Latest mountain bike news

A mountain biker rides along a narrow rock arch in a desert landscape, with cloudy skies overhead. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor adventure and the natural beauty of the terrain.
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A close-up image of a brightly colored, worn shoe resting on a large stone, surrounded by natural elements such as dried leaves and small plants. The shoe features a black toe with red accents and visible text printed on the side.
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Group of four outdoor enthusiasts posing together by a body of water. They are smiling and wearing casual attire, with logos visible on their shirts and hats. The background features a recreational area with boats and greenery under a clear blue sky.
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A mountain biker riding over rocky terrain on a sunny day with a clear blue sky. The cyclist is dressed in a black and pink jersey and gray shorts, focusing on navigating the challenging landscape.
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A group of mountain bikers in various colored outfits and helmets are lined up next to a starting banner on a dirt path. The setting appears to be a grassy area with hills in the background, under overcast skies. Some participants are holding umbrellas due to the weather, while others are on their bikes, preparing for the race.
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Alt text: A detailed view of a mountain bike featuring a black and green frame, showcasing the suspension system and handlebars. Images include close-ups of the shock absorber and fork with branding, highlighting the bike's advanced components.
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A mountain biker climbs a dirt trail on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
Four containers of Nikwax cleaning products are displayed on a red background. The products include TX.Direct Wash-In and TX.Direct Spray-On on the top, and Basewash and Tech Wash bottles on the bottom.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a dirt path in a desert landscape. The scene features sparse vegetation and a distant mountainous horizon under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with orange handlebars and two water bottles mounted on the frame is parked beside a trail sign featuring symbols for biking and hiking. In the background, a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky are visible. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment with scattered shrubs.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.
A black fat bike displayed in a shop, featuring oversized tires with white rims and a sleek frame design. Various bicycle accessories and other bikes are visible in the background, showcasing a vibrant retail environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by tall grasses and rocky terrain, with hills in the background under a partially cloudy sky.
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A spacious bicycle shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. The interior has high ceilings with bright overhead lights and large windows allowing natural light. Rows of bikes are arranged around the shop, with a counter where staff assist customers.
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Logo of "Bell Built" featuring a hexagonal design in red with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included, accompanied by a gear symbol.
A cluttered bike shop filled with numerous bicycles, both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Various styles and colors of bikes are visible, including a bright yellow bike prominently displayed amongst many others. Price tags are attached to most bikes, and posters and signage decorate the walls of the shop. The overall atmosphere is busy and vibrant, highlighting a vast selection of bicycles.
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A person standing outdoors in a black t-shirt, speaking towards the camera with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A video player interface is visible at the bottom.
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<p>Last year’s <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/spring-break-singletrack-trek-part-i-new-mexico/">Ultimate Spring Break Mountain Bike Vacation</a> was so successful, Miniskibum and I decided this year we’d make like Hollywood and do a sequel. Of course, sequels are never as good as the original and, given the near-perfection of last year’s trip, we had no illusions about being able to recapture the magic. Would this be a second straight Oscar-winning vacation a la The Godfather 2 or would we fall flat like Caddyshack 2, Blues Brothers 2000, and so many other failed attempts to recreate success?</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Goodwater-First-View.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Goodwater-First-View-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42710"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dropping off the high point to the first view of the Devil's Racetrack</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Unlike last year, when we were able to time our trip and destination with my wife’s family visit in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Arizona-bike-trails_4.html">Arizona</a>, there was no opportunity for overlap. The drawback here is spending over a week away from the Mrs., but the upside was now being able to choose a different destination. So, rather than repeat Arizona 2013, we scoped out a path across Southern <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Utah-bike-trails_43.html">Utah</a>, with 12 rides in 5 destinations over the 9-day period. A remaining family requirement would prevent us from using the full 10 days of Miniskibum’s spring break like we did in ’13, so we were already "degrading" the experience from our baseline. Nonetheless, the trails planned looked excellent, and Miniskibum is now fully competent to handle anything thrown at him, so off we set, full of high hopes and great expectations.