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BLUF/TL;DR: Roadtripping from Watertown, NY to Las Vegas, NV this fall. Looking to hit as many trails along the way as efficiently as possible, and drink nearby local brews by night. Suggestions on either or anything else welcome.
Background: So I don’t think I’ve ever posted on here…so some quick background. Picked up Mountain Biking about 3 years back with a little hardtail Cannondale, easily the best recreational decision I’ve ever made. Last summer, dropped way too much money on my Santa Cruz 5010, and while it is way more ambitious than I am when riding it, I haven’t regretted the purchase. Unfortunately, I’m having to spend this whole riding season deployed, and that deployment is far less…active…than I would like it to have been. I am making the best of it, though which leads me to this post on this forum.
The Situation: Upon my return in the Fall, I’m moving to Las Vegas from New York. While I can’t take TOO long getting there, I can flex things around a little bit to take my time. As such, I’m looking to hit some trails along the way each day, then sample some local beers or a renowned watering hole before crashing for the night, waking up early, and doing it all again along the way. Looking for help and suggestions on both. Below is what I spent about an hour or so working on, using google maps to take a direct route and matching it up with the best nearby trails here on Singletracks. I’m not sure if my schedule will even permit stopping at half these trails, but I figure I’ll start big and trim from there. Looking to keep the whole trip between 7-14 days, meaning I’m planning on most days being a wake up early, hit the road, hit the trail for 3-ish hours, get back in the truck, repeat, find a place to drink and crash, do it again.
The Rig: Like I said, I’m looking to do this on my yet-underappreciated 5010. When I get back from overseas, first on my agenda is taking off the three rings up front and replacing it with a 1×11 (maybe 2×11) and adding on a dropper seatpost. Suggestions on either, particularly the seatpost, are welcome.
The Request: So, here’s where I’m looking to the community for suggestions; I’ve got a little over 5 months to plan, so let’s get crazy with it. I don’t want to change the route drastically, but I’ll add a couple hours if there’s a trail I HAVE to hit without passing it. Yet to research bars/breweries…suggestions therein are welcome too. And anything else helpful, like an awesome place to stay or some sight to see would be awesome, too.
The Itinerary, v1
Leg 1: Watertown, NY to Niagara Falls, NY (My Hometown)
• 4hrs: I-81S to NY-3W to NY-104W to NY-18W to Robert Moses Pkwy
• MTB Stop: Great Bear, Fulton, NY
• MTB Stop: Dryer Road Park, Victor, NYLeg 2: Niagara Falls, NY to Sparta, MI (Family There)
• 8hrs: I-190S to I-90W to US-23N to I-96W to M-37N
• MTB Stop: Westside Overland Trail, Sherman, NY
• MTB Stop: Asbury Woods/Brown’s Farm, Erie, PA
• MTB Stop: Ray’s MTB Indoor Park, Cleveland, OH
• MTB Stop: Potawatomi Trail, Pinckney, MILeg 3: Sparta, MI to Park Ridge, IL (Friends there)
• 3hrs on I-196W, I-94W, and I-90W
• MTB Stop: Outback Trail at Imagination Glenn, Portage, INLeg 4: Park Ridge, IL to Lincoln, NE
• 8hrs on I-294S to I-88W to I-80W
• MTB Stop: Saw Wee Kee Park, Oswego, IL
• MTB Stop: Sunderbruch Park, Davenport, IALeg 5: Lincoln, NE to Denver, CO
• 7hrs: I-80W to I-76W to I-25S
• MTB Stop: Potters Pastures, Brady, NE
• MTB Stop: Colorado Trail, Denver, COLeg 6: Denver, CO to Moab, UT
• 5hrs: I-70W to US-191S
• MTB Stop: Slickrock, Moab, UTLeg 7: Moab, UT to Las Vegas, NV
• 6hrs: I-70W to I-15S
• MTB Stop: Gooseberry Mesa, Hurricane, UTThanks, and looking forward to what you guys think!
– Ski
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Ski,
Looks like you’ve done your homework pretty well. When I was on active duty, I used every move as an excuse to hit new trails.I would have one significant recommendation: If you have the time (maybe take some leave en route), slow way down going through Colorado as there are tons of great trails very close to your path. If you can take a few days to cross the Rockies, I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.
If you’re not totally bent on the I-80 route, you may want to consider dropping south earlier and taking I-80 instead. Switchgrass in central Kansas in particular is not to be missed. See the link below for a few I-70 recommendations.
