SylvanSport’s Coolest Adventure Contest Ever!.  

 What’s your ultimate dream adventure? Mountain biking in Moab? Kayaking the class five rapids of the Appalachian foothills? Star-gazing in Bryson Canyon?

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The three best answers win a hooked up gear package worth up to $5,000 from primo outdoor sponsors including Orbea, Yakima, Kelty, KEEN, Black Diamond, Wenger, Jackson Kayak, SPOT, and Grand Trunk Goods. Winners also get the GO itself for up to three months to live and document your adventure story. The most epic and well documented resulting adventure of the three finalists keeps the GO itself and bonus gear from our sponsors-That’s the GO, thousands of dollars worth of gear, major online publicity, and bragging rights.

Contest ends May 31st 2012, but don’t wait! Each week contestants are automatically entered into weekly giveaways for more great gear from our sponsors! The earlier you sign up, the more chances you have to win prizes.

What are you waiting for? ENTER NOW!!

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Enjoy miles and miles of stunning 360 degree views on the Amasa Back - Pot Arch and Rockstacker trail in Moab

The Amasa Back – Pothole Arch and Rock Stacker Trail is in my opinion Moab’s most scenic trail, and if planned well is also one of Moab’s best rides. This trail can also be a complete nightmare, extremely busy, so be well prepared when planning this beauty.  

Trail Stats & Information Amasa Back

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: 12.95 miles

Trail Type: Out & Back (lollipop) or loop with Jackson (not recommended)

Skill Level: [what the books say] Technically very difficult to extreme. Physically very difficult.

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate to extreme . Physically moderate / demanding

Duration: Book say’s 3-4 hours my time 5.07 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,000 feet

Top Elev: 4,886 feet

Book Description

You’ll want to watch the first 100 feet of this trail. It can ruin your ride in a hurry. The entire trail should be approached with respect. It’s short, but it’s a grunt with technical challenges thrown in here and there, some on the edge of a 500-foot cliff. Ledges drop into deep sand at points. it asks for speed and can surprise you as you round a corner. The ride from here can be extremely rewarding for a very experienced riders with a good sense of direction and maybe a guide. There is a petroglyph panel worthy of a visit, but the riding just gets harder from this viewpoint as you climb on the very technical slickrock onto the huge sandstone monolith that is Amasa Back. Don’t even think about the singletrack that goes down the backside. it is scary and exposed the whole way. Trail Surface; Technical 4WD track. Ledgy bedrock, sand, slickrock, loose and hardpack sediments. Scary exposure.

 

