RR: Another Year Another Try

[Ride-A-Lot]

[In-line version available at: http://tinyurl.com/b25yf}

Well, it was dogging me for a year. Last year I had set out to do the
Two Elk Trail from Vail Pass to Minturn. I got as far as the Orient
Express lift in the back bowls of Vail when the weather Gods decided to
pelt me with marble size hail and try to electrocute me. This had
forced me to abandon the trail and make a long limb out of the bowls via
the service road. I never got over the disappointment and swore I would
try again.

So here I am one year later. Having finished my setup for work early, I
had Friday to play. I scheduled the shuttle to drop me off at Vail pass
and start making the trek. Of course my anxioty checked in about doing
it alone, but I was determined. Last year I had climbed Two Elk Pass to
Two Elk Trail. Mentioning this in town got some very odd remarks like
"you must be a masochist". I don't know, it didn't seem all that bad.

It's a beautiful day and weather will not be a factor. I am dropped off
to this view:

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2549.jpg

As I am getting on the bike, I notice a group of bikers starting up
Shrine Pass road. So now the decision is to ride alone or maybe tag
behind them. They are going up so why not. I quickly ride over and
introduce myself. I ask where they are riding to and they say up Shrine
Pass, then up Bowmans Shortcut, over Vail Mountain and back down into
the village. The don't look to happy about the route as the down part
will be very little single track. Ah, perfect opportunity as all
shyness goes away and I suggest Two Elk Trail. They did not know about
it and thought the idea of 6" wide singletrack into Minturn was just the
ticket. So, instead of tagging behind I am now part of the group which
hails from Boulder, I believe. I am feeling great now as the anxioty of
riding alone is gone.

It's a mixed group of riding ability with some former racers and others
out for the stroll. They also brought two trail dogs which means we'll
have to stop for them to rest. Great for me as I fit right in the
middle. We begin the climb up Shrine pass.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2550.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2551.jpg

Soon we come upon Bowman's Shortcut. I take one look and try to justify
why this trail is easier than Two Elk Pass. It is steep and technical
in spots, but none-the-less we start some more climbing to reach the top
of the world.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2552.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2553.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2554.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2555.jpg

About half way up we stop to fix a mechanical and give the dogs a much
needed rest. It's also a perfect opportunity to take in some of the views.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2558.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2560.jpg

Don't let anyone tell you that climbing from 8000' to 12,000' is fun!
Some parts are slow going as the steepness just proves to be too much.
But we trudge one.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2561.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2564.jpg

As we near the top, things begin to level off and provide some sweet
singletrack through the trees and a very interesting combination
logover/root thingy.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2565.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2572.jpg

The Lupines and other wildflowers are magnificent as I finally get to
move out of granny gear. I pick up some speed until we come to the
proverbial fork in the road and take a rest.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2575.jpg

<img src="http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2578.jpg

<img src="http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2577.jpg

Ahh! Finally we hit Two Elk Trail and it's all downhill from here..
This is truly a beautiful piece of Singletrack that stretches for miles.
It's just about 6" wide and rutted enough that if you hit the sides,
you are going OTB. The group is grinning from ear to ear as we proclaim
this an excellent choice. The views, the trail, the weather. It's perfect!

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2582.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2583.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2588.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2589.jpg

Then I see it. The demise of my ride last year. The point where I was
forced to make a hasty retreat. I tell the group this is as far as I
had gone and that I have no idea what lies ahead. We stop at the bridge
to the dogs can take a dip in the stream.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2591.jpg

Now the fun begins. Who knew the second half of Two Elk would become a
technical marvel of undulating singletrack? Rocks, ledges, tight (and I
mean TIGHT) singletrack just neandering on forever. SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2592.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2597.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2599.jpg

And let's not forget the scenery.

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2603.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2605.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2607.jpg

http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2608.jpg

The trail is magnificent on this final three mile ride into Minturn.
It's skirts the creek with rocky ledges and almost impossible V openings
between the rocks. I dab a little here and there, but for the most
part it is just one of the greatest trails I have ridden.

We drop into Minturn with smiles beaming from ear to ear. Even the dogs
are in utopia. Three of us then take the paved HOT bicycle path four
miles back to my hotel where I get my rental car and take them back to
the pass to pick up their cars. It was the least I could do for not
having to ride alone. I want givve a big thanks to then for letting me
barge in on their ride. Your hospitality was incredible, even to a
total stranger.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws
--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

 

[Andy H]

Sounds like you had a good ride..I'm supremly envious of the countryside you
get to ride around in, still I suppose I haven't explored much of this fair
isle yet.

BTW the chap in image 2589 is the spit of me, did a real double take on that
I can tell you.

