Photo TR: Three Days in St. George

[smmokan]

There's not much riding to be had these days around Boulder, so last week I decided to make the 9 hour drive down to St. George, UT to ride for a few days and scout out some things for my company's spring/fall trips. Although the big-ticket rides weren't doable thanks to snow from the previous week, my friend and I were still able to have a blast on the lower trails.

There's SO much to ride within 30 minutes of town that I could easily spend weeks in that area and still keep myself busy. Not to mention other places like Zion NP, Snow Canyon SP, etc. It's such a beautiful area with incredible views in every direction.

Day 1: Santa Clara Trails (Barrel Roll, Sidewinder, Suicidal Tendencies)









Day 2: Hurricane Rim (shortened by mud) and Boy Scout Loops

The newly-built Boy Scout Loops get mixed reviews. For the record, I personally think they're fun... in a different kind of way. Don't go out there expecting to ride fast and smooth trails- these are fairly technical, and tight and twisty in layout. I had fun, but I can see how people are disappointed.















Day 3: Zen Trail (short day, we had to leave at lunch)

In short, the Zen Trail is incredible... the only unfortunate thing about it is that it's only ~6 miles long. If I lived in St. George, two loops of the Zen Trail would be my go-to ride. Such a great, diverse trail with something for everyone; an absolute must-ride in my book.

[downvalleytrash]

Great Pics! I'm headed down there next weekend, weather permitting.

Your company looks cool as well. I've been kicking around a similar idea based in Montana and the West Coast.

[tBatt]

Awesome pics and report. Working on planning a week long bike trip this spring that'll probably be near Moab, but might make it out to St. George. Are you riding with a DSLR?

[Incompetent Boob]

Very nice!

[smmokan]

Awesome pics and report. Working on planning a week long bike trip this spring that'll probably be near Moab, but might make it out to St. George. Are you riding with a DSLR?

Yep, I use a 70D and the 18-135mm STM lens. Fairly light for such a great combo.

[grskier]

This has me this close:
/...../
To giving up a weekend of skiing to head to the desert...
Maybe if we get a high pressure ridge.

Great shots and good quick rundown.

[smmokan]

This has me this close:
/...../
To giving up a weekend of skiing to head to the desert...
Maybe if we get a high pressure ridge.

Great shots and good quick rundown.

Depending on where you go and when it is, hit me up... I'm always down to head back.

[joetron]

Pics make it look like you rode Zen clockwise?

[smmokan]

^^^ Just for pictures. We rode it CCW, but we stopped on the climb a few times to shoot... mostly so we didn't have to stop on the CCW downhill section.

[springsproject]

Nice! Kinda makes me wanna ride but the skiing has just been too damn good lately.

Zen is really fun, if you add a lap on Barrel and Bearclaw Poppy it makes for a nice longer ride.

Great pics

[joetron]

^^^ Just for pictures. We rode it CCW, but we stopped on the climb a few times to shoot... mostly so we didn't have to stop on the CCW downhill section.

Ok, good. I was gonna say it gets even better CCW. Love that trail.

[intheways]

Cool pics

[tBatt]

Yep, I use a 70D and the 18-135mm STM lens. Fairly light for such a great combo.

How do you store it when riding? Separate bag for the camera, or a big backpack?

[smmokan]

How do you store it when riding? Separate bag for the camera, or a big backpack?

Right now I use a LowePro Photo Sport 200, and it's a pretty nice pack. It has a separate side-load compartment for a DSLR/lens, plus room for a second bigger lens like my 70-200 f/4L. My only beef is that the rest of the pack isn't entirely practical for biking. Plenty of room to put stuff, but I'm not a huge fan of the layout and the compartments. That being said, it's the best backpack I've ridden with because it's light, comfortable, and doesn't feel like you're carrying a small child on your back.

http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Sport-20...hoto+sport+200

[tBatt]

Hoping to be riding down that way on Monday. Probably heading down from Alta tomorrow night and back up Tues morning. Anyone gonna be in the area riding?

[PowTron]

I should have been there...

Good work, boys.