Lair O' the Bear + Rutabaga (Group A)

This 12-mile intermediate loop is a local favorite, combining a scenic, multi-use climb with a specialized, bike-only downhill. The route features roughly 2,000 feet of elevation gain and technical rock sections.

• Lair o’ the Bear to Pence Park (Approx. 6 miles)
• Start at Lair o’ the Bear Parking Lot:
• Bear Creek Trail Warm-up: Pedal for about 1.25 miles on the wide, flat segment following the river. Be alert for families and hikers, as this section is highly trafficked.
• Cross the large bridge over Bear Creek to transition into the more rugged singletrack.
• Sharp Left Turn: At the end of the flat creek section, make a sharp left turn away from the river to begin the climb.Technical Climb: Navigate a steep, rocky section through O'Fallon and Corwina Parks. Expect rock ramps and tight turns through trees.
• Continue until you reach the Pence Park Parking Lot. This marks your turnaround point.
• The Descent: From Pence Park, head back down the way you came. Enter Rutabaga Ride: Look for the marked junction for the one-way, MTB-only Rutabaga Ride trail. It is located approximately 2.5 miles from the Lair o' the Bear trailhead (on your return, this will be after the main descent from the upper ridge).
• Rutabaga Descent: Follow this 3.3 to 3.5-mile specialized downhill. It is designed for mountain bikes with berms, jumps (with landing options), and rock gardens.
• Final Segment: The trail concludes with a short, non-technical climb offering views of the parking lot before a final flowy segment back to the main gate.
• Ride Details: Difficulty: Solid intermediate (Blue). Bike Type: Mountain bikes and E-MTBs are permitted.
• Pro Tip: This area is extremely popular on weekends; aim for an early start to secure parking at the Lair o' the Bear Trailhead.
• https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8012003/lair-o-the-bear-park
• White Toyota Land Cruiser, Black Bike. Mark's cell is 303-669-9107

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