Vail Vortex Mountain Bike Ride D/3/12

Yes, we are doing it again. Only this time we intend to stay on course. 😆 Meet at the parking across Camino Loma Alta from E Garigans Gulch.

Ride Description:

This is a D paced Mountain Bike ride meaning the final average should be between 8-12 MPH, though the pace during the ride may exceed that occasionally. It is considered a social ride though there is very little opportunity to ride side by side.

All the trails are listed as beginner trails, but they can be tricky in places so if you are looking for a ride on which to learn mountain bike skills wait for my Easy Bunny Spin ride at Fantasy Island to do so.

Remember, traffic on these trails is two-way so watch for on-coming bikers. In addition, there may be hikers, as well as horseback riders, on the trails. So, watch out for them and be courteous during any encounters.

Details

The following route and trail names are based on descriptions from TrailForks. Click Here to see the route

From the trailhead we’ll head North on Zippin’ before turning east on Encantado. The first five miles are a sustained climb averaging 1.2% on the Encantado, Redtail, Mole Mound, Badge and Badger Chase trails. Along the way we will cross Pistol Hill Road and Old Spanish Trail. The climb ends just before we reach the Arizona trail. We will have a sustained break when we reach the Arizona Trail.

After the break we head down the Arizona Trail to the Coyote Canyon trail which we’ll follow until we cross back over Pistol Hill. At this point we encounter some fairly easy downhill single track where we’ll have a short regroup.

When we reach Old Spanish trail at the end of the downhill we will regroup on the north side of Old Spanish Trail. We’ll be on the side of the road at this point so please stay on the shoulder and watch for oncoming cars.

Afterwards we will ride up Coyote Canyon until it crosses Mole Mound and becomes Buckhorn and ride the trail until we get to Old Mesquite Trail. This climb is just over 1 mile and average 2.7%. We will have a regroup when we reach the Old Mesquite Trail.

After the regroup we’ll ride west on Old Mesquite Trail for our second downhill single track covering Old Mesquite Trail, Hasta la Vista and Tight & Twisty. We’ll regroup at the end of Tight & Twisty before following Zippin’ back to the trailhead.

Wheels rolling at the start time shown above. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign the ride waiver.

You must be current with your GABA membership. Click here to become a member.

What to Bring:
• No ear buds! This is a safety requirement, not a request.
• Food & fluids for 2 hours - 2 24oz Bottles or Hydration Pack.
• Bring a tube/patch kit and a way to inflate your tires.
• Be sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
• CPSC approved helmets must always be worn while riding.

If you are riding, I ask that you agree that:
• You will obey traffic laws. Drive your bike as you would your car.
• You are a representative of the greater cycling community and will therefore conduct yourself appropriately.
• You will represent GABA well.
• While riding, you will respect others. You will take care when passing pedestrians and other cyclists: ring your bell or call out "Passing" or "Good morning!" before passing.
• If any of these standards are unclear, you can ask for clarification.
• Route subject to change based upon, weather, road conditions, group requests, and or the ride leader getting lost or forgetting his helmet.