I haven’t been riding my bike much this summer. Frankly, I’m finding it quite boring. But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep trying to get the passion back. So when Pete and Jasper suggested an epic ride on some new trails, I decided to say “Yes”. How hard could it really be to go almost 100 miles all the way around the West Elks on my 7th ride of the year? Turns out, it’s pretty hard, thanks to literally hundreds of downed trees on the Raggeds trail. In fact, we needed a brief period of cell phone coverage on the West side of Kebler pass to get a call out to Brittany, asking her to pick us up as night fell upon us after 13+ hours of pedaling, 10k of vert, and more than 70 miles. Good fun, in a twisted kind of way. The pics:
The Raggeds trail was a damn mess as of about three years ago, I lost the trail completely, and almost lost my bike trying to find the trail. Doesn’t sound like it has improved. The firs part looked good though, maybe I’ll try that one sometime. You guys been down to the Rio Grande rides yet this summer? I miss that one.
Yeah, Raggeds isn’t all one might think it could be, that’s for sure. We need to get down to Rio Grande Reservoir some time, without a doubt. How’s Shasta riding?
Well, the rides I have done are great, the Entertainer is a big downhill from Panther Meadows with lots of log riding features, and the McCloud river trail is a nice XC with waterfalls and swimming holes. The network as a whole is a little lack luster compared to CB, Gunni, Winter Park, or Vail. But let’s face it, after riding for years in those zones, I’ve been spoiled rotten.
As it stands now, plan B is to keep givin’ er.
I want to ride the Raggeds Trail this up coming weekend. I heard from Darin at the Gear Exchange in Glenwood that there are only about 3 trees down on the trail at this point. Hoping there aren’t hundreds like you encountered. Any more info about the trail?
Andrew- I also heard that most of the trees have been cut out, so you should be good to go on that front. I bet the Aspens are peaking right now, so it should be beautiful. Still not my favorite trail, but it’s always worth a look at something new, right?
Thanks for the info. The peaking Aspens are a big reason to go ride the trail. Also, tick another one off the list!
Andrew, check out the Lowline trail at this time of year for a similar, but better, IMO ride. And another one on the list…