Sunset at MTRP

Tom pulls a wheelie at the end of a Wed night ride in Mission Trails:

Julian Death March Preview

Back in my college days I took a backpacking trip that started with a boulder and root infested "trail" that went straight uphill into New Hampshire's White Mountains. Ever since climbing hand-over-hand up the Black Angel Trail, I've given more consideration to the meaning of names. So it's with healthy respect that I approach the Julian Death March.

What I learned in Las Vegas

This weekend I learned that there are many pointy things in the desert. My first lesson came yesterday when I fist bumped a cactus. Full-finger gloves: 0; Staghorn Cholla: 1. Really, who puts a three foot high cactus right beside the trail? Luckily I had a chance to get out the tweezers during a regroup. My second lesson came during a climb today. In a moment of inattentiveness, I biffed my front wheel into a rock and pitched abruptly sideways and downslope, landing with a big pointy rock in the small of my back. No major damage, but ice and ibu are my new best friends. This crash happened during a ride on cross-country trails at Bootleg Canyon with Russell and Carrie. The ride was ill-fated, because soon after Russell had a major mechanical. He was climbing a short, steep pitch of rock when his rear derailleur snapped off at the mount. It was a bummer, but also an amazing display of brute force by Russell. 

We tried converting his Blur to a single speed, but without success. Russell headed back down, and graciously drove shuttle for the rest of the crew (who were doing some downhill runs). Carrie and I continued on the Caldera Trail. This view of downtown, with Red Rocks and snow-capped mountains in the background, was a great reward:

After riding we enjoyed a parking lot picnic in the back of Jason's truck before heading back to SD. It was a great weekend hanging and riding with everyone, and there is certainly more to Vegas than the Strip.

Vegas Day 3: Cowboy Trails

Today we headed back towards Blue Diamond and the Red Rocks area to ride Cowboy Trails. The Joshua Trees were in bloom, as captured by Carrie in this shot:

A fairly long and technical climb lead to a mesa-top trails filled with technical features, such as the one Beth is riding down:

It's vacation, the bikes need a rest (photo credit to Carrie):

Vegas, Day 2: Red Rocks

Today we went to the Red Rocks area outside of Blue Diamond, about 30 min drive from Las Vegas proper. While yesterday's riding at Bootleg Canyon was highly technical, today's trails were much tamer. We did about 20 miles of cross country riding through beautiful scenery. Starting at McGhies' Blue Diamond bike shop, we climbed gradually on an old roadbed.

We soon reached a trailhead parking area off Hwy 160.
Allison checks the map:

From here a few headed back towards town while the rest of us continued further out. From the trailhead parking area, we took an underpass/tunnel under the highway and began a long, gradual climb, eventually reaching about 5000'.
Allison and Chris top a rise on the climb:

We then looped around on Deadhorse trail, and our earlier climbing was rewarded with a fast, swoopy downhill run. 

Here's Russell flying past:

Once we got back to McGhies', we found that the other group had already split. However, they left us hats, shoes, and a cooler of cold beverages! So thoughtful...

Diana had been eyeing a t-shirt in the shop when we first rolled up, and since we were on vacation I decided to splurge (instead of being my usual tightwad self) and get her one. I gave it to her when meet up back at the house. She was pleasantly surprised by her present, and I was surprised to learn that she'd bought two for herself! Luckily, she ended up with three different ones.

Why we need mechanical engineers

So they can design brilliant features like the built-in bottle opener
on Allison's Santa Cruz Nomad. Perfect when you need to calm
the nerves after riding technical, rocky, exposed trails.

Bootleg canyon

For our first day in Vegas, we drove SW from town to Bootleg Canyon and did a couple of shuttle runs. The trails ranged from fairly easy (Girl Scout) to black diamond (Skyline) and featured lots of rocks, small drops, and exposure. Bring your technical skills for sure. We just rode a few miles, but there were no easy sections... you were constantly working to clear jagged rocks, hug a ledge, set up for a drop, or charge a steep up.

Chris at an overlook on Skyline trail:


Rolling a rock drop on Skyline trail:

Skyline Trail @ Bootleg Canyon from Ed Price on Vimeo.

The crew on West Leg Trail:

Bootleg Canyon Ladder drop from Ed Price on Vimeo.

Vegas, baby!

Bikes are loaded up for a day of shuttle runs at Bootleg Canyon. More
to come on shuttling vs riding up.

Vision Quest ride report

Short version:
I finished my first Vision Quest. Things went well: my legs were good, I had no mechanicals (thanks North of the Border!), and the weather, course, volunteers, and other participants were great. I finished in 50th place at 7:28:28. About 175 riders started the race, and 143 finished. First place went to Jeremiah Bishop, who came in at 4:45:14. Tinker Juarez finished 2nd, and Cameron Brenneman finished 3rd... on a single speed. Christine Grey was the first female finisher (and awesome preride leader).

Me descending Silverado Motorway

course map with photos

(Very) Long version:
Registration for the 2010 Vision Quest opened at midnight December 1st, and it sold out in about 45 min. I set an alarm to make sure I was up and able to get a spot.