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr … p-edition/As for Moab, Slickrock is the most famous trail in the world, but many don’t see it as the best. You do have other options when passing through the area. You can hit one of the areas north of town which will give you three benefits over Slickrock: 1. Less crowded–slickrock can look like a bunch of anthills at times with all the people on it. 2. Closer to I-70 saving you time on your journey. 3. You won’t have to pay the fee to enter the Slickrock area. Check out the Klondike Bluffs area, the Klonzo trails, and the Brands Trails, which contain my personal favorite segment in the area "Deadman’s Ridge" (not as ominous as it sounds–perfect 5010 country).
One last bit of food for thought. Gooseberry is a no-brainer all time top 5 ride for me. Your nice new 5010 should be quite happy there. However, you may not want to hit it on this trip. St George is only 2 hours from Vegas so you can get back up there as an easy day trip at any time after you complete your move. You may want to consider hitting something a little further away that you might not otherwise get to like Three Peaks in Cedar City (1 hr further from Vegas) or Thunder Mountain (1.5 -2 hours further from Vegas) which may well be the single most scenic ride you will ever encounter.
With regard to your equipment upgrades. The 1x drivetrain is a good way to go if you’re a strong aerobic rider, but losing the bottom end can be trying on long climbs. It’s also nice not having to worry about a front derailleur, and you also save some weight. As for the dropper post, I almost consider that a must these days, especially if you want to get the most out of your 5010. The dropper will give you the confidence to hit sudden technical drops and to maintain flow through quick terrain changes.
When this fall you’re going may make a huge difference as well. The weather in November can be completely different than the weather in September. If you go early fall, desert rides like Moab and St George can be scorching hot, so you’ll have to be off the trail before the midday heat. If you go later, higher elevation rides may already be snowed in.
No matter what, though, you should have a great journey!
JNFIII -
Fisch –
Well, hell, seems like you’re the authority on such roadtripping-mountain biking shenanigans. I’ll take some time today to look at the I-70 route; only reason I was looking to go north is because I swung the low road along 70 back in 2010 when I went from Niagara Falls to Colorado Springs. But if there’s a good trail I won’t always have the opportunity to hit along the way, I’ll consider switching routes.
Slowing down in Colorado and taking leave-en-route were certainly thoughts on my mind; still got friends around there from the Academy days, so stopping in The Centennial State for a little mini-vacation is always an opportunity I look for.
Appreciate your suggestions for subbing out Gooseberry; keeping stuff a certain proximity AWAY from Vegas is a valid point.
And as for equipment, it seems I should be pretty confident in shopping around for a seatpost online before I get back stateside, but I think I’m going to have to wait to demo a 1x vs. 2x Drivetrain. While I do pride myself on my climbing ability, and the idea of a single shifter and derailleur sounds ideal, I’m not sure if I’m confident in dropping both rings up front; all I know is that right now, 3’s too many.
I’ll keep doing homework…nothing but time on this end. Still open to suggestions!
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Just a few quick adds, Ski,
I’m a pretty good technical climber, but I’m pretty aerobically challenged. I loved riding a bike with no front derailleur, but I still like a legit granny gear when the steeps get long. Having said that, all the stronger riders I ride with rave about a 1x–say they’ll never go back.Really, there’s nothing to see on I-80 (or -70 for that matter), but when you’re crossing the big empty that is the great plains, hitting Switchgrass in KS will be infinitely better than hitting Potters Pasture in NE.
If you don’t want to retrace your steps on I-70 and still want lots of great riding, consider dropping all the way down to I-40. There’s actually some good rides in Oklahoma, Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle, then you hit Albuquerque, NM which has one of my all time favorite routes jsut 3 miles off the interstate in Tunnel Canyon/Otero Canyon, then on to Gallup NM with the High Desert Trails and Flagstaff AZ with the amazing MT Elden and then you’re only 30 miles from Sedona, which I like every bit as much as Moab.
http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr … p-edition/
Hoping someone else chimes in. While I may be "the authority on such roadtripping-mountain biking shenanigans," it’s still just one man’s opinion. Sometimes others see things I miss.
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Ski,
Don’t listen to John, he’s completely wrong.
Kidding!
For the dropper post, I cannot recommend getting one enough. Those things are AWESOME. As for which one? I honestly don’t think you can go wrong. I’ve only owned the Specialized Command Post and love it while some of my friends won’t ride without the KS dropper on their bike (even removing the CP that came with it.) The only wrong choice is not getting one 😆
I’ve ridden Sunderbrunch Park in Davenport IA, it is definitely worth the stop, IMO. If the Ray’s in Cleveland is like the one in Milwaukee, I’d highly suggest that also but it’s a totally different ride than trails (obviously.) The "good" news is, you can spend less time there and still hit everything….or you can spend all day there too and not get tired of it if you’re anything like me.