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My Experience

I will not even consider riding this trail, if I cannot get started at the crack of dawn. This time I was ready to Rock ‘n Roll at 7 am. Anyone that has ever done the Amasa Back knows Mr Toad is the very first unfriendly obstacle you have to get passed. That is not really a big problem for anyone that knows what to expect. However I have seen people start bombin’ down Mr Toad to suddenly be confronted with a 5 foot verticle drop.. Too Late, they are airbourne, unprepared, and the wrong angle.. A quick end to the Amasa Back.. Over within 40 seconds. Take it easy on Mr Toad, he’s a grumpy old sod!! From Mr Toad the Amasa back section itself is a 2.5 miles short climb. The climb is not very strenuous, and apart from one or two short sections it is a pretty easy climb. Getting an early start means you will have the trail to yourself, which means you can just relax and enjoy the Amasa Back, and take photo’s without having 35 other people in the photo. There are a few pretty technical sections on the way up, I suggest taking them in, and even memorizing the line you should take on the way down, ‘cos coming down the Amasa is one of the many highlights, and it’s a fast downhill ride. Once at the top of Amasa, you are advised to take a break, enjoy the scenery, and make sure your quick release’s are fully fastened, the next mile is manic with some very gnarly sections that are actually doable. Saying that, do not hesitate once you’ve approached the obsticle, if you hesitate on some of these drops, you are in big trouble. The large rock Island on your left is Jackson Hole. Hopefully you made it down the Amasa in one piece, from here you start another climb, following the fantastic Pothole Arch Trail. Again, the climb is pretty moderate, but there are one or two very technical sections, that I choose to walk. Once the 4 wheel drive trail veers off, the Pothole Arch Trail becomes singletrack and slickrock. From this point the ride takes a very nice and dramatic turn, no more up, from here it’s DOWN, and a fast and windy down, until you reach the turn off to pick up the Rockstacker. The Pothole Arch downhill is a really fun section, there is a small degree of technical sections, but nothing major. At this point ignore the Rockstacker Trail, just cruise onto the Slickrock Spurs and enjoy the rollercoaster ride that takes you to Pothole Arch. This is one massive Slickrock playground, enjoy the spur, and the stunning scenery from the top. After you are done playing on the Slickrock Spurs, make your way back to the start of the “RockStacker Trail” For those people that find the Amasa Back technical, or the Poison Spider technical, the Portal Trail or even Moab Rim, then I suggest you go back the same way you just came, ‘cos believe me, the Rockstacker is one mental trail, extremely technical. Walking the majority of the Rockstacker is very technical, let alone riding it. Saying that, there are people that actually ride, or attempt to ride these sections.. On the Amasa Back, I talked about technical drops of 4 feet, on the Rockstacker, it’s technical drops of 20+ feet. I myself am far too sensible ( and scared) to even try riding these sections, and my steed is not built for this kind of riding ( yeah ok it’s a lame excuse) BUT, I still love the Rockstacker, I walk about 50% of this trail, luckily most of it is the first half. Once passed the halfway mark, I feel safe enough to get back on my steed. Now even the second half is no picnic, but at least it’s doable technical and lots of fun. At the end of Rockstacker you can pick up the Jackson Trail back down to the Trailhead, I myself do not like this trail, it is just not rideable, or just far too technical. I suggest picking up on the Amasa Back again, and having one hell of a Downhill experience.

Conclusion

Plan this trail in advance, if you get an early start, and you get there before the crowds, you will have a fantastic ride. The route I did is fun, technical, fast, furious, mental, but worth every second you get to spend on the trail. In my books this is probably the most scenic rides in not just Moab, but in the USA.

Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : On this ride I had the trail to myself untill the downhill section. However this trail can be extremely busy Wild Life : Definitely don’t need it on this scenic trail Scenery : Absolutely Fantastic Moab Scenery. The best out there Other : If possible do an early weekday ride. On weekends / holidays the trail can be VERY busy.

  My Trail Rating : 10 / 10 [ if timed well ]

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The Amasa Back Trail review is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud. Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more. Amasa Back Trail is just a 12 min. drive from your campsite. Moab Rim Campsite has been recommended by “Mountain Bike Mayhem” 4 years running. Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

Moab MTB Trail Videos taken in October 2010

Sovereign Trail 3

Sovereign Trail 2

Sovereign Trail 1

Slickrock Trail 2

Slickrock Trail 1

Amasa Back Trail 3

Amasa Back Trail 2

Amasa Back Trail 1

Flat Pass Trail 3

Flat Pass Trail 2

Flat Pass Trail 1

Portal Trail

Poison Spider

Hidden Valley 2

Hidden Valley 1

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This Post is proudly sponsored by :

Moab Rim Campark

At Moab Rim Campark mountain bikers will definitely feel at home among other mountain bikers at this Mountain Biker Friendly Campgroud.
Bike wash, grassy shaded tent sites with stunning views, Full hook ups, semi hook ups, cabins, group shelters, sheltered areas to tinker on the bikes, and lots more.

Mountain Bikers get 10% discount, just bring your bike(s) and mention MOUNTAIN BIKE MAYHEM

For more info vist : Moab Rim Campark

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5th Annual Moab  Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival And Moab Mountain Bike Film Fest.
October 28, 29, 30 & 31st, 2010

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Moab Ho Down 2010 : Mountain Bikers Unite in Moab at the Ho Down

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The 2010 Moab Ho Down will be a day longer and will feature Moab’s first ever Mountain Bike Film Festival in addition to all of our usual excellent festivities!

• DH RACE
• SUPER D RACE
• DIRT JUMP
• COMPETITION/EXHIBITION
• TOWNIE TOUR,
• RIDICULOUS COSTUME PARTY
• THE MOAB WORLD PUMP TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS
• MOAB HO-DOWN Downhill & Super D Race Information
  Chile Pepper Bike Shop is proud to have mountain bike racing at the fall festival known as the Moab Ho-Down Mountain Bike Festival!

