UT: Moab - Raptor Route

 We arrived at our last day in Moab. Max had to head back to work, so it would be Kara and myself on this ride...but wait, remember those other friends that live in town? As luck would have it, two more friends had driven in, Alexis and Denny, and were staying at Eszter's place a couple blocks away. Andrew & Katie Strempke were also coming back to town and were free for a morning spin. Just like that, it was a party on two wheels!!

Kara and I were feeling the effects of the previous days adventures, so we agreed to meet the others at the Kestrel trailhead up Sand Flats Rd. The others would ride there from town. Today's ride would be the Raptor Route. We'd ride up Sand Flats Rd, with the addition of a new climbing trail to bypass some of the road, then ride down a series of four trails: Eagle Eye, Hawks Glide, Falcon Flow & Kestrel.

Since we were meeting them at 8a, we had time to walk into town for breakfast at the Love Muffin Cafe. 

Huevos Rancheros always hit the spot.

We got going on time and there was an instant gut punch on the road, a steep section splitting two rock features. I was able to ride it, but oof, I felt that!! It didn't take long to reach the climbing trail. It wasn't here last year when I rode this route. Andrew had ridden it before and he had mentioned something to the effect of: You hardly notice you're climbing. Hmmm, we'll see about that.

I only managed this one photo on the climb up the trail. I was too busy trying to keep up...which I failed.

The trail was a really nice addition as it mostly contoured the terrain and yes, did have a few flowy downhill bits tossed in. When we regrouped at the road junction, we all agreed, you definitely notice the climbing!! Haha.

We were now back on Sand Flats Rd, nothing really flat about this ride other than this photo. Up, up, up it goes and off the back I went.

One of the steep kickers, paved for your enjoyment. Denny cranks away up ahead. I made it as far as I could, then walked the rest. A bit too much on the singlespeed gearing for me.

Kara plugging away.

Hooray!! We made it to the top of the road climb.

Since we were here, there's a really short connector trail to the Castle Valley overlook on the Whole Enchilada route. Might as well get one final view and it makes for a good group selfie.

Thanks to Eszter for snapping this one, mine wasn't nearly as good. Her caption sums it up perfectly.

Yep, never gets old. Amazeballs.

We made our way back to the start of Eagle Eye to get the downhill fun rolling. Man, this trail starts out with a fast, swoopy section winding its way through the trees...on dirt!! No rocks!! But don't be sucked in, the rocks come and they don't relent. This trail drops almost 800' in a little over two miles. I tried to keep up with Katie, but that was futile. About halfway down I couldn't feel my fingers, arm pump was in full effect, but I didn't want to stop.

Whew!! End of Eagle Eye, my teeth were tingling.

Everyone was feeling the effects of flying down that one, stretch it out!!

Hawks Glide was a tad less demanding, but still grin enducing. This final feature is fun, steep, technical and switchbacky. I rode almost all of it, one tight righthander gave me pause. You can barely see Andrew & Denny already waiting for the rest of us.

Kara's bike needed a rest too. Photo by Kara.

Katie eyeing up the approach from up top.

Short connection on Sand Flats Rd. to Falcon Flow.

Flow it did. Denny & Alexis leading the way, so fast!!

I tried to stick with Andrew, Eszter & Katie. For a while I did.

I rode ahead of the group here so I could grab an action shot of everyone.

Katie was first through, but now on a time crunch as a work Zoom meeting loomed.

Such a fun surprise to get to ride with Alexis today. Her love of rocks & geology is infectous.

So good to share some miles with Denny as well, it had been a while since I last saw these two.

It was so odd to have me on the singlespeed and Andrew on gears. What is this world coming to?? Also, if you need top notch bikepacking gear, check out Dispersed Bikepacking.

Two rides with Eszter this weekend...and we didn't need lights!! Holy moly, are we becoming reasonable?? Doubt it. Now that she has a place here, I have a feeling there will be plenty of big dumb rides in our future. Looking forward to it.

Kara, what a trooper this weekend. We were both feeling it on this ride, but hung in there.

