Flashback to 1997

March of 1997 was my second mountain bike vacation to Moab.  It was Spring Break and I was riding a Trek 830 with no suspension.  I had coordinated the logistics for myself and 19 other people to come to Moab on Spring Break.

The vessel we were traveling in was a converted school bus painted baby blue with dancing mushrooms on the outside.  On the inside were 18 bunks and a couple of tables near the driver.  There was a double bed in the way back where I slept with my boyfriend at the time.

The drive from La Crosse, Wisconsin was supposed to take around 23 hours and it ended up taking us 3 days.  Instead of facing a storm that was pushing east on I-70 we headed south thru the pan handle of Oklahoma ~ around ~ and up thru Santa Fe, New Mexico. 

Needless to say, once we arrived we were all eager to stretch our legs either hiking or riding.  A small group of us, four I think, wanted to ride Porcupine Rim.  We didn't realize most of the climb would be snow covered.  We hadn't asked any of the locals for advice and, besides, we rode it this time two years ago without snow.

That day, sometime in March 1997, we walked at least 4 miles through the snow with our bikes.  Each time we attempted to ride we found ourselves sliding without control in the snow and mud.  Back at camp later that afternoon we all had to replace our v-brakes because we had worn them down to the metal.

Since this experience I've seen people ride on snow gracefully and I have determined it is a combination of the water content of the snow and the type of tires they are using.  It seems that when the snow is more dry (airy) it is easier to ride and I know there are plenty of people that live in ski towns that refuse to put their bikes away for the winter.  Studded bike tires ~ super wide balloon tires ~ packed singletrack ~ one way or another they find success.

Yesterday, my friend Wendy & I had made a plan to ride Porcupine Rim.  We received beta from at least 3 people that LPS (Lower Porcupine Singletrack) was rideable and clear.  We were able to ride a fair amount of it but the other parts were snow covered or muddy.  Our guess was the snow was less melted, making it easier to ride, and the ground was frozen for the others where it had turned to mud for us.  

The Snotch, LPS March 5th, 2011

We survived with mostly dry feet, muddy bikes (nothing like the North Shore) and eager for more Porky  runs this year.

Make Your Mechanic Happy

I don't have a specific mechanic because there are so many excellent mechanics in Moab.  I do like to make them happy though because I like when they make my bike happy.  I learned from Dave at Chile Pepper Bike Shop today that when it is cold outside the oil in your rear shock becomes viscous and the shock may not perform as well.  The instructions were easy for me to follow:  when it is cold outside bring your bike in the house.

My bike hanging out in the spare bedroom until our next ride

Amasa Back - A Winter Haven

Photo taken by Noah Sears


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The Sunday Sweet Ride just keeps getting sweeter. In December, a group of Moab locals decided to resurrect the, Church of the Sweet Ride, on Sundays throughout the winter. Tyson Swasey has held the group together by motivating weekly with a Facebook invite and information on where & when to meet.


The total number of riders this past week was close to twenty which included a fella new to town that builds custom frames and a young gentleman (12 years old) who, in spite of his young age, is an incredible rider. Perhaps he'll follow in the tire tracks of Tyson (no pressure).

Amasa Back was an easy choice because it has kept many of us on our mountain bikes this winter by providing a dry trail with views that have the power to make one gasp.  The photo above was taken by Noah Sears, a phenomenal rider, that drove over from Fruita, Colorado to participate in the ride.

Women that Love to Ride

Attention ---- women that love to ride mountain bikes or women that are curious about riding mountain bikes or women that are just getting started riding mountain bikes.  Trek Bicycle Company is running a survey to learn more about what motivates you to ride.  They want to understand women and mountain biking.  What an awesome opportunity! 

I started riding in 1995.  I'm grateful for the amazing advancements in the world of bicycle engineering.   Some of my favorite moments being alive have happened on my mountain bike.  I have to admit though, I'm still looking for stylish, functional things to wear when I ride and a saddle that doesn't give me sores.  Where will we be in another 15 years?

I found it challenging to put my passion into words but I believe it is worth the challenge.  I think Trek might be the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world.  If not, they have to be close.   The survey takes about 10 minutes.


Here is the link to the survey:  http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/435770/60a7222f876c/

Mountain Bike Camps in Moab

Have More Fun on your Bike in 2011!

There are many dates to choose from if you, or someone you know, wants to improve their riding in 2011.  Sign-up for a Mountain Bike Camp with the skilled local riders that coach for Moab Mountain Bike Instruction.  With both new & classic trails Moab is an awesome place to improve your riding.

Tell us your goal - what would you like to be able to do on your mountain bike?  We want to help you make it happen.  We have a diverse group of coaches that are experienced at coaching beginning to expert riders.  Call or email us today so we can reserve a spot for you in one of our camps this year!!

March 26th & 27th
April 2nd & 3rd
April 30th & May 1st
May 7th & 8th
May 14th & 15th


September 3rd & 4th
September 10th & 11th
September 17th & 18th
October 1st & 2nd
October 15th & 16th



435.260.9554
moabmountainbikeinstruction@gmail.com

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.