Super D Race

Down LPS trail (lower porcupine single-track) and the portion of Porcupine Rim Trail that is referred to as the Porcupine climb off of Sand Flats Road. This race is a Super-D time trial and is approximately 5 miles in length.

Our permit allows a total of 100 registered men/women sport, expert and open/pro mountain bike riders.
This trail and race format IS NOT intended for beginner riders and beginner riders are strongly discouraged from registering. Shuttles will begin taking racers and bikes from the parking area at Porcupine Rim Trailhead on Sand Flats Road to the race start at 12:30pm following the race meeting.

Racers will be shuttled in order of class with sport riders racing first. ONLY racers will be allowed on shuttle vehicles. Spectators can make their way up course from the bottom of Porcupine Rim Trail. (We are discouraging spectators from driving up to the LPS trail head due to the very limited parking at the start
point of the race.) The race will start at approximately 1pm.

DH Race

The course starts at the top of the Lazy Man’s put-in of Porcupine Rim Trail located off of Sand Flats Road, approximately 2 miles past the Porcupine Rim Trailhead. The course descends down lazy man’s and makes a hard left turn onto Porcupine Rim Trail and the remainder of the course descends along Porcupine Rim Trail. The course is approximately 2 miles in length. Racers can take practice runs on the course Friday and Saturday prior to race day.

Please be aware that this course is on a public trail and will have general riders ascending this portion of the trail both days. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that racers start practice runs after 1pm on Friday and Saturday to avoid the busier morning traffic on the trail. Proper trail etiquette must be observed during practice runs.

There will be a race practice shuttle vehicle available at the Porcupine Rim Trailhead on Friday and Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm. Shuttle fee is $10 per day and will be paid directly to the shuttle driver.

Racers who are only registered for the DH race will need to be at the parking lot for Porcupine Rim Trail on Sand Flats Road no later than 2:00pm on Sunday, 10/31/10. Racers and their bikes will be loaded in shuttle vehicles and taken to the course start at 2:30pm. Racers will be shuttled in order of class with sport riders racing first (this shuttle is provided as part of your race fee). ONLY racers will be allowed on shuttle vehicles. Spectators can make there way up course from the bottom of Porcupine Rim Trail. The race will start at 3pm.

This race is a time trial format and is approximately 2 miles in length. Our permit allows a total of 100 registered men/women sport, expert and open/pro mountain bike riders. Course marshals will be positioned along the trail as well as emergency personnel.

One Race Day practice run will be provided for both Super D and DH racers from the Porcupine Rim Trailhead at 11am.

Award ceremonies for the Super D and DH race will take place at Chile Pepper Bike Shop immediately following race finish.

For more info visit : www.moabhodown.chilebikes.com

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The infamous Portal Trail in Moab known to be the most dangerous trail in the USA

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The Portal Trail in Moab is known to be the most deadliest trail in the USA, is this justified or is it just a hype? I have done this trails numerous times, either looping the Poison Spider Mesa Trail, or as a Point to Point coming up Gold Bar Rim Trail.

So, is the Portal Trail really as scary & dangerous as everyone makes out?…

In memory of ?? Sad to see this on the Portal Trail Oct. 2010

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Is the Portal Trail dangerous ? YES

Is the Portal Trail Deadly ? If you fall on certain section of this Trail then definitely.

Is the Portal Trail Scary ? NO not at all, UNLESS you have a fear of heights and sheer drops of course.

Is the Portal Trail Scenic ? Very scenic, stunning views looking over the Colorado River and Moab.

Is the Portal Trail only suited for experienced riders ? If you manage to get to the Top of Portal from the Poison Spider or Gold Bar Rim, then you are experienced enough to go down Portal.

Gold Bar Rim to Portal and Poison Spider Mesa to Portal

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The Portal Trail is like many other trails a  “common sense” Trail, but unlike most other trails where  if you fall, you might do yourself some serious damage, however on the Portal you either learn how to fly in 5 sec. or you are dead, thats a certainty. Now this does not mean that the whole Portal Trail has a sheer 200ft drop, ‘cos that is not the case, their are 2 sections on the trail where there is a sheer drop, and they are both marked with a warning sign.

