MTB Monarch Crest weekend trip

This trip happening is not guaranteed. Your RSVP indicates your interest, but please message me directly via Meetup and we will coordinate via group chat. Details are all workable depending on our group preferences. I am flexible and open to suggestions!

I'll be trying to determine a confirm/cancel for the trip by Tuesday Sept 10, based on responses.

This is not a guided trip. You are responsible for your wellbeing. I am volunteering to coordinate logistics including lodging and carpooling/shuttling, but you need to be confident in the itinerary, your own capability, and the group (which we can do via group chat). It is expected that you are prepared with a bike in good condition, tools, spare tube, sufficient water, etc. Bring warm layers and a rain jacket to be prepared in the event of extreme weather.

Lodging: 2-queen hotel rooms in Salida over Saturday night. Based on a quick search, I am estimating $50-$100 per person depending on our number and willingness to share queen beds in a hotel room. $150-$200 for own room. No pressure to compromise anyone's ability to feel safe about their lodging. Will give a final price and ask for deposit before booking. Open to camping as an option!

Carpooling: From the Golden area or other midpoint, if schedules match up well.

Itinerary Sunday Sept 15: Monarch Crest trail
Early (~8 am) start.
In the event of weather/snow/conditions, we will proceed or turn back based on everyone's comfortability and ensuring sufficient group sizes.

36.3 miles | 1,922' gain | 5,778' descent (option to exclude last segment of highway)
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/3671983/monarch-crest-imba-epic

Trail conditions:
https://www.absolutebikes.com/articles/local-trail-conditions-pg203.htm
https://salidamountaintrails.org/trail-conditions/

Itinerary Saturday Sept 14
Leaving Saturday morning (time TBD) for group's preference of afternoon riding at Breck (Oktoberfest?), BV, or Salida.

Maybe something blue-intermediate 10-15 miles with less than 1k ft elevation? Examples being Baker's Tank in Breck or Breakfast Meats loop in BV.

Resources

Anticipating self-shuttle but shuttle services are available if we prefer:
https://www.monarchcrest.com/reservation-requests
https://www.absolutebikes.com/articles/shuttles-pg207.htm

Banana belt race Sept 15: https://salidamountaintrails.org/bananabelt/