of a very muddy puddle.  Along the way you'll come upon a lonely pond which will make another great background if you can find a spot clear enough to stand by.

Snow drifts still covered parts of this trail and paired with many downed trees it was quite difficult to get by.  Don't be discouraged, keep going because at this point you're so far down it would crazy not to finish.  The final descent at about the 7.00 mile mark is so worth it.  The trail is tight with twists and turns, you'll forget all about the work it took to get here.

This leg of Sourdough is a solid Blue and Little Raven varies is difficulty but the toughest parts raise the bar to a Black Diamond.  It was a long and tough ride but that's why we ride mountain bikes, for the adventure.  This ride was all mountain because it contained everything one would expect from a Rocky Mountain trail.  It will require stamina, strength, strong lungs and passion, for this route is not for the timid.  It is a local favorite because of it's challenging terrain and if you've been dying to find out how you and your bike can handle the Rocky Mountains, give this route a try, you won't be disappointed.

Follow my route at connect.garmin.com/activity/329052350 and for those interested, I have a website where you can contact me directly; www.dirt-life.com Dirt Life will start to offer tours so if you're planning on visiting our neck of the woods, send me a message and I'll make sure your mountain bike trip is a memorable one.

Brainard Lake

Enjoy the summer and I hope to see you on the trail - Alan

Eagle Trail: Setting Sun

Boulder is set right in the foothills and the sun will set here a little earlier than perhaps Denver but this time of year we still have good light until maybe 9:00 or 9:30.  Last Thursday I thought I'd get a short ride in on one of Boulder's friendlier trails near Boulder Reservoir; Eagle Trail.

The Eagle Trail, located in North Boulder is a mild ride with only one section noteworthy for it's steep grade.  I caught the trail from the North Foothills trailhead, just off Hwy 36.  The whole trail for the most part is wide  with some sections narrowing to perhaps wide singletrack.  I rode up the hard packed Dirt road to the first gate-parking just seems easier from here.

There are a few cattle gates so make sure to close them behind you.  Also, obey the signs because most of the singletrack along this trail is closed to bikes.  The views have their own charm but are made much better with a setting sun.  In the distance you'll see Boulder Reservoir and off to the south you'll have great views of the Flatirons-with Boulder nestled just below, it makes a great photo.

You'll be traveling up on a ridge and the only section that may give you pause is the descent off the ridge.  The trail will seem flat until about 1.75 miles when you come to the steep drop down the side of the ridge.  I have a golden rule; if it looks dangerous to you, then it is!  I've ridden some pretty knarly trails and coming off this ridge seemed rather steep to me.  If you're not comfortable with your brake control dismount because an error with your front brake will send you over the handlebars in an instant.  If you're feeling brave just make sure to shift your weight to the back and feather the front brake.  I have hydraulic brakes so mechanical brakes will require just a little more strength to keep you in control.  There are some rocks but nothing too difficult.  Also, remember coming down means you have to climb it on the way back and this was no easy task.  I had a difficult time keeping my front tire down so be prepared to shift your weight to make it back up the trail.

The rest of the trail is rather mild.  You'll cross a small pond that makes a great backdrop for your next photo.  If you can, start this trail later in the day and wait for the sun to drop just behind the foothills for one spectacular shot.  You'll come to the official Eagle Trail trailhead at about 2.75 miles.  If you want to skip the knarly climb, have someone drop you off where I started and have them pick you up here.  It will be a short ride but it's a great trail to blow off a little steam.  I continued down to the Boulder Reservoir entrance just to add a little mileage to my ride.  

Other than the short steep section this was a very pleasant ride.  It's perfect for those just looking for a little off road ride without the long drive.  There are a number of hiking trails along this path too so don't rule out an after dinner walk.  Click on connect.garmin.com/activity/328055138 to link over to my Garmin page and check out the map for a better feel for the trail.  Check back for information on my Boulder County mountain bike tours.  Thanks for checking in and I hope to see you on the trail. 

 Alan

Sourdough: Corrida de Toros

Head hung low, a thirsty breath from his massive lungs, a pounding heart driving those powerful legs, a posture broken only by his fiercest tail whip, focused ahead, leading with a crown of horns there is no retreat.  Instinct drives the bull to incredible lengths, sometimes for senseless purpose.  It wasn't instinct that propelled me forward but it took the will of a bull to get you through the 4 foot snow drifts on Sourdough this past weekend.

All the moisture gave the forest a  freshly watered flavor.  I have never experienced a forest so fragrant;  a breeze flowing through the dense pine forest, nothing to pollute the air but seeping pine oil and damp pine cones.  The flowing streams provided the soundtrack to the day's activities.  There were many downed trees which added to the aroma, like fresh cut wood soaking in the melting snow.  The trail may have been overcome with snow but you could still get a sense of the abundant shade offered along the way.  There was too much snow to detect the actual tread but if it was anything like the first 2 miles it would have a mix of smooth crushed gravel, hard packed Dirt or rocks, some jagged enough to pierce a tire.

The snow had a consistency of a snow cone and felt like sandpaper against your skin as my feet plunged the 3 to 4 foot snow drifts.  You forget the winter conditions until you begin to feel the freeze upon your feet.  My feet got so cold I had to stop twice to wring out my socks while my toes thawed in the scorching sun.  My relationship with the bike was also interrupted as it progressed from riding to walking to carrying and finally dragging.

Despite the extremely difficult conditions, I was having a great time and all I could think about was reaching Little Raven.  I had to use the trail markers extensively because the trail was completely obscured.  Here's a tip: if your trail is concealed and you feel you may be off track, set your bike down and try and locate the last or next marker.  Most markers are within view of each other so keep searching but never lose sight of your bike.

Continuing along, feet frozen from the brutal trail, I spotted a short clearing, like a spotlight from the sky penetrating the dense pine forest of the Indian Peaks Mountain Range.  I removed my shoes and socks and placed my feet on the only rock exposed to the direct sunlight.  Looking down the trail I couldn't see an end to the snow drifts.  The day was winding down and I hadn't seen or heard any other trail users all day.  I had about 2 hours of sunlight left and I knew the conditions behind me but I wasn't sure what lay ahead.  If  I did reach Little Raven I would need to head back anyway.  I would then continue on Sourdough down to the north then ride the Hwy back to the trailhead or turn around and retrace my steps.  I was completely spent at this point, I had no clue how much longer I would be trekking through the snow in cycling shoes and the last thing I wanted was to get lost in the forest.

After about 15 minutes of calculating my next move, I decided that the safest thing to do would be to turn around.  So back I went through all the snow again, all the while being treated to an unbelievable scented forest, a smell you absolutely won't forget.  Later on I would discover that I was about a mile or so from the Little Raven trail junction.  I also learned quickly how difficult it is to ride challenging terrain on clipless pedals when your feet are freezing - you should avoid this if you can.

I traveled about 4 miles in and 4 miles out on a trail fit for the true mountain biker.  It will require great balance, strength and stamina plus some of the rocky sections are tough to pass without the proper skills.  Linked is a partial map and even though my speed was reduced by the snow drifts you can still get a sense of the elevation changes up to this point.  Link to my Garmin page connect.garmin.com/activity/322133742 for some useful information if you plan to ride Sourdough.  I should have a complete map that includes Little Raven at some point.  Till then, have yourself a fantastic ride.

A.R.

Mud Lake | Discreet Glissando

Trailhead Parking: N39°58.745’ W105°30.490’

As a music student I learned many things but none more important than dynamics.  Discreet glissando, a lazy stroll up and down the staff, distinct notes in perfect time, or not, smooth transitions from one note to the next as if falling forward without falling down.  Mud Lake is one of the smoothest riding trails in the area with easy transitions and a flow sure to carry you on your own dynamic journey through Caribou country.

This is a short 'cadenza' but it is so gentle you can ride it multiple times so when you leave you'll be a Mud Lake expert.  From the intersection of 28th and Canyon Drive in Boulder it will be less than an hour before nobby hits Dirt and you're on your way.  You'll enjoy the drive along Boulder Canyon which follows Boulder Creek all the way up to Barker Reservoir in the old mining town of Nederland Colorado.  From here you catch Hwy 72 to County Road 126 (Caribou Ranch).  The short road to Mud Lake trailhead is well marked, you can't miss it.

Before you begin grab a map from the kiosk and keep it handy for quick reference.  From the parking area catch the Mud Lake link for 0.10 miles to the first trail junction.  I went left for a short distance then right along the west end of Mud Lake but notice that this trail loops around Mud Lake so don't forget to try this loop too.  Moose frequent the area but I wasn't lucky enough to catch a glimpse this time.  At 0.30 miles I went right on Tungsten Loop.  On my Garmin page the climb looks steep but it is so gradual even a beginner could do this loop more than once.

The trail is so well marked and the tread is wide double track for most of the 'movement' with some singletrack down the Caribou link.  If you think you're lost, stop and see if you can find the blue diamond plates affixed to the trees, they should all be visible from each other and will help you stay on track.  

The trails are groomed to perfection to accommodate just about any type of tire.  There is a link trail at 0.43 miles to Kinnickinnick Loop and once on the loop I went left towards the south end of the trail.  The climbing continues for another 0.59 miles before leveling off.  There are some spectacular views on the way up so keep that camera handy.  The scent of ponderosa and lodgepole pine fills the air as a cool 'harmonic' breeze swept through the forest.  It gets a little rocky but nothing much bigger than a softball.  There is nothing I love more than to put my tires to good use and this tread gave me a little of everything.  At the summit there is a bench with a great view of the Rockies, will make the perfect Christmas card photo.

From 1.08 miles, get ready because here comes the thrill we mountain bikers crave.  It will be 'pastoral' for those bombers out there but for someone with just a little mountain biking experience, it will put a smile on your face a mile wide.  I let the wheels roll but some of the loose tread forced me into braking early.  There aren't any cliffs but there are a lot of trees so be careful and use your brakes skillfully.

