Desperate Downhillers Seek Biking in the Dead of Winter

After a month (or two) of almost nonstop snow, my friend C. and I decided to leave this:



and this:



and head for this:



Since it's been far FAR too many months since we've been on our bikes, and with all the snow there's not a chance of riding here, today we decided to make a drastic move and go on a little trip just to take our rigid-singlespeeds for a spin. (Yes, we may be DHers for our day jobs, but singlespeeding is a &*$# BLAST! and, well, pretty useful for DH training too...wink)

5:00am rolled around, and I was on the road for Salt Lake and C.'s house. 45 minutes later, our bikes tucked into her Honda Element, looking sexy in pink and green, we hit the road for our 4+ hour drive (yep, 4+, one way, not a typo).



By 10:15am, after bumbling around a bit looking for the trail head, we were pedaling. Oh the joy!

The first descent was a bit sketchy for a "warm-up" early-season ride, but after conquering it we're that much more ready for the full-summer season. Here's a shot of C. pushing up said hill on our way back to the car:



After the initial descent, we hit the "haunted" tunnel (so named due to the echoes of the trucks on the freeway over our heads). The dot in the distance is C. going out the other side:





Out the other side and...we drove four hours for THIS??? The sand seemed endless...



Wait, wait, after schlepping our (ridiculously light) bikes for a few minutes it gets better...



And better...



And better!



The two DHers decide take a risk and turn onto an unmarked trail...and shortly thereafter turn around. Horse poop and horseshoe ruts, especially on rigid forks, just aren't fun!





Then, they discuss survival tips should they become stranded in the desert. In fact, they believe they could probably hunt and skin a rabbit with the sharp native vegetation!



All in all, it's a fantastic day. After biking for several hours, the lovely and happy bikes take a rest in the sun before climbing back into the car for the long drive home.



Well worth it ... and the Desperate Downhillers will be back for more in a week or two!