The snowpack has finally stabilized in the Wasatch but my knee not so much. I've been cleared to go out and behave myself, something I'm completely incapable of doing on skis. Instead of getting rad and blowing every ligament left in the knee I think it would be smarter for me to go build some leg meat on the bikes. I haven't wheels in St George since 2005, a time where 26" hardtails ruled the world and Gooseberry Mesa wasn't really a thing. I searched around the forum and didn't find much beta on the new reality of biking in SW UT, other than the fact that it's crowded as fuck.... So I figured I'd start a thread to confirm that.
Anyone care to share a list of must-do rides? I think the number of trails is 20x larger than when I last visited so it's safe to assume I haven't ridden anything. I'm not as fit as I'd like to be right now (have done nothing but PT since mid January) but can probably handles 20ish miles a day for 3 days in a row (at least I'd like to believe I can). I'm trying to stay away from anything ultra-tech, I can spin fine but I'm not interested in finding out how well I can handle an emergency dismount into a steep chute. Gooseberry-style riding might be at the limit of what I want to deal with (although I used to love the place and it should be more manageable on a real bike). Seems like St George proper (Green Valley / Santa Clara) has mellower options that the Hurricane area and is worth a visit?
Is there still free camping in the area for someone rolling in mid-day on a Friday? 15 years ago we'd just plop down on the side of the road on the mesa and call it good but I imagine every site that exists up there is permanently occupied? I'd prefer to set up camp somewhere quiet (if that's even a thing) and drive to the TH even if it's 20+ minute away. Never been a fan of camping in the parking lot, I like sitting around and looking at clouds and the chatter of bros nearby detracts from the experience.
If anyone's down there this weekend and interested in linking up I'll be rolling solo, happy to get sandbagged and drink some beers. Also opened to any suggestion that isn't St George, I really have no plan other than getting TFO of SLC...
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