Pipe Dream Moab
Pipe Dream Moab

The new Pipe Dream Trail in Moab, a fantastic singletrack that starts in downtown Moab

 

Last year October this trail did not exist, and I was pleasantly surprised to have a +10 mile singletrack at my doorstep. I did the Pipe Dream all the way, from Hidden Valley to Aspen Street and back. Having the smell of Burger King follow me all the way was not easy, knowing that it would only be a 5 min detour to add Burger King or McDonalds to the trail. This time I did not give in to temptation, but it was very difficult.

 Pipe Dream Trail Map

Trail Stats & Information Pipe Dream  

Nearby Town: Moab

Length: about 12.00 miles as an out & back

Trail Type: Out & Back

Skill Level: [what the books say] No info

Skill Level: [My Opinion] Technically moderate. Physically moderately demanding.

Duration: about 3 hours

Trailhead Elev: 4,428 feet

Top Elev: 4,663 feet

 

 

Book Description

New trail, so not yet listed in any books, the below is a description based on my opinion.

The Pipe Dream is a nice moderately technical singletrack that can be started at numerous places. The full Pipe Dream runs from Moab [ Aspen Street ] to the Hidden Valley Trailhead. The trail is well marked, it’s definitely not a fast trail, but it is definitely a trail that should be on the list of anyone riding the Moab Trails.

 

 My Experience

For the past 5 years I have spent the whole month of October in Moab, I always stay at the Moab Rim Campark. As many know, the Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim Trail is one of my favorite Moab rides. Moab Rim Campark is literally just 10 min. ride to the Hidden Valley Trailhead, following the “Under the Wires” trail.

I was pleasantly surprised this year to find a new trail starting ( or finishing) at the Hidden Valley Trailhead.. The Pipe Dream.

The Pipe Dream was officially opened on June 17th 2011, so it really is a brand new Trail.
The trail is very well built, and runs the whole length at the foot of the Hidden Valley and Moab Rim. The trail is far from being flat, and is no means a fast flowing trail. I started the ride directly from Moab Rim Campark at about 10 am on a Monday. I was pretty surprised at the number of riders already on the trail, it is clear that the Pipe Dream is already a very popular trail.

The ride from Hidden Valley to Moab Aspen Street, is a lot easier than from Aspen Street to Hidden Valley. Technically both directions are moderately technical, however physically the ride to Hidden Valley is a lot more strenuous, due to more climbing.

 

Conclusion

The people that built the Pipe Dream did a fantastic job, the singletrack winds itself around, under and over some unbelievable rocky terrain. It’s a great slow and moderately technical trail, that offers a lot of options. Out and Back from downtown Moab, but for the real “grinderz” among us, it can form a fantastic loop with Hidden Valley and Moab Rim.
It’s already clear that the Pipe Dream is a huge success, and is becoming very popular, very quick.

 

  Other Info:

Traffic on Trail : For a weekday, It was moderately busy

Wild Life : a snake

Scenery : Really nice scenery.

Other : Have not done it myself, but the Pipe Dream can be a great option to loop the Hidden Valley onto Moab Rim. Physically extremely demanding, but it would make a hell of a loop none the less.

 

My Trail Rating : 7 / 10

 

Moab Rim CamparkThis Pipe Dream 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. The Pipe Dream Trail starts 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  

 

Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post

Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post

 Product Description

If your favorite trail throws as many sweeping downhill sections at you as it does long, uphill lungbusters, you probably spend a lot of time changing your saddle height along the way.You can thank Crank Brothers for making the adjustment process faster,easier and a heck of a lot more convenient. With four inches of travel, the Joplin 4 adjustable seatpost lets you set the optimal saddle height for whatever type of terrain you encounter. With just a flick of the handlebar-mounted remote, you can instantly lower your saddle for descents, and just as quickly return it to the perfect height for the next climb–without the hassle of dismounting and fiddling with your seat post collar. Just unweight, flip the remote and put the power to the pedals.

  • Dual guide blocks maintain post alignment to prevent saddle wiggle
  • Outer clamps engineered to reduce flexing and slippage
  • Saddle fore/aft and tilt are infinitely adjustable
  • U-cup seal prevents the oil in the upper tube from leaking into the outer post shaft
  • Two-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship

Specs :

Diameter : 30.9, 31.6

Length : 398mm

Material : Aluminum

Offset : 20mm Weight : 590g  

 

Trail Performance :

This is my first ever “Dropper”, and it took me quite some time to decide to spend about $230 on this seat post.
I purchased this seat post back in June 2011, and have tested it on +400 mountain biking miles. The first couple of times I hit the trails, I completely forgot to use it, or the truth be told, I didn’t know quite how to use it.
Of course I knew I had to drop gravity on a downhill section / obstacle, however it wasn’t that easy on the trails.
I started to think that maybe I had wasted my money on this “gadget”. Slowly and bit by bit I started to get the hang of things, and things started looking up.

Now 400 miles and 3 months later, I don’t even have to think about things, my eyes, brain and thumb are fine tuned to work together, and in a fraction of a second I drop whenever needed.
I have heard and read a lot of negative things about “droppers” , breaking off, too slow, not dropping, not popping back up etc. Touch wood, I have not had any issues at all with my Joplin 4R , it has always worked a treat.
It is difficult to explain the benefits of a dropper to someone that has never used one, but now that I have one, and know how to use it, I would not want to be without one again. Like most things in life, you only start appreciating things when you know how to use them properly.

The Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post looks sharp, it was easy to install ( although mine was installed by Hub Cyclery in Iydllwild CA ) it takes about 20 min. to install.
The thumb lever is very easy to use for both drop and lift.

I highly recommend the Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post, it is now part of my riding experience, and I would not like to revert back to a permanant saddle.

For more info about the Crank Brothers Joplin 4R Seat Post visit : Crank Brothers