One of the few uphill areas on this route.

More slickrock riding as we finish up on Falcon Flow. We didn't have time for the official Slickrock Trail on this trip, but I'm sure Kara got her fill of it.

Huge sweeping turn and those views!!

We crossed back over Sand Flats Rd. as we began the final trail, Kestrel. Andrew had warned me of an upcoming steep chute area. Eszter said she's balked at it each time she's ridden here. Maybe today was the day??

Today WAS the day!! Eszter riding down the slickrock chute into the tight righthand switchback, making it look easy.

I was up next, yep, it was steep, but traction mostly held. I could hear the rear tire slide a little bit, but I never felt out of control. The tight turns weren't too bad and just like that I was through. Really neat feature.

Eszter and I wrapping up Kestrel through the final canyon.

Both Kara and I declared we were done and actually ready to head home. This was a perfect ending to our weekend riding a fantastic route with the best friends. So glad our schedules worked out for a couple of these.

Our weekend totals were something like 5 rides over 4 days, 103 miles and 11,600' of gain and that was WITH two shuttles!! The singlespeed was great for most of it, maybe not so much on the Sand Flats Rd climb today, but everything else it was fine, same goes for the hardtail. Sure, full squish is nice and I've ridden these trails on one, but for now the hardtail is what I have.

Spotted some rock crawlers on our drive out. Photo by Kara.

Classic sighting on the drive south along US191.

Route:

UT: Moab - Mag 7 #locoride

 It started to lightly rain on Saturday evening. The forecast for Sunday wasn't looking favorable for a Mag 7 route. We kept checking and it varied between 50 - 70% chance of showers for most of the day. Karin told us there were sections of death mud early on the route too. Wheel stopping stuff in the clay. Ugh. We wanted no part of that.

Karin had to drive back to Colorado for work, so she was unable to join any ride we did on Sunday. The original plan was to self-shuttle the route. Sunday morning came and it was still lightly raining on & off in town. It did look like it was clearing to the west, which is where our route was. The local radar was showing the storm cells moving towards the northeast and the La Sal Mtns. shrouded in thick clouds. We were so glad we opted to ride the Whole Enchilada route the day before. Lucked out on that.

The three of us, Kara, Max and I, decided we'd at least drive up to the beginning of the Mag 7 route off Gemini Bridges Rd. Karin suggested we ride the dirt road if it looked damp as that wouldn't be as bad with clay, bypassing the Getaway trail. The Mag 7 route is kinda funny, seems no one can say exactly what the route is. There are some options you can take over the first few miles. I think most people ride the Getaway trail to Bull Run, where you can either take the full Bull Run or stay on Getaway, then cut over to lower Bull Run. It continues onto Great Escape...or you could take Arths Corner. Either way, they all lead to Gold Bar to Gold Bar Rim and finally onto the infamous Portal trail. There's also an option to cut the route short / easier, by hopping on Gemini Bridges Rd. before climbing Gold Bar. Sheesh. So many options. The final three trails are quite committing, a good climb up Gold Bar, then double black type of technical riding next to a sheer 1000' cliff along Gold Bar Rim and some warning signs along Portal trail. With all that said, we hoped the weather would hold off for a good day on the bike.

We loaded the three bikes on my rack and made our way up Gemini Bridges Rd. Next thing we knew, the sun was shining and blue skies were all around!! At the trailhead, everything was dry!! Hell yeah!! There weren't many other vehicles there as the forecast was keeping them away. Let's go!!

Getaway: Thataway.

Max enjoying the dry, fast start.

Kara, don't get used to these flowy trails today!!

You can see Navajo Rocks from up here.

Max, taking suggestions from the dots.

Methinks that sign could use a replacement.

Cool section of slickrock next to the ledges of Bull Canyon. Photo by Max.

So far, this turned out to be a great decision to come ride.

Colors were popping everywhere too. Photo by Max.

Moab Base Camp.

Kara riding towards the petrified sand dunes.

Trying my best to clean a short power move. Photo by Max.

The brooding clouds made for fantastic photos, but would those dark ones bring gloom & doom or hold off for us??