I love my 2×10 drivetrain on my old stumpy. The range of gears is awesome and the ability to dump a TON of gears with just a single flick of a lever is great. I’ve been riding a 1×11 since February-ish and I have missed my true granny gear, but I really like the simplicity of the 1x.
I’m actually going to disagree with John on spending extra time in your old stomping grounds on the trip. I would suggest continuing the drive to Vegas and going back to the C. Springs/Denver area at a later time. Instead of going through Denver, head a bit north and hit Green River, WY to ride the Wilkins Peak area. I really enjoyed riding out there but I don’t think it’s worth a specific trip to hit it, however, the Rockies most definitely are. I would also say Sedona is worth the trip all by itself, but I haven’t ridden there (yet) to back up that claim.
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I love Gooseberry Mesa. it’s my favorite trail anywhere. But there are others nearby almost as sweet. Little Creek Mesa is harder to find but awesome. If you find Gooseberry tough Guacamole Trail is an easier version at a slightly lower elevation. Into downhill, Grafton Mesa Trail is off Gooses northern side. Like to xc, JEM is just below. Think Goose was easy, try Zen, a steeper trail at St George. I am barely scratching the list.
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com is a great resource for that state.
An amazing drive in Utah few know is Skyline Drive from I-70 north to US 6 and Strawberry Reservoir. Few roads in the west rival it. Strawberry Narrows Trail and Park City are in my future and off the northern end.
Still, if you wanna have fun, go to Colorado, the vibe and people are much different than Utah, except on the trails. Fruita, Durango, Cortez, Telluride… MTB is big all over Colorado but get your lungs and legs ready for the elevation, cool summer! -
"abegold" wrote
Little Creek Mesa is harder to find but awesome.
That’s no exaggeration! I tried to find Little Creek Mesa but had to give up after searching for an hour or so. Granted, I was rushed and my directions were pretty crappy so that most definitely played a large part….but now it gave me another excuse to head back there!
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"Jared13" wrote
Ski,
I’m actually going to disagree with John on spending extra time in your old stomping grounds on the trip. I would suggest continuing the drive to Vegas and going back to the C. Springs/Denver area at a later time. Instead of going through Denver, head a bit north and hit Green River, WY to ride the Wilkins Peak area. I really enjoyed riding out there but I don’t think it’s worth a specific trip to hit it, however, the Rockies most definitely are. I would also say Sedona is worth the trip all by itself, but I haven’t ridden there (yet) to back up that claim.Well, if we’re going to stay on I-80, then there’s other must dos along the way.
Curt Gowdy between Cheyenne and Laramie.
Rock Creek in Arlington
(I still gotta get to Wilkins–it’s high on my wish list).The I-80 route would then drop you down through Park City. If it’s aspen season, that’s a real treat.
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"Jared13" wrote
[quote="abegold":1mb9lm8p]Little Creek Mesa is harder to find but awesome.
That’s no exaggeration! I tried to find Little Creek Mesa but had to give up after searching for an hour or so. Granted, I was rushed and my directions were pretty crappy so that most definitely played a large part….but now it gave me another excuse to head back there![/quote:1mb9lm8p]
And that’s only 2 of the 3 mesa trifecta–the third being the Guacamole Trail, IMO as fun as the others.
Oh yeah and just as hard to find and even harder to actually get to unless you have a high clearance vehicle.
And I also concur with Abe. Zen Trail is fantastic!
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"John Fisch" wrote
Well, if we’re going to stay on I-80, then there’s other must dos along the way.
Curt Gowdy between Cheyenne and Laramie.
Rock Creek in Arlington
(I still gotta get to Wilkins–it’s high on my wish list).The I-80 route would then drop you down through Park City. If it’s aspen season, that’s a real treat.
Oh, definitely, there are plenty of other places by Cheyenne to hit. I didn’t realize Green River, WY was so close to Park City. I haven’t been there either, but it’s definitely a destination spot!
Ski, I suppose the good news is you can take either route and you won’t be disappointed!
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Wow…haven’t checked this in a week or so. Looks like I have to get back in the books a bit, look at the map some more. This is exactly what I was hoping for when I made the topic. Thanks, and keep the input coming!
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