Thread: Silverton is gnar

Just thought I would pass this along. Me and two buds went riding up in Duragon for a few days. The last day we were in debate on what to hit on the way out. It is not very often that you make it to that corner of the state with a bike and the list was getting longer with each beer.

I figured I'd mention that Silverton had some chairs running and it would be fun to go check it out and get some free DH after 3 days of XC riding.

It was a stelar day, the views were incredible, the people were cool and our bikes weren't even close to being able to handle what Silverton had. It had rained the day before so only the southern trails were open, which included some cool stunts, decent size drops, wet roots and muddy corners.

The top half was a blast, really tight singletrack winding through the woods down to the cut off for the North side. With only one way down we pushed on. Well the corners got tighter and wetter, even with the seats low, 2.1 XC tires were not cutting it. We were crashing our way down the mtn. I am not afraid to say I was way out of my league. I've done some Keystone with my XC bike and been able to get by. But without armor and some serious skills, this is a place that makes you honest about your place on the mtn bike food chain.

At least we saw plenty of other DH guys wiping out in the same places we were. So its not that bad, but the wet weather was reaking havoc with traction on XC bikes, roots and ruts were taking us out. A few stunts were attempted, one or more cleared, but most ended in a wimpering bail out, followed by manical laughter of me and or my friends.

One of our group took a nasty header. He came around a tight right hand corner, got slightly off trail, hit a rock, and supermaned OTB and collieded head first with a down tree. Luckily he escaped with minor cuts, a bruised calf and a headache. We were men enough to admit that we were not equipt for these trails.

There were some trails at the bottom with some wicked drops, big gaps, and yes a 45' creek gap. There were some sweet rollers with small doubles and a few kickers that we sessioned at the bottom after our first run. A step back and honest assesment of our situation was that we needed to be happy that we made it down in one piece and chalk it up to experience. I hate when something gets the better of me like that, but I walked away still learning a lot.

I have a few pics at home, that i will put up tomorrow, but my camera crapped out before we got down into the good stuff. The north side opened up just as we were getting the bikes loaded, so maybe next time when i get out there with a bigger bike and some more skills.

If you plan on going to Silverton, man-up, take your armor and your balls.

Originally Posted by Crinkle

I figured I'd mention that Silverton had some chairs running and it would be fun to go check it out and get some free DH after 3 days of XC riding.

Free? Or do you mean, like, you don't have to pedal for it?

Either way, we should get a crew of Utards down there this weekend.

Crinkle knows how to play

that sounds wicked pissah

Originally Posted by jayfrizzo

Free? Or do you mean, like, you don't have to pedal for it?

Either way, we should get a crew of Utards down there this weekend.

No its $22 for the day. Which is a bargain for what they got there. Gat freeriders not apply.

i hear there is a discount for people with baby blue bikes

I'm hoping to get down there before the season ends, so if a bunch of mags are headed down on a certain weekend, let me know.

Here's a couple pics of the 45' gap at the base...pretty insane :





I wonder how long people stand there looking at it before they nut up and do it? Not to mention, the take off doesn't appear to have too much incline to it, which leads me to think these fellas must be going mach 2 to clear that.

Nice Crinkle. I'm either heading to Silverton or Brian Head for Labor Day wknd.

Crink, Brett thinks you're a pussy for not hitting the creek gap. Just so you know.

(nice report! The place exudes stoke in winter or summer!)

Originally Posted by Particle

Nice Crinkle. I'm either heading to Silverton or Brian Head for Labor Day wknd.

Shotgun!!

here are a few pics, i have a few more good ones that my buddy has, get them later this week.

Views.


Nice 6 footer ladder drop with log ride 6' drop option



view from the drop


ps. that 45' gap is no joke. they have a log chained to the ladder run in, you have to go and sign a different waiver in order for them to "unlock" the jump.

Particle, we don't get Labor day off. We should take a day the following weekend.

Or this one.

Frizzo, it's a floating holiday. You can take it off.

But I'm not going to. Bag if you want shotgun it's all yours! I'm probably leaving Fri. mid-day then head back Sunday mid-day.

p.s. and I'm in CA the weekend before and after...

Originally Posted by Vicious

I wonder how long people stand there looking at it before they nut up and do it? Not to mention, the take off doesn't appear to have too much incline to it, which leads me to think these fellas must be going mach 2 to clear that.

Those that did it, I would probably say didn't stare at it too long. Those that pussed out prolly looked at it forever. That's how that stuff works.

hev, if you see this.... we need to go!

Originally Posted by Particle

Frizzo, it's a floating holiday. You can take it off.

But I'm not going to. Bag if you want shotgun it's all yours! I'm probably leaving Fri. mid-day then head back Sunday mid-day.

p.s. and I'm in CA the weekend before and after...

Whoa. Tempting. You could just pick me up on the way. (assuming you're going South then East)

CS--you need to come so you can show me and bag how to ride all that crazy shizzle. Just let me know!

funken - labor day would be a possiblity for me. can't make it this weekend though.

Originally Posted by hev

funken - labor day would be a possiblity for me. can't make it this weekend though.

Drag lazy off the couch and bring him with you...if the wife'll let him go that is.


Bag <-- realizing he still hasn't gotten permission, and is in no position to make fun of fondig.

Even more trails!
http://www.silvertonmountain.com/gallery/album47

We gotta go. All you's who need to get hall passes, get 'em!

The list of maybes:
me
bagtagley
funken
fondigley? did I make this up?
hev
CS
2 other friends from work I know are going (non mags)
mas personas? altagirls?? this could be a fun kr3w...

edit: Just checked and biking closes 9/6...so Labor Day weekend is our last chance to ride Silverton this season. I'm in for sure.

Originally Posted by Particle

Even more trails!
http://www.silvertonmountain.com/gallery/album47

We gotta go. All you's who need to get hall passes, get 'em!

The list of maybes:
me
bagtagley
fondigley
hev
CS
2 other friends from work I know are going (non mags)
mas personas? altagirls?? this could be a fun kr3w...

edit: Just checked and biking closes 9/6...so Labor Day weekend is our last chance to ride Silverton this season. I'm in for sure.

helllllllllllllooooooooooooooooo........

funken, sorry mang! I totally meant to say you when I said fondigley. It's just b/c bag talks so much about fondig that y aknow I was like yah he's the one gonna go and stuff. But funken you da mang and you're who I meant to say instead of findog. Seryus. WSho gave me soman beeyrs tonithgt/? damn yo professer!

Originally Posted by Particle

funken, sorry mang! I totally meant to say you when I said fondigley. It's just b/c bag talks so much about fondig that y aknow I was like yah he's the one gonna go and stuff. But funken you da mang and you're who I meant to say instead of findog. Seryus. WSho gave me soman beeyrs tonithgt/? damn yo professer!

I did mention fondig. If hev goes, fondig really has no excuse not to go...well except one, and she's a tough nut to crack.

I think he said they were gonna do a Home Depot / Bed Bath & Beyond marathon for labor day weekend. I'm not sure though, I'm don't know if they'll have enough time.

I hate you guys. But I also hate myself for being a looooozer and making Denver plans. Grr. GRR.

Can I come? I'll bring my litespeed and lycra!