Latest mountain bike news

A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky terrain, with large boulders and sparse vegetation, under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a bike suspension tool mounted in a workshop, featuring a metallic silver body with a blue label and a clamp at one end. Various bike tools and equipment are visible in the background, arranged on a wall.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a gravel path alongside a river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The scenery features hills in the background and a clear sky.
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A scenic view of a mountainous landscape at sunrise, featuring rugged peaks illuminated by warm sunlight. In the foreground, a rustic wooden fence and scattered bushes blend with the natural surroundings, while a house is nestled among the trees in the distance. The scene captures the tranquility of nature, with a mix of rocky terrain and evergreen trees.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Three-peaks-11.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42733" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Three-peaks-11-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a>

After <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/spring-break-singletrack-trek-the-sequel-part-1-green-river-greenhorns/">two glorious days riding the San Rafael Swell</a>, we headed further southwest into Zion country.  While the riding was excellent on the swell, it was rather lonely, and we were actually looking forward to a few more people and a city with a few amenities.  I knew there was tons of great riding around Cedar City, but I also knew most of it was higher in elevation and most certainly snowed in.  However, I had heard great things about the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/three-peaks-trail-system.html">Three Peaks trail system</a>, located right on the edge of town and low enough to be dry, so we made a slight detour on our way to St. George.

[caption id="attachment_42734" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Three-Peaks-2.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42734" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Three-Peaks-2-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Got sand? No problem . . . got bridge![/caption]

Despite high expectations, Three Peaks turned out to be a pleasant surprise, mostly for the variety and uniqueness we found there. Route finding was occasionally problematic, and we spent some time backtracking and trying different forks. Most are well-marked, but a few aren’t and it’s just plain easy to blow by one or two when cruising.

Our first misstep took us into a picnic area with various tables and gazebos scattered about. This was perfectly fine, as most of these minor developments were tucked into gaps between rock outcrops. There were more stunt opportunities crammed into a relatively small space than you’d find at most man-made skills parks. We spent a good half-hour just scaling and hopping off granite boulders before returning to the main singletrack to continue our route.

[caption id="attachment_42736" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CIMG1969.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42736" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CIMG1969-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Mmmmmm . . . bar -b -que[/caption]

Being southern <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Utah-bike-trails_43.html">Utah</a>, there was no shortage of sand here, but a very North Shore approach had been applied, as there were bridges across the worst of the sandy areas. Unlike the North Shore, most of these were novice-friendly. I’m usually not a big fan of man-made features, but most of these were quite welcome.

The main Three Peaks Loop throws a little bit of everything at you. There are three stiff climbs, a couple swoopy downhills, lots of buff singletrack, plenty of rocky stretches, bridges, and no shortage of loose dirt and rock to help your legs get the idea that this sport takes exertion. While the main loop goes pretty fast, you’ll work for quite a bit.

[caption id="attachment_42738" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CIMG19731.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42738" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CIMG19731-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Thank goodness for the stationary bike so Miniskibum could stay warm while I ate a Clif Bar![/caption]

While the topography and variety of this route are unique, people have added to the singular experience of the Three Peaks loop. There were a number of items left along the trailside, most of which were pretty amusing. Again, I’m not much of a fan of unnatural objects on my natural trails, but most of these added to the experience on this route—after all, this isn’t some remote backcountry wilderness area. There was a grill with some skeletal remains left on it. Yummm. Just after a particularly nasty rock drop through a wash was a sign "relocated" from one of Utah’s highways reading “Watch for Rocks.” Hmmm... thanks for the warning.

Also, there was, of all things, a stationary bike sitting next to the trail miles from the nearest trailhead. Who carried that thing out there? There was even an old tricycle sitting at one trail junction. I’d like to see the guy who rode that through all the gnar to get it there! All this man made falderol didn’t seem to bother the indigenous wildlife, though: we saw a large herd of the biggest, healthiest, strongest mule deer I’ve ever seen. They led us along the route for a good half-mile before peeling off to one side.

[caption id="attachment_42739" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Three-peaks-3.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42739" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Three-peaks-3-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Approaching the high point on the South end of the Three Peaks loop[/caption]

The biggest route finding challenge came when we encountered another rock playground like the one at the picnic area, only larger and more complete. Keeping eyes on the trail while navigating the rock obstacles was a challenge, and we needed to dismount and scout a couple times to regain the approved route. This was also quite okay, and was part of the adventure actually. as this rock playground was one of the highlights of the ride. We had a similar problem a little later when we were downhilling and flew by our fork back to the parking lot. After realizing we were lost, what did we do? Well, we played on the rocks there, of course, before backtracking to the intended route.