At 1.54 miles you reconnect with the link trail that will take you back to the Tungsten loop.  Of course there's no rule against 'reprise' so go for it if the mood strikes you.  I headed back to Tungsten loop then down the Caribou Ranch link.  At the bottom you'll come across a wide pedestrian bridge before the climb.  This climb is also gentle but perhaps a bit more difficult than the first, especially for those from lower elevations.  The 0.74 miles up to the Caribou Ranch Open Space trailhead is so worth the trip.  The trail ends here so I turned back at 2.50 miles for the ride down.  This leg will have your adrenaline pumping again so give it a shot if you can. 

Before you head out click on connect.garmin.com/activity/318649430 to get a feel for the trail.  It looks harder than it is so don't let the mapping scare you.  This is a 'sonata' of trails with enough to satisfy most recreational mountain bikers.  Give it a try next time you're in the Boulder area, you'll be so glad you did.

Thanks for checking in and have a great ride.  Alan

Boulder Creek Path: Yellow Brick Road

Parking: N40°01.554’  W105°13.648’

"Follow the yellow brick road;" famous words of 1939.  Storytelling in full technicolor as Dorothy Gale travels to meet The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  A journey of endless surprises, vibrant colors and an unusual cast of characters.  My journey along the Boulder Creek Path would conjure up images of that old familiar film as I traveled through perhaps one of the most colorful cities in all America.

This heart of mine no doubt lives for Dirt but on occasion even I can't resist the soothing ride along the Boulder Creek.  This path will make the perfect afternoon and is easy enough for any rider of any skill.  This route takes you right through the heart of Boulder and is quite honestly the best way to catch a glimpse of the Boulder lifestyle.

I began my ride just west of the intersection of Valmont and 55th street.  Parking never seems to be a problem here and if you don't mind a few minutes of solitude this is your best bet.  The first half mile leaves a little to be desired but don't worry because the scenery gets so much better.  The path is paved all the way to mile mark 5.22 and is well marked except for the split to Boulder Community Hospital - I was sidetracked my first time so keep your eyes peeled on the way back.  Stick to the path that runs right along the creek and you'll have no problem finding your way around.

You will cross a number of bridges and overpasses, which offer some great photo opps and the shade is a welcome relief on a bright sunny day.  You'll be tempted by the singletrack that runs along the path but be aware that bikes are prohibited so to avoid those knowing stares stay on the path.  Also, treat the solid yellow lines as you would any lane and stay to the right.

Traveling west bound at around 1.5 miles you'll come upon a great view of the Boulder Flatirons to the left so have your cameras ready.  As you continue west you'll pass right next to Colorado University.  The creek is such an attraction it's hard to miss the student life happening all around you; will most certainly take you back to your college days.

On weekends, Central Park at about the 3.3 mile mark (Broadway and Canyon) will be bustling with activity as local growers gather at one of the finest farmer's markets in the state.  Here you'll have your pick from some of the freshest organic fruits and vegetables you'll find anywhere so bring your appetite.  Also, Pearl Street Mall is just a couple of blocks away so if outdoor mall hopping, souvenir shopping is the task of the day, you won't want to pass this up.  Pearl Street Mall is also a great place to grab a bite to eat so set some time aside if you crave a little taste of Boulder.

Right around this city center you'll have the most concentration of the 'color' that makes Boulder so unique.  Boulder has earned a 'colorful' reputation for the style and ease of its counterculture with its roots belonging to the 'hippie' generation of the 1960's.  Decades have passed but Boulder still remains one of the 'hippest' towns in the country.

All day the creek was dotted with lollipop colored kayaks floating down on this past winter's snow melt.  I've tried an inner tube before on this creek and I can tell you that nothing can prepare you for the cold water flowing through these rocks, it will absolutely take your breath away.  Another great spot is the Evert Pierson Kid's Fishing Pond at about 3.79 miles into your ride.  There is a parking area here so if a ride is not on the agenda but you have a little time to kill, bring the kids out for a little Rocky Mountain Trout fishing along Boulder Creek.

The pavement ends at Eben G. Fine Park at around the 5.22 mile mark.  For those looking for a little more exercise and some canyon atmosphere, continue past the park on the well groomed and wide Dirt path.  You'll definitely want to have your cameras ready because there is some absolutely beautiful scenery up the canyon with stunning rapids and rock walls.  The climb is gradual by our standards but may be tiresome for those from lower elevations.  Take your time and stop often, you won't regret it.  The trail ends after about 6.5 miles, with port-o-potties just in case.  This is a very busy trail on weekends so watch your speed on the way down and always yield to pedestrians.

Finally, if you've ever had a Chicago dog you won't find one any better than a Mustard's Last Stand Chicago dog.  Right off the path at Broadway and Arapahoe (3.35 mile East Bound / 1719 Broadway) you'll find the tastiest hot dog and is sure to hit the spot after an afternoon on the Boulder Creek Path.  It was the perfect end to a perfect day, click this link connect.garmin.com/activity/315330377 to gather all the information you need to plan your ride.  With a little heart, courage and an open mind, you're sure to enjoy the colorful journey down Boulder's 'yellow brick road;' hope to see you on the path.

Alan