Mini ride report - Utah

[John Thurston]

To dilute our recent crop of WTB and FS postings, I thought
I'd share a ride experience.

My Llama was built as a trail-bike, and for several years
was my go-to bike for all my local tail riding. I've had a
new stem built and re-rigged it as a road-bike. Now it goes
"Outside" a couple of times each year. My rides aren't
tours; they aren't even epic. Yes, I could rent or borrow a
bike. But having my Lllama with me means I can fit in 20 or
40 miles a day on a comfortable and familiar bike when I'm
on a family trip.

Our most recent excursion left Alaskan rain and snow behind,
for the sunny "chill" of St. George, Utah in November. The
roads are wide, the people are friendly, and the views and
weather are terrific in November. I did about 100 miles of
pavement and gravel in the few days we were there. I looked
at a few trails, but opted out as the obstacles were often
+50% of my wheel radius.

My favorite ride was into Snow Canyon State Park, an
easy-access from Ivins, Santa Clara, or St George. In the
park, the "West Canyon" road is a dirt "out and back" road
(with only about 1,000-feet of elevation gain) that seemed
popular with locals riding "29-ers". The paved road then
leads through the Park to the top of the canyon (about
1,400-feet of gain), where it is all downhill, by Hwy 18,
back to town.

Midway back West Canyon, a couple recognized my steed as a
Friday and asked to chat. We spent 20 minutes in the sun
talking bikes, journeys, and destinations. They recommended
the Santa Clara/Veyo/Gunlock loop as a local route worth
experiencing. I wasn't able to fit it into my schedule
before we had to fly out, but I'll file the recommendation
away in case we're down there again.

For this trip, my Llama was shod with 43mm Shredda tires. I
found them excellent on both pavement and dirt.

--
John Thurston
Juneau, Alaska