[caption id="attachment_42735" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CIMG1981.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42735" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CIMG1981-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Okay, children, today's lesson is on wheel traps. Can you say "endo?"[/caption]

Despite the hardships presented by the often loose, steep tread and some of the route finding difficulties, the wonderful variety in this trail and the accessibility from I-15 make this a must-stop for those with the opportunity to do so. It’s also uncrowded: despite being a perfect-weather Sunday, we only saw two other riders and one hiker over the entire journey. One was a woman coming back to the trailhead on the original, all steel, fully rigid Ibis Mojo. Big Kudos to her!

<strong>Physical difficulty of our route:</strong> 3.5/5
<strong>Technical difficulty of our route:</strong> 4/5
<strong>Skibum’s grade:</strong> 4/5 stars
<strong>Miniskibum’s grade:</strong> 4/5 stars

[caption id="attachment_42741" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0052.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42741" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0052-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The author and Mntbikedude start out on the swoopy singletrack of the Prospector Trail[/caption]

After fueling up both the van and our bodies, we continued to St. George, where we had the good fortune to be joined by mntbikedude, our good friend and ridding buddy from <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:41.223056~-111.973056~25~Ogden%2C+UT">Ogden</a>. For the next three days, we’d have another singletrack junkie to share our experiences with. For the three of us, our first stop in the St. George area would be the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/prospector-church-rocks-loop.html">Prospector Trail/Church Rocks Loop</a>. The Church Loops area is nothing new: in fact, it appeared in the Mountain Biking Utah Falcon Guide last century. Despite the raves in the guide, and from other sources, this has never quite caught on as a marquee ride, so we weren’t sure what to expect.

[caption id="attachment_42742" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prospector-2.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42742" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prospector-2-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The tough switchback near the start of the Church Rocks loop[/caption]

Heading out from the Cottonwood Trailhead near the north end of Prospector, we were greeted with fast, swoopy, buff singletrack for about four miles before hitting the Church Rocks Loop... where things turned technical. Which is not to say there was no tech on Prospector, it was just sporadic and never very serious.

Right off the bat, Church Rocks hit us right in the face with a tight switchback leading to huge step ups on a steep incline. We made a few runs at this one before cleaning it and moving on. Along the way, there were countless stunt opportunities, and even some open rock riding. Most of Church Rocks, however, was perfectly intermediate, with gorgeous red slickrock riding on a bench, and eventually up to the top of the ridge before completing the loop and rejoining Prospector for the journey back to the van.

[caption id="attachment_42743" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prospector-3.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42743" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prospector-3-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The climb after the switchback.[/caption]

The trip back on Prospector was even better than expected from the ride out. We didn’t seem to climb much on the way out, so we expected to be climbing a bit on the way back, but the trail seemed even more downhill in reverse, and we almost literally flew most of the way with big ol’ bug-eating grins on our faces. Oh, yeah, a little tailwind helped as well.

As best as I can tell, this trail only isn't a marquee route because it runs parallel to I-15, so you have the constant presence of interstate traffic.  It also doesn't have the constancy of slickrock that you find on Gooseberry Mesa or the continual, swoopy singletrack of the JEM trail, but that combination of swoopy Prospector and techy Church Rocks worked well for me and, amazingly, the interstate never bothered me.  This ride remains horribly underrated.  Given its accessibility and fun-bang-for-work-buck, I'm surprised every visitor to St. George doesn't hit it.

<strong>Physical difficulty of our route:</strong> 2.5/5
<strong>Technical difficulty of our route:</strong> 3.5/5
<strong>Skibum’s grade:</strong> 4.5/5 stars
<strong>Miniskibum’s grade:</strong> 4.5/5 stars

[caption id="attachment_42744" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0100.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42744" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/DSCN0100-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Sandy bench cut on the Church Rocks Loop[/caption]

We returned to the hotel in St. George full of joy after two great rides full of variety and fun, both new to us and both cranking up the smile factor. For the next day, we would hit the only repeat trail on our trip, a rarity that I longed to repeat this trail rather than try yet another new trail.

Next up: Go Tell it on Little Creek Mountain and trying not to get broken on the Broken Mesa Rim.

[caption id="attachment_42745" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prospector-1.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-42745" alt="" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Prospector-1-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> More Prospector goodness[/caption]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike on a snow-covered trail surrounded by trees, with a cloudy sky overhead.
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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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