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Roller.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Roller-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42711"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Devil's Racetrack route is full of technical rollers</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Our first stop would be <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:38.995278~-110.161111~25~Green%20River%2C+UT">Green River</a>. Green River, Utah, is little more than a wide spot along I-70. Find a map of "Nowhere" and look in the middle of it, and that’s Green River. The official population is just under 1,000, but it seems like less; the place looks... well... pretty deserted. The few buildings in town are spread out, and many of them are empty and look like they have been so for some time. Dining and lodging options are severely limited. Being scarcely an hour from <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:38.573333~-109.549167~25~Moab%2C+UT">Moab </a>means they don’t even get much of the tourist traffic, despite having a pretty good set of venues in their own right. Green River is the natural base camp for many an excursion into the unique geographical region known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Rafael_Swell">San Rafael Swell</a>, a magnificent uplift of rock which has been carved into by the forces of nature for the last 40 million years.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Racetrack.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Racetrack-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42712"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Another view of the Devil's Racetrack</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Our first ride for the trip would be a new addition to the Singletracks database, a primarily ATV route called "<a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/devils-racetrack-8118.html">Devil’s Racetrack</a>," named for the canyon it parallels. Just getting to the trailhead would prove to be interesting. While the trailhead is only a mile from I-70, it takes over 10 miles of rugged dirt road to get there. The dirt road parallels the interstate for the first few miles, then veers south for a while, and one must then keep making right turns on increasingly rugged and narrow paths, used mostly by ATVs, before crossing back under I-70! Why couldn’t they just put an offramp here? And that crossing under the interstate is very low—too low if you’re carrying bikes on the roof. Parking is available before the underpass or, if you can keep driving, the road has now deteriorated into sandy doubletrack. A couple more sketchy turns delivers you to Dutchman’s Arch, the start of the ride.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Ledges.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Ledges-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42713"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ledges, ledges and more ledges; this trail is an absolute hoot to ride!</figcaption></figure>
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<p>So, you’ve got 10 miles of bad road to get to an ATV doubletrack in the middle of nowhere—why would anyone bring a mountain bike here? Because it’s an exceptional ride, that’s why! If you want a Porcupine Rim-like experience all to yourself, this is your best shot. The trail is not without its difficulties, but they are all so very well worth it. The first mile is mostly bottomless sand, then there’s a stiff, often technical climb. Then comes the reward. After bearing right and starting the descent--Bam! There it is, right in your face, The Devil’s Racetrack, an awesome canyon reaching deep into the San Rafael Swell. The magnitude of the canyon and its sudden appearance are exquisite.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Twin-Priests.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Twin-Priests-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42714"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A view of the "Twin Priests" from the Devil's Racetrack trail</figcaption></figure>
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<p>At this point, the trail begins dropping rapidly and on mostly technical terrain. There are uncountable ledges and seemingly endless opportunities for air. The next two miles of this trail are as good as you’ll find anywhere, as you bomb down obstacle after obstacle, always with the magnificent scenery to distract you. In addition to the Racetrack, there are natural rock geologic wonders all around. The stark beauty of this landscape rivals anything in the Southwest. Of course, we knew we’d have to reclimb all that steep, technical terrain on the way back, but it was a small price to pay, and we could tell that there were opportunities to recover between stretches of maximum exertion. The climb would be almost as fun as the descent.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0471.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0471-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42715"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">dat's not good . . . .</figcaption></figure>
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<p>After a few miles of techy bliss, the trail turned to buttery smooth, flowy doubletrack through the various rock formations and then...</p>
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<p><em><strong>Disaster Strikes!</strong></em></p>
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<p>While riding the flowy stuff a couple miles after the gnar, I felt and heard my knobs rubbing a chainstay. I’ve been through this before—a broken spoke sending a wheel so far out of true that it wobbles far enough to the side to rub. No problem, I was carrying spare spokes and could do trailside repair if necessary. However, upon inspection, I could find no broken, or even loose spokes. I remounted and set out again, only to achieve the same result. Looking down from the saddle, I could clearly see the tire rubbing against the swingarm on the right side of the bike. I dismounted again and began another, more thorough inspection.</p>
