Fruita Singletrack - 5 Day Guided Mountain Bike Trip

DAY 1

After meeting in Grand Junction we will drive to Fruita and stop in at the famous Over the Edge Sports bike shop, which will get us in the mood for some world class singletrack. Before heading out we’ll pack a tasty lunch and then shuttle to Rabbit Valley, the start of our ride and home of an extensive dinosaur dig. A short climb brings us to our first trail which will take us back under the highway to the Zion Curtain Trail. We’ll climb steadily on singletrack to our lunch spot which has spectacular views of the Colorado River Valley. After lunch, we’ll stay on the Zion Curtain skirting the border between Colorado and Utah which will set us up for a big descent! Our sinewy and steep descent brings us to the trail’s end where we will pick up the Kokopelli Trail and ride a short, steep climb up to our camp. TOTAL MILEAGE: 18 miles

DAY 2

A BIG breakfast is in order for today! We’ll ride directly from camp on the Overlook Trail which was part of the 1999 IMBA Epic Ride. This trail runs the ridge in a roller coaster of fun all the while offering a panoramic view of the valley below, all the way to the La Sal Mountains, which are near Moab, Utah. After a great lunch near Arches Junction we’re off to descend a steep jeep road to the short “sawblade” Connector Trail. The Connector links us to the highly admired Western Rim Trail (marvelled for its flowing ribbon of trail as seen from the classic Kokopelli Trail above). The Western Rim is composed of smooth twisty sections, slickrock and sandstone ledges, making for a frolic of a desert afternoon. We finish the day on the Kokopelli Trail which leads us up to another lovely camp in Rabbit Valley. Yippee! TOTAL MILEAGE: 19 large miles

DAY 3

Today we’ll ride the famous Kokopelli Trail. This morning’s ride offers us a break from the technical side of the trip and the chance to spin our legs out on rolling jeep road through Rabbit Valley to our lunch location high above the Colorado River. After lunch....BREAK’S OVER! We have a gnarly, technical descent down to the Salt Wash Bridge where we cross over Salt Creek. “What goes down, must go up!” This starts our grind up to meet Troy Built Trail, a true Fruita classic! Lots of swooping singletrack, stout climbing and some hike-a-biking connect us to the Lion’s and Mary’s loops. The riding here is so good that the locals from Moab travel to Grand Junction to ride these very trails! When we hit the Loma Trailhead we’ll hop in the van and shuttle through Fruita to our camp out on 18 Road, located at the base of the Bookcliffs. TOTAL MILEAGE: 21 miles

DAY 4 & 5

Good morning—it’s playtime! Welcome to the Bookcliff Trail System, the true original creation of Fruita mountain bikers. These trails are what changed Fruita from a local secret to a national destination. Fast, twisting and full of surprises, built entirely by and for mountain bikers, all of these trails are special! Zippy, smooth and significantly less technical than the previous days of riding, it’s too awesome to limit to just one day. So we will be spending two days riding in Fruita’s favorite mountain bike playground. We’ll hit Joe’s Ridge, Kessel, Prime Cut, Zippity, Chutes...and whatever else we can squeeze into our fun filled days. TOTAL MILEAGE: 20 - 35 miles

Be sure to bring everything on this list. We have carefully developed this list to ensure your comfort on the tour regardless of the weather. If you are prepared for extreme weather, it is an adventure. If you are not prepared it can be a serious problem.We recommend the layering system, including a wicking or long underwear layer, an insulating layer and a weather barrier for wind and rain. This list reflects that philosophy. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed!

HOW TO PACK: The bulk of your gear and clothing will ride in the Western Spirit support vehicle (preferably in a large duffle bag) and will not be accessible during the day.

For this trip, you will need a riding pack and optional day bag:

•  Your riding pack may be a hydration pack, but needs to carry 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, other warm clothing, and food for the day. You may be away from camp and the support vehicle all day and need to be self-sufficient.
• A small day bag is optional and may be used to store things you’d rather not ride with, but would like to have access to during the day. This day-pack will remain with the support vehicle and may not be accessible, depending on the day.

WHAT WE PROVIDE: ✓ meals, snacks, water, electrolyte drinks, non-alcoholic drinks ✓ camp mugs, all kitchen and dining ware ✓ 1 cycling water bottle ✓ camp chairs ✓ solar showers ✓ sunscreen & bug spray ✓ bike stand and lube ✓ guides bring their own tools ✓ first aid kit with basic medications

BRINGING OR RENTING

• bike (Our rentals come with flat pedals. You are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.)
• helmet (gratis w/rental bike)
• tent
• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad

CYCLING CLOTHING

• cycling shoes
• 3 - 5 pair cycling shorts
• 3 - 5 cycling shirts
• long sleeve cycling shirt
• long sleeve cotton shirt or solar sleeves
• cycling socks
• windbreaker
• tights or leg warmers
• 2 pair cycling gloves (1 pair full length for warmth)
• rain jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
• rain pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
• warm layer (lightweight synthetic puffy jacket or long sleeve fleece shirt)
• sunglasses or other eye protection

CAMP CLOTHING

• camp shorts
• shirts
• warm socks
• long underwear, top and bottom (wicking layer, not cotton)
• 2 pairs warm long pants
• long-sleeved fleece or sweater
• Pile or down jacket (insulating layer)
• warm gloves and hat
• brimmed hat or visor
• bathing suit (for solar showers on the trip and at the hotel before/after your trip)
• hiking shoes
• sandals
• rain gear to wear in camp

PERSONAL

• toiletries
• medication (daily and emergency)
• towel
• biodegradable soap
• wet-wipes
• flashlight or headlamp (with extra batteries)
• sunglasses
• optional day bag
• stuff sacks or reusable grocery bags (or separate compartments for your dry bag)
• cash for tipping guides: your guides work as a team and share all of their gratuities. A tip of 10-20% of the price of your trip given to either one of your guides when you return to civilization is a great way to say thanks for a job well done.

OPTIONAL

• camera, extra batteries
• binoculars
• alcoholic or any of your favorite beverages (your guides will pack these)
• books or maps
• we encourage you to turn your devices off, but if you cannot, please bring a way to charge them. We recommend a portable USB charger with 1-2 charges. Also, putting your phone on airplane mode to save power is recommended.

Driving Grand Junction is 250 miles west of Denver and 50 miles east of the Utah/Colorado state line on I-70.

Flying into Grand Junction Airport Code: GJT

It is a good idea to book your rooms in advance; here are a few recommendations:

Clarion Inn 970-243-6790, 888-489-9796 This is where the trip will meet

Ramada Inn 970-243-5150, 800-272-6232

Best Western Sandman 970-243-4150

Quality Inn of Grand Junction 970-245-7200, 800-790-2661 All of these hotels offer airport shuttles.

TAXI SERVICE

Sunshine Taxi: 970-245-8294