What's this?? A flat, fast, dirt-like substance?? Indeed.

Trail #3: Great Escape.

It sure looked like it was snowing up in the La Sals. It was probably snowing at the Hazard County dropoff. We were guessing it was closed after opening for one day on the season. Glad we were there y'day!!

Big fat slickrock spine.

Slickrock switchback.

Hard to believe this guy has only been mountain biking for a little over a year.

Neat routing here. Photo by Max.

Riders on the storm. Photo by Kara.

Max ready to launch.

Aero mode!!

The route serpentined along the stacked rocks.

I had some catching up to do after taking photos. I came around a bend where the trail dropped into a sandy wash. I could see Kara down there appearing to be lying in the sand. Making sand angels?? Nope. She caught some deep sand and toppled over. No harm done.

There was a punchy line exiting the wash and I wanted to give it a go. I was able to get a little momentum and made the initial turn up into the main line. Then gave it everything. I kept the cranks turning and cleaned the climb. Pretty stoked on that effort. At the top was a nice open area and we were ready for a snack break.

A few minutes later a group of six or so dropped into the wash and one of the guys also took a tumble. Happens to everyone eventually. I did take a little bit of pride watching all the geared riders walk up the climb. :)

Kara drops into a wash area, but stays upright this time!!

Max attempting a tricky line.

More fun routing ensued.

We followed the group of six for a bit.

At the end of Great Escape there was the option to head down Gemini Bridges road to shorten the ride and make it considerably easier. The group of six said they'd be heading that way. We only saw two other riders so far. The weather was still holding out, we were feeling good and Kara wanted to see the overlook we had been telling her about. This was the point of commitment, we went for it.

Follow the yellow brick road so-to-speak. This portion of the route had two major climbs, getting us to a high point along Gold Bar Rim.

Max making easy work of the uphill.

Tight squeeze!!

I did walk a little bit on this one, but was able to pedal some too. Photo by Max.

Kara was steady the entire way, keeping those cranks spinning. Photo by Max.

Lots of warning signs along the way. Turn around here, go back this way, take the easier option, etc. Nah, we're good.

Kara topping out on a steep grade.

Max powering through.

Max sending it down this big roller. That was a fun one.

Couple of moto guys came through right after us. Cool to see these guys navigate the rock challenges.

Tame section of jeep road.

The climbing continues as does Kara's facial expressions!!

Hmmm...those storm clouds appear to be heading our way. Photo by Max.

Getting awfully dark behind us.

Just keep moving, perhaps it'll skirt by us.

Nope. Steady rain and the wind really picked up, gusting to 30mph+!! Good thing we all brought rain jackets.

We kept moving, climbing steadily through the passing storm. I heard Max calling my name, but had no idea where he was. He called again saying he was looking straight at me!! Ahh, there he is, hiding out under a rock overhang. Perfect. We all took refuge there as the wind continued to howl. Normally, not a huge deal, but it was blowing out over the upcoming cliff and the trail then follows that cliff for a while!! Not exactly ideal.

Our safe house for a few minutes.

After 10 minutes or so, the rain relented and the winds calmed. Go time!!

We eventually made it to the overlook. Yowza!! This place is normally crawling with riders, only us today.

Absolutely spectacular up here, even in crappy weather.

Looking towards Canyonlands NP, the Colorado River takes center stage.

Wet or dry, the slickrock has amazing traction.

Entering double black terrain, more warnings and exit strategies.

We all agreed that it was really cool being up here, alone, on wet trail.

Definitely some gnarly descents, but easy enough to walk down.

Boom!!

Once again, the hardtail getting it done. No ragrets!! :)

Hell yeah, Kara!! She was really getting into the Moab groove now.

I think it was this area, Max and I turned around and I saw the famous rock jutting out over the cliff. There it is!! Gotta get some photos.

It's not as death defying as it appears, but what a shot!!

It's huge!!

Kara getting all the epic views.

Looking down US191 towards town.

Zoomed in on the Colorado River, we'd eventually be riding across the far bridge. Still a ways to go.

