BACK TO KOKOPELLI AND THE DSERT

The redo of the Kokopelli Trail

 Below is Chris Congdon two years ago -

Going back out on the trail to retrieve the bikes that were abandon late at night in the deep snow. 

Chris, Kat Porter and John Adamson were not able to finish the 142 mile trail in 2011.

With the addition of Paster Scott Duffus 

the Spokes went back to the desert for a second and successful attempt.

Here are a lot of random pictures of our trip. 

The ride was harder than it looks on this map - really.  I mean, REALLY.

A little snow greeted the riders on a pre-ride warm-up on trails around the Kokopelli trail head.

This is a beautiful - magnificent place

BUT

make no mistake the Kokopelli Trail is a challenging bike ride

with many very technical obstacles.

Scott contemplating the best line.

Well done on a custom set up made by Scott. 

Kat was happy to be on a bike and thoroughly enjoyed the redux.

A few ledges to climb up - kind of hard for a short legged girl.

 Not sure where we are here as there were a couple of great hike-a-bike sections the first day. I believe this was around mile 13 (out of 33) for the first day and it took about 3 hours to get there.  No sense in going too fast - we have 4 days to complete the trail.  

For our second attempt on the trail we joined The Hermosa Tours folks for their 4 day adventure.  One could consider doing it in one day like Rebecca Rusch who shattered the previous record.  She started in Moab at midnight last night (April 26th) ending in Fruita as part of the celebrations at the Fruita Fat Tire Festival.

Kat was told that she had to Keep Pedaling - no Coasting.

We camped in the evenings - with the Tour company carrying our gear from site to site. Camp fires, camp eating and tenting are always a good time.

Two of our camp sites were at high elevation and the cool/cold temperatures added to our riding challenges - but still fun with the other nine members of our party.

Some non-technical areas helped us to get the miles rolling. 

The view of the Kokopelli trail leading to the beast of a vertical climb to the camp ground for our first night.

Day two brought more spectacular views as the trail takes one along the Colorado river in many places.

Some views into Yellow Jacket Canyon towards the end of day 2.  With some sandy spots - the canyon option gave some challenge to those who dared.

We had the luxury of three days of riding in Fruita.

Perhaps the best little town around.

A bike big enough for two, but very hard to move.

More pictures and reports from my traveling partners to come.

If you ever have the chance to ride the trail - TAKE IT.

john