schnauzers.ws

It only got worse and we kept going up. I would qualify this trail as highly technical if I were on the bike, not that I would even attempt it.

Now I know why I ride a bike and don't hike. This was extremely tiring and made muscles ache that never did before.

Once at the top, or should I say the bottom of the high canyon things flattened out but the mud got worse.

We then charged ahead to the secret trail of Indian carved artwork with views of the LaSalles behind us.

The rock art was extremely cool even if some assholes had to add some graffiti.

On the way out the rain got worse, we got wet, but it was still a good time. Later that weekend we'd find out they actually canceled the 24 Hours of Moab because of the rain.

Sunday we awoke to sunny skies and quickly rising temps. Great, since this was the last opportunity for me to get on the trail this weekend. Destination… Sovereign Trail.

Although there had been so much rain, the trail was actually dry in most places and tacky in others.

This was the first on on this trail for me. I was told 16 miles, but no one told me that there were some pretty tricky spots. All in all, it is a very well laid out trail with a little bit of everything that Moab has to offer.

On the way in you get to sample some technical climbing with challenging step-ups.

Slick rock playgrounds.

And just an all around good time. We did this ride on the slow side mainly because we would stop and play around on some of the technical sections. It was also good to have to great riders to teach me how to handle some of the harder moves and spot me so I wouldn't get hurt.

Bill demonstrates a big step up.

The trail becomes even more technical as it heads up.

Of course the views from the top make the challenge worth it.

We head on to some more slickrock fun.

Another climb up some steep trail that the motorcycles made easy and then some more views of where we came from.

And where we are going to.

Next it's down a very technical and exposed piece of trail to the lollipop part of the trail. I made it about half way before I looked up and saw the exposure. That did it for me.

On the way back out, what goes up must come down and I have to admit it was one of the most technically fun times I have had on the bike. The evening was finished with a M.O.A.B. (Mother Of All Burritos) at Miguels.

A short spin on the fire road to the trailhead.

We continue on the Colorado trail undulating with a slight bias to the downhill.

Carol demonstrates how she broke her arm in this very same spot.

Continuing on, we sidetrack to chair rocks and take in the views.

Stuff some food down our gullets and it’s back on the trail.

We hit a section of switchbacks. Keith and Stu show us how they are down. These were just a little too tight and steep for me.

Carol burns down the downhill and into the Buffalo Creek burn area (how ironic).

Somehow I get in front of the group. Now how did that happen? I fix it by taking a picture.

A quick stop at an old quartz quarry and some showing off by Keith.

Then it’s a look at the views and a ripping switchback laden downhill to the river for a rest.

Time for the climbing. 2000′ in two miles and I’m thinking this is gonna hurt. It turns out it wasn’t all that bad or I was on drugs.

Keith hits the switchbacks (23 of them) of witch I make all but two. It’s easier for me on the uphill.

Bill heads up to meet Stu on the switchback that wouldn’t die. I think they tried this eight times before I got board and left.

And I do some switchbacks of my own. A lot of them. But the climb continues and I think I have a second wind!

The top!

More fun on the downhill which gets pretty gnarly until we reach Lenny’s climb.

Then a big ring spin down Waterton Canyon to the car.

GPS Stuff: