GRANITE CREEK & WESTWATER RIDE

September 29 – 30, 2006

RIDE LEADER

Ruxton Noble, 801-319-3995 (cell) or rbn@ruxtonnoble.com

INTRO

Eastern Utah and Western Colorado contain some of the most scenic and remote country in the west. I have spent many years exploring in this area and am looking forward to introducing other riders to its splendor. I have two rides planned. One day will be a 100 mile loop on the back roads in the Granite Creek area. The following day will be a single-track fest on the technical trails in the Westwater and Rabbit Valley area.

RIDE SCHEDULE

Granite Creek

Friday, September 29, 2006: This day we will ride the Granite Creek loop. On Highway 128, meet on the south side Dewey Bridge. I would like to have a riders meeting at 9:30 and be on the trail before 10:00. The ride will begin by following the Kokopelli Trail, including descending Rose Garden Hill into Fisher Valley. We will turn off the Kokopelli Trail after we have climbed into the La-Sal Mountains. We will enjoy the cooler temps and relax on the graveled roads as we descend to Gateway, Colorado through John Brown canyon. There will be a pit stop in Gateway for gas and groceries at the recently opened convenience store. There will be about a half mile of pavement we will need to cross so being street legal could be a good idea. After Gateway we will climb the rugged Sheep Road and drop into Granite Creek. We will follow a combination of little known roads down to the Dolores River where we will have to cross it to get back to Dewey Bridge. This should be a refreshing end to a great ride. If we have returned in time we could do an evening ride to Top of the World to enjoy the sunset.

Westwater Mesa and Rabbit Valley

Saturday, September 30, 2006: We will meet at Westwater Mesa on exit 227 on I-70. Go south of the interstate on the two track road which is east of the gas plant. Stay to the right (west) when you get to the fork on the Kokopelli Trail. There are places to park and camp along with some pit toilets and picnic tables. I would like to have a riders meeting at 9:30 and be on the trail before 10:00. We will begin by riding the Zion Curtain trail and continuing over to Rabbit Valley. We will ride Trail #8 and Trail #2 before heading back over to Westwater Mesa on the West Rim Trail. We will ride the South Loop and the Arch Trail and eventually get back to camp. This will be about a 60 mile loop. If there is enough time we could do an evening ride.

Sunday, October 1, 2006: I would be willing to lead a ride if there is enough interest.

			On Trail #2 in Rabbit Valley Photo courtesy Mike Hubbard
		On the Western Rim Trail Photo courtesy Curt Becker			Mee Canyon overlook On Trail #8 in Rabbit Valley
		On the Western Rim Trail Photo courtesy Hike Hubbard	On Trail #8 in Rabbit Valley	Riding the arch on the Arch Trail Photo courtesy Mike Hubbard
	COMMENTS Rides are in remote locations. Nearest civilizations are Moab, Utah and Fruita Colorado. Gas, Groceries, and Lodging are available there. Primitive camping will be available at both trailheads. Bikes and riders need to be in good shape. Registration and spark arrestors are required. Rain is possible but not likely. Please contact me if you plan on attending.