Thunder Mountain - Red Canyon, UT

We heard great things about this trail, which is in Red Canyon, just outside of Bryce. There's no mountain biking in the National Park - so we heard this was the next best thing.

The views were spectacular - but the trail was very poorly maintained. Lots of ruts and washouts. Lots of hike-a-bike. Very challenging. 15.7 miles with about 2,000' of climbing.

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, UT

Definitely the best cycling adventure of the summer. Not only a great workout at 64 miles with 5720' of climbing; but incredible scenery, an unexpected moose encounter, and wacky weather.







We started late to avoid the morning thunderstorms. The afternoon forecast was "sunny and clear - chance of precipitation, 10%." Uh... these certainly aren't sunny skies; but we'd only gotten sprinkled on a tiny bit so far. Our luck would run out soon...
At least I was off the mountain when the skies opened up and poured down rain and pea-sized hail...
Soaking wet, I took shelter in this car port for 1/2 an hour or so. While I was there, Brian called me from a ranger station on the mountain. (He'd done some bonus miles and wound up behind me.) The nice rangers gave him towels to dry off and blankets to stay warm.
When the sun came out, I hit the road. I had a monstrous headwind and could only manage 7 to 8 in the flats. It was pretty scary once I hit Provo Canyon; and once again rain threatened. I pulled off the main highway to look for shelter, and came upon the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls.
Brian called to say he made it down the hill but that it was pouring again. He took shelter in the Harmon's grocery store; where ultimately I picked him up after riding the last 9 or so miles soaking wet in the rain with thunder and lightning all around me. EPIC. EPIC. EPIC. But boy was I happy to get to the van at Deer Creek State Park! What a day!

Big Cottonwood Canyon to Guardsman Pass

The climb up to Guardsman Pass is considered one of the toughest rides in Utah; so of course we had to conquer it! We started down in Holliday, about 5 miles from the turn onto Big Cottonwood Canyon. Start to summit was 23.5 miles with 4820' of climbing. YOWZA!
We stopped in Brighton for water and a short break before making the final push to Guardsman Pass - an additional 2 miles and 1000+ feet.
No fancy summit sign... But the view was great! Just under 10,000'.
No rewarding descent for me. A mile down from the summit I flatted, and found my rear tire shredded. Fortunately it was Sunday, and there was quite a bit of traffic; so it was easy to hitch a ride down. Nice views even from the back of a pickup truck.
Here's where I waited for Brian to come get me.