5th Annual Bike Peddler Spring Trip

Start making your plans now to attend the 5th Annual Bike Peddler Spring Trip.  This year we’re going back to Fruita, Colorado.  If you didn’t go last time, let me give you a little recap.

I had a brand new bike, with zero miles.  I headed down early to catch a little ride before the unwashed masses got there.  After checking into the hotel, and headed over to take a lap around Horsethief bench.  About halfway through I took an ill-advised line through some rocks and tumbled over the bars.  Yes, less than three miles on a brand new bike and I had a bent derailleur hanger.  There is an odd sense of impropriety that comes from beating a shiny new bike part with a rock to try and get yourself back to the truck.  I managed to get it functional again and finished the loop.  On my way back to the truck, the Zoobie Crew showed up.  Terry, Nate, Gard, and a couple others I can’t remember were pulling on Spandex at the trailhead.  Scorched into my minds eye is the full frontal shot of Nate, and his unhurried attempt to cover himself despite being in plain view of me, a father and son duo, and a middle-aged woman on a huffy.  If you never knew Nate, let me help you picture it.

Yeah, that’s him in the ironic/quirky aviators.  Not sure what ever happened to Nate, but I think heard he aced his law school entrance exam and will soon be defending the laws of this great nation.

Soon after that, we all hooked up at the hotel, and decided to go rally downtown Fruita.  Not a lot going on at night in Fruita, and we were mocked by locals and Slyfox Moonwillow for treating Main Street as our own personal skills park.

We spent Saturday riding the 18 Road stuff.  All of it narrow gauge singletrack.  For the uninitiated Fruit-onians pride themselves on their singletrack.  And rightfully so.  Miles and miles of buff, rolling trail.  The 18 Road area is sagebrushy desert with trails weaving in and out of little gullys, and mesas.  Fun, fast, XC style riding.  Wrapped up the day with steaks at the Brew Pub.

Sunday we all checked out and headed for the Loma/Mack area.  This is where the Kokopelli trail starts/ends in Colorado.  There are also miles, and miles of trails that run a little more technical.  Slickrock, sand, and a little bit of high desert cryptobiotic soil make it a good contrast with the other side of Fruita.  Spent the day chasing Parrish and Sly around Mary’s loop, under blue skies and perfect temperatures.Oh, and if your hoping to see some super technical stuff try the entrance to Horsethief bench.  Here’s me a couple hears ago with Skyler and Papa Holder cheering me on….

One of the other highlights of the trip, was having Pam and Jeremy Jarneke along for it.  They know every trail in the country and acted as tour guide.  Shortly after this trip they moved to  Arizona, but guess what?  They are moving back.  Jeremy just had back surgery, so he might be on the maybe list, but you couldn’t ask for cooler people to ride with.

So,…..If your planning on going here’s what you need to know.

We have ten rooms reserved at the La Quinta in Fruita.  Group rate is $79/ night.  If we need more rooms we might be able to get them, but only if these fill up quickly.  Call (970) 858-8850 and tell them you are with The Bike Peddler group.  If there is any confusion ask to speak with Teena.

If you would like to make other arrangements and just meet up with us to ride you are welcome to do so.

You are responsible for your own transportation to Fruita for you and your bike.   The shop will close at 3 pm on March 12 to allow employees to travel down.  Plan to ride all day Saturday, and most of Sunday.  It should be cool enough you’ll want some cool weather gear, but temps could be anywhere from the 40’s-60’s.

We usually get together on Saturday night for dinner, and we will be holding the second annual Guitar Hero Championship in my hotel room.  Bring your a-game.

I’ll be sending emails as it gets closer and details get nailed down, but those are the broad strokes.  Make your reservation early to be sure you get a discounted room.

If you have questions shoot me an email: joshmcc@bikepeddlerutah.com

Remember,what happens in Fruita……..