Annual Fall Moab MTB Pilgrimage

Went down to Moab last week of September for our annual Fall MTB pilgrimage. In addition to the standard crew of Matt Terry, Brian, and Cole.... .we were joined by Cornelius and Nick.........As well as Brian's homie, Scott, who drove up from Cortez, CO.

Fall in Moab and the surrounding La Sal mtns is a special time and place for riding, and always brings me back to the exciting period surrounding my "tranplantation" (if you will) from VA to UT. 3 years ago, after only a few weeks in UT, I was invited to ride the "Whole Enchilada" for the first time. Needless to say after growing up and biking in VA for most of my life, this trail is and will forever be the single greatest mountain bike experience

Pic courtesy of Cornelius. Taking in the view after "Burro Pass" 

For a description of the trail:
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/trails/enchilada.htm

Starting high in the La Sal mtns (11k) the trail drops quickly through the pine covered high alpine terrain, before eventually mellowing out and winding through the golden aspen groves. Then its on to the high desert and riding the rim overlooking Castle Valley, before dropping into the Colorado river basin for the infamous Porcupine Rim. Its a total of 26.5 mi, mostly downhill, and a total elevation loss of  7000 ft.

Castle Valley

Trail follows the edge all the way to the CO river, with incredible views of Castle Valley on your right.

3 total days were spent on the bikes, and Day 2 was spent riding on the slickrock trail. A classic in its own right, but one that will test your fitness.

Day 3 was spent on the Amasa Back trail, yet another classic, but a new trail for all members of the group.The Amasa Back is an all up all down type of trail, and if you are in good shape its a relatively easy ride up for arguably the best stretch of down in Moab. All in all about 10 miles in total, it makes for 5 miles of pleasant climbing followed by 5 miles of screaming downhill.

Top of the Amasa Back overlooking the CO river.

MT dropping, nothing compared to Bo's point in Price, UT

Me doing the same.

Camp

This photo has nothing to do with our Moab trip. However, it was synced to my cp along with all the Moab pictures. Its from the Tabegauche area in GJ, Colorado that Cole, Brian, and I visited in the spring. Riding the spine pictured was the highlight of the trip in my eyes. If you've been to Fruita and been dissapointed by the abundance of uninspiring trails.... give the region another chance and make sure to hit up "Horse Thief Bench" in the kokopelli area and "Tabegauche" in GJ.