The new Pipe Dream Trail is a DREAM come TRUE!

Moab locals have long been lusting after a trail they can ride out their back door.  Yeah, we can ride Amasa Back from town.  We can also do a Slickrock to Dave's or Chile Trail Loop.  And I suppose if your are really looking for a workout you can do Porcupine Rim or Gold Bar Rim from town.  But seriously, the *NEW* Pipe Dream Trail is a dream come true.

The Pipe Dream trail offers singletrack twisting & looping along the rim on the west end of town from the top of Aspen Drive to the Hidden Valley TH.  You can ride the trail in either direction.  When you're riding south you are treated with excellent views of the La Sal Mountains. 



Jenna Woodbury riding Pipe Dream:  Jenna is one of Pipe Dreams biggest fans. 



Where do you think your arms are?

"So, where do you think your arms are," my friend Wendy said to me.  "I know, I know, I'm trying to get them out there,"  I said.

It sounded like the bell that was ringing all winter to get my ski poles out in front of me.

"Well, I'm just saying, it is going to make all the difference if you can get them (and keep them) out there," Wendy said.

The difference it makes is it allows you to be more aggressive and have greater lateral movement of the bike beneath your body.  Also, weighting the front wheel in corners makes it track better. :0

This photo showcases Wendy railing a corner at Keystone ~~ arms in prime form.

Rain

Photo by Tim Collins, Island in the Sky, Canyonlands

I'm often asked what the weather is supposed to be like tomorrow by folks visiting Moab.  More than anything - they don't want it to rain.  I learned my first season here that rain is wonderful in the desert.  Here are just a few of the reasons I love it when it rains in the desert:

*Gorgeous earthmoving waterfalls.
 
*Sweet intoxicating smells.

*Soft raindrops that cool the heat.   

*Wildlife and animals are often more active after it rains.

Photo by Tim Collins, Island in the Sky, Canyonlands

*Rainbows that stretch from Rim to Rim.

*Double rainbows.

*The mist on the canyon walls.

*The rain fills the sand and makes it tacky so you can ride your bike on it with greater ease.






We've had a fair amount of desert rain this summer and fall.  Check out Tom Till's recent desert waterfall photos on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moab-UT/Tom-Till-Photography/170762047719?ref=ts#!/photo.php?pid=4648659&id=170762047719&ref=fbx_album&fbid=427396792719

Ho-Down 2010

Fall is a time of celebration in Moab.  The climax of the celebration being the Annual Chile Pepper Ho- Down.  Come up with your costume.  Register to race.  Plan to be in Moab for the best Mountain Bike Festival of the year.

http://moabhodown.chilebikes.com/

Design Our 1st T-Shirt

Who wants a boring t-shirt that is just going to clutter their closet or dresser?  Not us!!!  That is why we're soliciting your help in creating a cool t-shirt that folks will want to wear.  In Moab, we often have the luxury of wearing t-shirts to ride because our climate is such that sweating in a cotton t-shirt helps cool us down in the heat.  We are super excited to start wearing the new Moab Mountain Bike Instruction t-shirt. . .but first we need help in designing it.  This is where you come in. . .if you don't think you have the skills to design a t-shirt talk your talented, creative friend into it.

Between now and October 1st we will be reviewing submitted designs for our 1st T-Shirt.  The design & designer we select will be featured on our website and the individual will receive FREE admission to our November Mountain Bike Camp.  Send us your designs --- we can't wait to see them!

Hard Copies:  PO Box 524, Moab, UT  84532
Online Files:  moabmountainbikeinstruction@gmail.com

Fall Camp Savings

Sign-up for a Fall Mountain Bike Camp and save 20%.

Call us before July 4th ~ reserve your place in one of our Fall Mountain Bike Camps ~ save 20% on the cost of the camp. 435.260.9554

Camps include instruction, lunch on Saturday & Sunday, shuttles, and a raffle to win gear from our sponsors.

www.moabmountainbikeinstruction.com

Mountain Bike Racing with Babies

Jenna Woodbury, my good friend and neighbor, had twins this past fall. This past weekend she took 2nd place in a Duo-Team at the 12 hours of Gallup. Typically, Jenna would ride a 12 or 24 hour race solo but she opted for a partner this year so she could take care of the babies between laps.

Breast feeding between laps and winning 2nd place approximately 6 months after having twins!!??!

I could feel incredibly inadequete but what I feel is inspired! Whether I choose to have kids or not --it is the commitment, the discipline of continuing what is important to her that I find inspiring. In this instance, both the kids and her race career. I believe this creates greater balance which is reflected in her kids and the shining smiles they have everytime I see them.

Spring

Spring is in the air in Moab and people are riding! If you're interested in trail conditions & weather call The Chile Pepper Bike Shop 435.259.4688.

On that note: consider renting a high-quality, full-suspension bike from Chile Pepper. It is a great opportunity to test ride new technology on some of the most technical terrain available.

http://www.chilebikes.com/

Where are you looking?

Keep your head up!!! Look where you want to go. Look further ahead. Where are you looking? At your front wheel? At your ski tips? Where do you want to go? Look there. Not only will your bike or skis follow but it will improve your balance.

Really, this applies to almost everything that you do. My dad used to look at the river with such longing when we were driving along the Intercoastal Waterway in Florida that the car would start to head towards the water. My sister and I would yell, "DAD," and he would jerk the car back on the road.

Personally, I've ran into rocks and trees on the trail that I had no intention of hitting. Do you know where I was looking? At the rock or tree.

We can all use the reminder to look where we want to go, not where we don't. If you've been riding for years this will help you go faster and have greater ease & finesse as you move along the trail. If you're just getting started it can help build your confidence and your endurance as you select the line with less obstacles.

Let me know how it goes.

Ski Instruction

Have you ever taken a ski or snowboard lesson? Why not consider a mountain bike lesson? Mountain Biking is more than just riding a bike. Just as you learn to use your edges on your skis or snowboard you can learn to use your brakes and the position of your body effectively on a mountain bike. With some fine tuning you can experience maximum grace and efficiency in ascending, descending and cornering.

Much like a ski resort mountain bike trails vary from easy to quite difficult. Learn how to get your front wheel over that obstacle. Learn how to stay on your bike on that loose, steep climb. Learn how to wheelie drop or descend the black diamond mountain bike trails. Whatever you want from your riding -- a mountain bike lesson with a professional instructor can be a great place to start.

Moab Mountain Bike Instruction offers private lessons, clinics and camps in Moab, Utah. Our goal is to help you have more fun on your bike. www.moabmountainbikeinstruction.com