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<p>Upon sliding my lizard skin back, I could see the swingarm had sheared vertically. Here it is, the biggest honkin’ piece of metal on a long-travel all mountain bike, and it had snapped like a cheap cracker! So we shortened our ride a few miles and began the trek out, Miniskibum in the saddle and me on foot, six miles back to the van. Having broken the frame on my Yeti 575 a couple years ago and my Yeti Seven here, every footstep on the return journey increased the probability that my love affair with Yeti was probably coming to an end.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Dutchman.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Dutchman-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42716"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Riding across Dutchman's Arch</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Fortunately, I had brought a spare bike on this trip! The Yeti 5 Carbon was waiting in the van (would have rather had the Seven for this gnar), so we spent some time fooling around on the rock formation there, including riding across Dutchman’s Arch, before heading back into town. Despite my broken bike, I had a wonderful experience on this trail and would gladly return. Miniskibum was even more effusive with his praise, recommending we scrap the next day’s ride and return here for round two!</p>
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<p><strong>Physical difficulty of our route:</strong> 3.5/5<br><strong>Technical difficulty of our route:</strong> 4.5/5<br><strong>Skibum’s grade:</strong> 4/5 stars<br><strong>Miniskibum’s grade:</strong> 5/5 stars!</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Good-Water.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Good-Water-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42718"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">View of the Good Water Canyon (where's the water?) from the Wedge Overlook</figcaption></figure>
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<p>The next day would take us to a ride even more remote, the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/good-water-rim.html">Good Water Rim Trail</a>. Despite it’s even-more-in-the-middle-of-nowhere location, this is a highly-regarded ride due to a combination of excellent singletrack and way-beyond-excellent scenery.</p>
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<p>The drive from Green River included many miles of remote and very rugged dirt road. Upon our exit to the west, we found the road much more reasonable. &nbsp;I definitely recommend making the approach from the west if you can.</p>
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<p>On the trail, we rode close to 22 miles, at least 16 of it hugging the edge of the Good Water Canyon. The canyon has countless inlets, and the trails squiggles along the edge along each and every one of them. Around every corner is a new and unique vista, all served up on relatively-flat, mostly novice-friendly singletrack, with a few intermediate moves.</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Good-Water-3-David-Darling.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Good-Water-3-David-Darling-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42719"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Typical rim edge Good Water singletrack (photo: David Darling)</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Despite the high mileage, the lack of elevation change and relatively easy singletrack make this a pretty quick and less taxing ride. At the head of some of the inlets are nearby campsites with trails to the Good Water Rim, so there are bail out points along the way for those not up to the full ride.</p>
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<p>While Miniskibum and I were glad to have done the whole route, I doubt we’d do it again. While most people who’ve ridden it rave about it, after about the halfway point, we started to find it a bit monotonous. That singletrack, which is so wonderful to begin with, lacks variety, and after about 8 miles of the same-ol’-same-ol’ , we were definitely ready for a change. We actually reached a point of wondering “When will it end?” Believe it or not, we were glad to hit the dirt road for the six-mile journey to close the loop, just to mix it up a bit! But that’s just us—if you’ve got a longer attention span than we do and appreciate quality singletrack with stunning views around every corner, then you’ll likely join the vast majority who positively gush about this trail, and it’d be well-worth your making a trip here.</p>
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<p><strong>Physical difficulty of our route:</strong> 2.5/5<br><strong>Technical difficulty of our route:</strong> 2/5<br><strong>Skibum’s grade:</strong> 3.5/5 stars<br><strong>Miniskibum’s grade:</strong> 2.5/5 stars</p>
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<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Good-Water-2.jpg"><img src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Good-Water-2-533x400.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-42720"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Look, another canyon!</figcaption></figure>
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<p>Our two days in Green River were a smashing success (literally speaking, with regard to "smashing" my big bike), and we looked forward to day three as we traversed the state for its southwest corner. Next up: Cool Cedar City and Stunning St. George.</p>
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail, leaning forward with intensity as he expertly rides his blue bike through a rugged, natural landscape surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
An artistic arrangement of Shimano XTR bike components, including a crankset, cassette, chain, and derailleur, set against a dark blue background. The text "SHIMANO XTR" and "ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE" is prominently displayed.