The route doesn't always follow the cliff's edge, but here it does. Photo by Max.

You can see the red dots we were following. Incredible place to be.

Amazeballs.

High above the entrance to Arches NP.

Potential banner photo.

Shoot the gap!! Photo by Max.

Paparazzi getting set as Kara approaches.

Great capture!! Steady through the channel. Photo by Max.

Shot of the shot.

Finishing clean.

Video grab, see below.

The glance at the camera is hilarious.

Moab coming into view. It's starting to look within reach now.

Gave this boulder an honest effort, but didn't get it. Actually, almost ate shit!! I had to bail backwards. Cool shot though. Photo by Max.

Sometimes, it's hard to believe we get to ride in these places. Photo by Kara.

The storm cell that blew over us is now tormenting the La Sal Mtns.

Peering across the valley, you can see one of the arches in the National Park.

Hmmm, looks like a second wave may be coming!!

Splashes of red made an appearance. Photo by Kara.

Kara picking her line wisely.

Blue sky in the above photo, then a few minutes later we were scrambling once again to pull out our rain jackets. Thunder clapped in the near distance, then hail began to fall!! We couldn't find a rock ledge to hide under, but with the blowing wind, a large boulder would serve as a wind break.

Huddled up once again. It's officially a #locoride and we were loving it. Photo by Kara.

The cell passed over us quickly and we got moving. This was a fun technical section of trail.

We all high-fived when we reached the dirt road, signaling the end of Gold Bar Rim.

A short connector on the jeep road brought us to our final trail for the day: Portal.

Portal has a reputation as a high pucker factor trail. It follows and drops down that far cliff band.

We gave Kara plenty of warning about this trail, but she was game. Ride what you can, walk the rest.

Definitely take notice and heed the warnings on this trail.

The beginning rides quite nice, just don't look down if you have an aversion to heights.

I really enjoy this trail. Photo by Max.

It's spectacular.

Moab, spread out on the valley floor. The famed Slickrock Trail is perched behind and above town.

Kara taking it in stride.

Coming up to the first dicey bit.

Not today, Satan. Photo by Max.

If there wasn't a shear cliff next to Max, riding this wouldn't be a big deal. But, there is, so we walk. One small pedal strike or leg bump: you're dead. Photo by Kara.

A second dismount area, similar type of rock feature with high consequences.

That's an appropriate reaction.

Max putting his new found hike-a-bike skill to the test.

Around this spot, the trail no longer clings to the cliff's edge, but the tread surface deteriorates into a boulder strewn mess. Highly technical is a gross understatement here. Portal trail is worthy of it's Proline difficulty rating.

Kara is ON the trail. Talk about rowdy.

There were some rideable areas, here a nice big slickrock slab.

Nearing the end, it never lets up.

There's even a small rock drop entering the road below. Imagine messing that up, going over the bars and falling into oncoming traffic!! Seriously, it could happen. We all made it down without incident. Hooray!! The final few miles were relatively flat and paved. A nice cooldown to the ride.

Heading out SR279 towards US191.

I was glad to see Kara & Max make the turnoff to this sign.

What a day!!

Remember that far away bridge in the earlier photo?? We're there.

We stopped again at Proper Brewing, this time the back patio was practically empty. Perhaps it was the weather or because most of the tourists had already left town as it was now Sunday afternoon. It was the perfect end to the ride. We all remarked how glad we were that we went for it. When that group of six riders departed us at Gemini Bridges Rd. we didn't see another rider on trail the rest of the way, which was downright incredible for such a popular route.

Thankfully, the two storm cells passed over us quickly and the riding surface never really changed in the wet weather. It ended up being an incredible day to be out there.

After lunch, we rode back to the house, then Max and I drove back up to retrieve my car.

Taken from US191, that's Gold Bar Rim up there. Can you spot the rock we stood on for photos??

There it is!! Zoom in.

Just like that, we only had one more ride left. It was shaping up to be another stellar cast of characters. We needed a good nights rest and hoped our legs would respond the next morning.

Route: