TR: Vernal

**tromano** · 05-26-2008, 10:16 PM

They have some weird dirt in vernal.

But thats what we came for. The trails rocked, the scenery on the way and once we got there was amazing. Plenty of cool stuff to do. But the thing that stood out most its the people. Here are a couple examples:

First thing we do in vernal after arrival is parking at the deserted trail head, just one other vehicle there. While we are getting suited up and reading a trail guide, a couple of bikers roll up form their ride. We Say hi, then strike up a conversation, yea we are not from around here just in for the weekend to ride and they tell us all about the trails give us an extra map they happened to have with them. And point us in the direction of something fun.
Another time we are riding along and the trails ends at some double track. Not sure what to do next we sit down and open the map. 30 seconds later a dude on an 4 wheeler rolls up sees us looking at the map, asks if we are lost. He tells us by the way, I am the guy who builds these trails let me show you a single track that will take you back to the trail head.

On the drive we passed through Flaming Gorge, didn't really take much time there, but the views from the road were amazing.

In the vernal trails are some siglest single track you will find. Most sections are narrow, fast, fun, and flowy with a good mix of technical challenges to keep it interesting. We rode, Retail sale, Can you moo, Upper moo, got Milk, and Cookies, and combo. So much fun stuff in there. I didn't want to leave.

Sweet flowy single track.

I some times forget Madeline has only been biking for a year. But already she has a taste for the single track.

There were plenty of fast descents.

And some other rock features for climbing and descending.

(thats about a 5 ft drop I avoided there.)

The trails also bring it with.... a sense of humor.

And lots and lots of holes.

After ride activities included "discovering" things like:

dino bones

More Dirt.

Early sketches for the 2008 maggot jersey.

And other fun stuff.

**InspectorGadget** · 05-26-2008, 10:30 PM

And the positive Vernal reviews keep coming.

About 42 red Xs on my calendar and I hope to get out that way.

**truth** · 05-26-2008, 10:42 PM

Awesomeness. Glad you two had a good trip. I'm gonna push for some slackers down here to make a trek soon.

Did you end up getting a room or camping? Details...we need details!

**tromano** · 05-26-2008, 11:23 PM

We rented a room. Best western. It was pretty expensive, but the room was nice. We will probably camp next time. The sites at Dinosaur monument (15 miles east of Vernal) looked great. I don't think they were full and memorial day would be a peak time. Also camping available at Steinaker state park which is 10 miles north of town. And there might be primitive camping at the McCoy flats trail head. I saw a camper parked there all weekend.

**LeeLau** · 05-26-2008, 11:45 PM

McCoy has no facilities. Steinaker is really nice but Red Fleet State Park is nicer. I put up details about that in a TR posted here - it has a lake, picnic tables etc and is really close to good riding. The shop Altitude Cycle are great and as tromano said, the people really make these trails come alive

**Dickeymotto** · 05-27-2008, 05:44 AM

Looks sweet!

**Rontele** · 05-27-2008, 07:03 AM

looks awesome. thanks for sharing.

**Lonnie** · 05-27-2008, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

The shop Altitude Cycle are great....

Ditto. Folks should stop in and support that shop even if they are just passing thru....

**springsproject** · 05-27-2008, 11:32 AM

Looks fun, I've been meaning to get out that way for a while. I believe they have a trail fest coming up next month some time

**BobMc** · 05-27-2008, 11:35 AM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

Steinaker is really nice but Red Fleet State Park is nicer.

I would highly recommend Steinaker over Red Fleet. Camping at Red Fleet is a lot like camping in a parking lot.

BobMc

**tromano** · 05-27-2008, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Lonnie

Ditto. Folks should stop in and support that shop even if they are just passing thru....

I am sure they are a good shop, their store front looks like money. Went to check them out after our ride on Saturday, but they were closed at 7:30 PM and all day Sunday too (obviously). Monday we just got in a quick morning ride and headed home.

**LeeLau** · 05-27-2008, 12:29 PM

Bob's got a good point. There was no-one at Red Fleet when I was there but if it was full I imagine it'd be noisy. Not much shelter and lots of spaces for campers, RVs, putins for boats etc