🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <4159@cvbnetPrime.COM>, tjohnson@atcc5.prime.com (Tod J Johnson)
wrote:
> I am eager to get information 
> on the best locations to mountain bike anywhere south or west of Salt Lake City.

I was just on a guided trip in Canyonlands, run by Rim Tours (Moab). 
Canyonlands National Park is about 3-4 hours southeast of SLC.  There are a
few trips within that national park, all on Jeep trails.  The trip is not
too strenuous (100+ miles in five days), but the roads are bumpier and in
some places more technical than I expected.

From what I can tell, most areas will require a sag of some kind--like a
guided trip--if you are in remote country.  Also, spring or fall is better
than the heat of July, but you might not have that kind of flexibility.  I
believe there are several tour groups that go on the White Rim trail, and
to the Maze district.  I highly recommend Rim Tours.  If I get a chance,
I'll write up a trip report on rec.bicycles.rides.

> My interests are as follows:
> 1) Serious technical terrain.

The terrain was technical in small sections, although maneuvering on
slickrock, sand, and small boulders at high speed can be challenging and
it'll pulverize your butt pretty well.

> 2) None of this sissy booze stuff, I want real beer.

They had lots of cooler space.  You can BYOB.

> 3) Hot Springs near by, or on route????

Not on this trip (and not on the White Rim).

> 4) None of this sissy booze stuff, I want real beer.

What?  More beer?  Geez.  A couple guys on the trip brought five cases. 
(Yep, that's what I want after being out in the arid desert--a cool,
refreshing, but dehydrating beer.)

> 5) As little road riding as possible.

Depends on what you call a road.  It's not single track, but it's far from
paved.

> 6) Anyone care to join me?

Not in July.

> 7) Maps anyone??

Good sources to consider:
1. Canyonlands National Park and Vicinity 1:65000 Topo and Relief maps
(USGS)
  (Very large, $4.00)
2. Plastic map of The Maze and Needles Districts.  Very good topo map from
REI.
3. Jeep books.  Yes, lots of ground has been charted by the four-wheelers.
4. The books by a guy named Kelsey.  He has maybe a dozen or so books that
cover large areas of the southwestern states in detail.  They have trails,
descriptions of that crashed airplane you find in a canyon, and lots of
pictures of Kelsey climbing around on the trails.

> Tod J. Johnson
> "Go Fast, Eat Power Bars, No Sissy Beer"

-Lawrence

you@taligent.com