Virgin River Rim, Utah

Mark came down from Park City to spend the holiday weekend in southern Utah. We've been interested in learning more about some of the local mountain biking trails, so we saw this as the perfect opportunity. With Mark here, we'd have someone to drive the sag wagon, carry the water, and clear the trails of deadfall. In exchange, we just needed to provide a place for him to sleep and some beer to drink. (Of course, now that I think about it, he brought the beer, too.)

First, Mark and Valerie rode Bunker Creek. On Saturday afternoon, they drove to the top of Brian Head Peak and started the ride while Ellen and I napped. When we awoke, we drove over to Panguitch Lake to pick them up. Thinking that the right fork of Bunker would be smoother and less technical than the left fork, they rode that side. I guess it was choked with downed trees and the afternoon became more of a walk and carry than a ride. In any case, they made it to Panguitch Lake right on time and we all sat by the water for a while drinking beer while Ellen waded in the shallows.

Next, Mark and I rode the Virgin River Rim Trail. We had Valerie drop us at Strawberry Point on Sunday morning, while leaving Mark's truck at Te-Ah Campground near Navajo Lake. The stage was set for 20 miles of single-track riding. And what a gorgeous 20 miles it was. Averaging between nine and ten thousand feet with constant views of the Pink Cliffs, the Virgin River Headwaters, and Zion National Park, the trail was challenging, but fun. We rode through bristlecone and limber pine forests, through aspen stands and meadows, and through skeletons of subalpine fir and dead spruce. Some sections of the trail were rocky and loose, but mostly it was excellent for mountain bikes and free of ATVs.

The main problem with the day, however, was that my legs were in shape for ten miles of riding, not 20. Spending most of the last five years sitting behind a desk was not the best preparation for a long rocky trail ride that included several four or five hundred foot climbs. Let's just say I bit off more than I could chew. Mark was in fine shape and could probably have finished the whole thing in four or five hours, but I forced us to bail off the single-track at the Navajo Lake Campground to complete the last few miles on pavement. In short, I was an embarrassment to myself and everyone.

Aside from this single episode of bonking, however, the weekend was a success. We had a great time talking with Mark (especially Ellen), learned a lot about the local biking trails, and didn't have to drive our own shuttles. Hopefully there will be opportunities to do the whole thing again soon. Next time though, in addition to the beer, we'll need to remind Mark to bring a bicycle tow rope that can be attached to my fork.

This week's photo credits: Mark Saurer.