Canon City Hard Times MTB spring breakout April 15-17

Memo to scoundrels. Time for you to start planning. Or pleading your innocence. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.

Last year we retreated from Pueblo the last day due to a sudden extreme cold snap. Snow came in the afternoon. Yet, two years ago, the tribe spoke, promising to return. So, be on your best behavior, we are going back to the territorial prison area again. And we will finish as usual with the Pizza Madness luncheon. Below is the preliminary itinerary. Start thinking about your plans. This has been so much fun exploring. We will enjoy the town highlights and cuisine. Can you follow the law? The tribe has spoken.

1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 15 South Canon Trails. Take your pick: Will you be doing Mutton Busting or Hard Times, will you cruise down Smooth Criminal, will you look for Redemption, or will you plan for the Great Escape? Meet early at 1st Street and Riverside Avenue, the small park along the Arkansas River. Enjoy some lunch first. The South Canon trails are only a few blocks away. Eagle wings fly.

An optional hike is available along the Arkansas River. A small bighorn sheep herd exists along the tunnel trail.

10:00 AM Thursday, April 16 Oil Well Flats A caravan to the area will be arranged from the central motel. This will be decided on Wednesday, per the powwow after the South Canon Trails. The Flats are about 7 miles or so north of town and a bit higher elevation. Trails are on more rugged and steeper terrain. Possibly make way for Tectonic Shift, pedal to the Unconformity, maybe admire Island in the Sky, or skip to Path of Least Resistance. The trail challenge is amazing and can be at times difficult. Spend a few hours there, then in the afternoon perhaps check out the latest dinosaur bone discovery at the Canon City museum. Also note, instead of riding, last time some folks hiked the park near there. Powwow 2 to be determined.

10:00 AM Royal Gorge Maybe spend this last day on Dream Weaver. Again, a caravan will be coordinated from the town motel. These are relatively new trails. After Dark Side of the Moon, a person can catch glimpses into the Royal Gorge. Once again, riders can choose from some easy trails, like Twisted Cistern or go to some challenging blue trails, like Made in the Shade. Or we can all head to the boardwalk for a group picture again. After riding, join for a lunch at the delicious Pizza Madness. The typical meeting time is 1:00 here. Return home full of adventure.

Some coordination on places to stay can be made using the comments section. Possible hotel choices: Quality Inn - motel where most stayed last time. Or Hampton Inn? Comments can also be used to organize hikes as an alternative.

Trail ratings vary from green to blue to black. Trail choices are up to you. Maps are available via pictures taken at trailhead signs and at web sites. Rider attendance for this getaway is limited to the fully dues paying DBTC tribe members. That is the law.

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Assumption of Risk: Mountain bike riding, like any bike activity, comes with risks. Attending riders must understand that participation in this event is voluntary and assume their own risks when participating. Your RSVP constitutes electronically affirming the DBTC liability release waiver. (Find it here: http://dbtc.org/page-1532332 ).

Keenly note that the DBTC organizer and any other helpers for this event are volunteers and NOT professional guides. These volunteers only coordinate the gathering of riders at the designated meeting place. Your bike should be in good working order. Beyond any trail head meeting, riding participation is personal choice. All riders need to practice safe riding for themselves and take responsibility for personal choices during the event.