Riding Retro on Slickrock Trail Moab Utah

[lewisfoto]

On a trip through the southwest visiting an old friend and several national parks, we made a detour to Moab for a morning ride on Slickrock. I had looked at some trail videos online but remained pretty unclear about what the actual experience was going to be like. Undeterred I chose to do the 10 mile main trail rather than the two mile practice loop, and of course I was riding the '91 Wicked Fat Chance.


Well it was harder than I could have imagined and interestingly it was the uphill sections that were the most challenging. I spent a fair amount of time hike-a-biking up these massive boulders that must have been 25% or greater, which resulted in a blister on my big toe. The other bit of a challenge is that I rode it counter clockwise which apparently is backward. In the end I did it in just over two hours with the only mishap, crash, occurring when I lost my footing during a hike-a-bike.

The pics were taken by my wife and only show the beginning near the parking lot, but you get a feel for the trail.

Anyway enjoy the pictures and feel free to post your Slickrock photos

 

[WD Pro]

Looks ace

WD

 

[hamster]

I rode it in 1992 when my retro was almost new (1990 Marin Palisades). The level of grip on that sandstone is unbelievable, it takes a while to realise just how steep you can go and still have adhesion. On mine the knobs of the tyres ripped off rather than let go!

 

[Antstark]

Re:

Class...one place I want ride before I die

 

[raidan73]

Re:

Always featured heavily in the late 80's and early 90's mags and as such is etched in my brain. Looks ace

 

[incorrigible]

Re:

I did Slickrock in September of 1997 on my 1989 Nishiki Alien, and it kicked my butt.

As I recall, it was a mile or so to the loop from the parking lot, and then about a 9 mile loop, and of course a mile or so back to the parking lot. When I got to the loop, I saw 2 arrow signs; the arrow to the left was labeled "Hard", and the label to the right was labeled "Easy". I wasn't sure if I'd ever be back that way, so I chose the more challenging route to the left (clockwise around the loop).

I had a blast hot-dogging on all the undulating rock (wheelies, high bank turns, etc.) for the first half of the ride, so by the time I got to the far end of the loop, I was beat. From there on back to the parking lot it was like a death march, walking the bike uphill, and riding down the other side only to have to push the bike up another steep hill. Thankfully there were little puddles of water everywhere left by the morning rain so I could cool off now and then.

I didn't prepare for the trip, but fortunately I did have a toolkit and some parts under the seat because 3 times during the ride I rattled a nut or a bolt loose and had the spare part to install. If I were to do it again, I'd be sure to have suspension on at least the front, and I'd take it easy on the first half of the ride to preserve my strength.

 

[jonnyboy666]

Re:

i did all that stuff last year, it was awesome, i really want to go back, such an amazing landscape, met some really cool people aswel.

nice bike to ride on that trail aswel

 

[hamster]

I hope you had a beer at Eddie McStiff's!

 

[gerryattrick]

Re:

That part of Utah is my favourite area in the States. The scenery is unbelievable in any direction for more than 100 miles.

If I was younger, fitter, braver and a better rider I'd love to do the 140 mile Grand Junction to Moab mountain bike trail.

I've stayed there twice, done a lot of hiking and some rafting but, for my sins, didn't get on a bike - but did have a few beers in Eddie McStiffs.

Still, there's always next year.

 

[lewisfoto]

Yeah this was a must-do-before-I'm-too-old moment too, and yes I wen t a little nuts at first only to pay later. I guess my only advice to anyone who has never tried Slickrock would be to bring extra water and having some good fitness is not a bid idea either.

Like to see some of your pictures if you have any!