Anyone riding on this section is just asking for trouble, and obviously are missing high amounts of  reliable brain cells. On these sections the trail is 3ft wide with a solid rockface on one side and a 200+ft sheer drop on the other, and believe me, it’s not a level / smooth trail.
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Personally I find the SECOND section of this trail more dangerous than the “notorious” section.The second section is a solid mental downhill mayhem, with plenty of blind spots that lead to at least 5 ft rocky drops.
This section is also a “common sense” section, however unlike the “First” section it’s not as clear what the consequences can / will be, and by the time your brain recognizes the danger you got yourself into, there is not much you can do about it other than pray you will stay on your steed, cos this terrain is an Endo nightmare , and if you give it a chance, it will destroy your steed.

Although the Portal trail is a short connector trail, ail, maybe for thit is a very unique trail and a very useful trail, making it possible to loop the excellent “Poison Spider”  or as a way to drop down to  Potash Rd  from the Gold Bar Rim Trail

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The 4th Annual Moab Ho-Down Bike Festival
October 30th, 31st and November 1st, 2009

Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Moab Ho-Down Festival, happening the last weekend in October 2009.

Moab’s original fat tire festival has changed and evolved over the past few decades into what is now being presented by Chile Pepper Bike Shop in Moab.

KEEPING A 23-YEAR TRADITION ALIVE

The Moab Ho-Down is the reborn bike festival held annually for 23 years in Moab on Halloween weekend. It is best known & remembered as the following: “Moab Fat Tire Festival”, “Canyonlands Fat Tire Festival” and the “Moab Halloween Bike Fest”.

In the beginning, a variety of entities managed and promoted this Halloween tradition that was first born in 1986. The versions of this festival coincided with the rise of mountain biking worldwide, and from 1987 to 1992, the festival saw major coverage from all the major bike magazines, as well as regular attendance by industry bigwigs like Gary Fisher and Tom Ritchey.

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In the mid-’90s, as the whole bike festival novelty was beginning to age across the country, new promoters in Moab added some fresh angles with bigger and better events, and more racing.

From 2001 to 2004, the local Moab bike shops all got together with some bike industry sponsors and ran their version of things, including adding the famous “Test Of Metal” freeride contest at Bartlett Wash.

2005 saw the festival in danger of not returning in 2006…and that is when the Chile Pepper Bike Shop jumped in and decided to keep the tradition alive by putting together a last minute “Same, Same…But Different Ho-Down” (see flyer at right). This was refined in 2007 and 2008 to become the Moab Ho-Down that we know and love today!

Help Chile Pepper keep the Moab Ho-Down affordable! So help us out by being a sponsor or a volunteer. Please contact us for more information.

The Moab Ho-Down Bike Fest is brought to you by:

Chile Pepper Bike Shop
702 S. Main Street
Moab, UT 84532
Located next to Moab Brewery
435-259-4688
888-677-4688
E-mail them at

info@chilebikes.com

Thanks for reading…now come to Moab!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Un0dYLD9_cU

Well , in all honesty, the Dordogne is no Moab, or Bend, but it is pretty awesome and unique..
There are no mountains in the Dordogne, but it is all rolling hills, which make for some great up’s and downs.. slow up’s but extremely fast downs!!.. The trails I did with Duke, I would rate about a 2+ to a -3 nothing serious.. but still no margin for errors!!
It made me laugh that Duke has named his trails “Devils Playgroud”, and “Devils Backbone” or “Satans Fury” … Sh1t Man,.. when I heard these names I was almost too scared to ride ‘em!!.. But like Duke said, It’s all in a name..
The scenery in the Dordogne and Vezere Valley is absolutely stunning, and it’s famous for being the Prehistoric Capital of the World.. and like I said, the rides aren’t gonna make you ejaculate adrenaline, but the scenery will!!
Anyway, I can and will recommend Mountain Biking in the Dordogne, with Duke. He and the rest of Walking Dordogne are guarenteed to show you a great time.

A BIG Thanks to Duke, who is a great person and a friend…

Duke, I’ll see you Asheville NC sometime in August

For more info about Duke visit : www.walkingdordogne.com