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A fat tire bike parked on a snowy trail, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet, a dark plaid shirt, and black pants is standing next to a mountain bike. He is holding an orange object in one hand and has a relaxed expression while posing against a textured gray background.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, with trees in the background. The cyclist appears focused and is leaning forward, showcasing a dynamic riding posture.
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A high-performance mountain bike suspension fork with a black and silver design, featuring adjustable settings and a sturdy crown. The fork is shown from a frontal perspective, highlighting its sleek lines and branding.
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A sleek black fat bike positioned on snowy ground, showcasing its wide, knobby tires and sturdy frame. Pine trees in the background add a natural, wintry setting. The bike features a minimalist design with a small storage bag attached to the frame.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky trail, with a mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an adventurous moment in an outdoor setting.
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Close-up view of a mountain bike tire showcasing its textured tread pattern, designed for grip and traction on rough terrain. The background features blurred earthy tones, indicating an outdoor setting.
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A cyclist riding along a winding dirt trail on a rocky, arid landscape with sparse vegetation, surrounded by hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
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Illustration of a cyclist riding a mountain bike over a winding path, set against a map outline of Georgia. The design includes the text "Georgia State Parks" and "Biker" at the bottom, with earthy colors reflecting outdoor adventure.
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snowy trail in a mountainous landscape, with trees lining the path and clouds in the sky.
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Image of a black bicycle suspension fork with red accents. The fork features a sleek design and is branded with the RockShox logo. It is viewed from the front, showcasing its dual legs and mounting points at the bottom.
Outdoor recreation map for Sedona, Arizona, featuring topographic shaded relief and details on 14 popular mountain bike trails, including elevation profiles, trail mileages, and difficulty symbols. The map is waterproof and designed for outdoor use.
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A mountain biker navigating a dirt trail in a dense forest, surrounded by lush green foliage and trees. The biker is leaning into a turn, showcasing dynamic motion, while vibrant green plants are in the foreground.
A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snow-covered trail surrounded by trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.
A person dressed in a bright green and black ski outfit, wearing a blue helmet, is standing on a snowy mountain slope. They are riding a snow bike, with snow-covered peaks and a clear blue sky in the background.
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A cyclist stands on a dirt path, gazing at a vibrant sunset over a green landscape dotted with yellow wildflowers. The sky is filled with soft, colorful clouds, and the cyclist is wearing a helmet and sport attire, with a mountain bike resting by their side.
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A black mountain bike leaned against a wooden railing overlooking a scenic view of a river and bare trees. The landscape features rolling hills in the background under a cloudy sky, with patches of grass and vegetation in the foreground.
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A narrow dirt trail winding through rocky terrain, flanked by large boulders and sparse vegetation. The path is surrounded by low trees and shrubs, creating a natural and rugged landscape. The scene captures the essence of outdoor exploration in a mountainous area.
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A female mountain biker navigating rocky terrain, wearing a helmet and cycling gear, as she skillfully rides her bike through a natural landscape. The background features scattered boulders and sparse vegetation.
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Two cyclists riding mountain bikes along a dirt trail near a lake. The scene features clear blue skies and rocky terrain, with one cyclist in a blue shirt and the other in a pink shirt.
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