Andy

 

[Bill Sornson]

Ride-A-Lot" <"mitchel[nospam] wrote:
> [In-line version available at: http://tinyurl.com/b25yf}
>
> Well, it was dogging me for a year. Last year I had set out to do the
> Two Elk Trail from Vail Pass to Minturn. I got as far as the Orient
> Express lift in the back bowls of Vail when the weather Gods decided
> to pelt me with marble size hail and try to electrocute me. This had
> forced me to abandon the trail and make a long limb out of the bowls
> via the service road. I never got over the disappointment and swore
> I would try again.
>
> So here I am one year later. Having finished my setup for work
> early, I had Friday to play. I scheduled the shuttle to drop me off
> at Vail pass and start making the trek. Of course my anxioty checked
> in about doing it alone, but I was determined. Last year I had climbed
> Two Elk Pass
> to Two Elk Trail. Mentioning this in town got some very odd remarks
> like "you must be a masochist". I don't know, it didn't seem all
> that bad.
> It's a beautiful day and weather will not be a factor. I am dropped
> off to this view:
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2549.jpg
>
> As I am getting on the bike, I notice a group of bikers starting up
> Shrine Pass road. So now the decision is to ride alone or maybe tag
> behind them. They are going up so why not. I quickly ride over and
> introduce myself. I ask where they are riding to and they say up
> Shrine Pass, then up Bowmans Shortcut, over Vail Mountain and back
> down into the village. The don't look to happy about the route as the
> down part
> will be very little single track. Ah, perfect opportunity as all
> shyness goes away and I suggest Two Elk Trail. They did not know
> about it and thought the idea of 6" wide singletrack into Minturn was just
> the ticket. So, instead of tagging behind I am now part of the group
> which hails from Boulder, I believe. I am feeling great now as the
> anxioty of riding alone is gone.
>
> It's a mixed group of riding ability with some former racers and
> others out for the stroll. They also brought two trail dogs which means
> we'll have to stop for them to rest. Great for me as I fit right in
> the middle. We begin the climb up Shrine pass.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2550.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2551.jpg
>
> Soon we come upon Bowman's Shortcut. I take one look and try to
> justify why this trail is easier than Two Elk Pass. It is steep and
> technical in spots, but none-the-less we start some more climbing to reach
> the
> top of the world.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2552.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2553.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2554.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2555.jpg
>
> About half way up we stop to fix a mechanical and give the dogs a much
> needed rest. It's also a perfect opportunity to take in some of the
> views.
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2558.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2560.jpg
>
> Don't let anyone tell you that climbing from 8000' to 12,000' is fun!
> Some parts are slow going as the steepness just proves to be too much.
> But we trudge one.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2561.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2564.jpg
>
> As we near the top, things begin to level off and provide some sweet
> singletrack through the trees and a very interesting combination
> logover/root thingy.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2565.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2572.jpg
>
> The Lupines and other wildflowers are magnificent as I finally get to
> move out of granny gear. I pick up some speed until we come to the
> proverbial fork in the road and take a rest.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2575.jpg
>
> <img src="http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2578.jpg
>
> <img src="http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2577.jpg
>
> Ahh! Finally we hit Two Elk Trail and it's all downhill from here..
> This is truly a beautiful piece of Singletrack that stretches for
> miles. It's just about 6" wide and rutted enough that if you hit the
> sides, you are going OTB. The group is grinning from ear to ear as we
> proclaim this an excellent choice. The views, the trail, the
> weather. It's perfect!
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2582.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2583.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2588.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2589.jpg
>
> Then I see it. The demise of my ride last year. The point where I
> was forced to make a hasty retreat. I tell the group this is as far
> as I had gone and that I have no idea what lies ahead. We stop at the
> bridge to the dogs can take a dip in the stream.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2591.jpg
>
> Now the fun begins. Who knew the second half of Two Elk would become
> a technical marvel of undulating singletrack? Rocks, ledges, tight
> (and I mean TIGHT) singletrack just neandering on forever. SO MUCH
> FUN!!!!!!
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2592.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2597.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2599.jpg
>
> And let's not forget the scenery.
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2603.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2605.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2607.jpg
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2608.jpg
>
> The trail is magnificent on this final three mile ride into Minturn.
> It's skirts the creek with rocky ledges and almost impossible V
> openings between the rocks. I dab a little here and there, but for
> the most part it is just one of the greatest trails I have ridden.
>
> We drop into Minturn with smiles beaming from ear to ear. Even the
> dogs are in utopia. Three of us then take the paved HOT bicycle path
> four miles back to my hotel where I get my rental car and take them back
> to the pass to pick up their cars. It was the least I could do for not
> having to ride alone. I want givve a big thanks to then for letting
> me barge in on their ride. Your hospitality was incredible, even to a
> total stranger.

You suck. <eg>

Bill "yoga and a burger" S.

 

[Zilla]

"Ride-A-Lot" <"mitchel[nospam]"@schnauzers.ws> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [In-line version available at: http://tinyurl.com/b25yf}
>
> Well, it was dogging me for a year. Last year I had set out to do the
> Two Elk Trail from Vail Pass to Minturn. I got as far as the Orient
> Express lift in the back bowls of Vail when the weather Gods decided to
> pelt me with marble size hail and try to electrocute me. This had
> forced me to abandon the trail and make a long limb out of the bowls via
> the service road. I never got over the disappointment and swore I would
> try again.
>
> So here I am one year later. Having finished my setup for work early, I
> had Friday to play. I scheduled the shuttle to drop me off at Vail pass
> and start making the trek. Of course my anxioty checked in about doing
> it alone, but I was determined. Last year I had climbed Two Elk Pass to
> Two Elk Trail. Mentioning this in town got some very odd remarks like
> "you must be a masochist". I don't know, it didn't seem all that bad.
>
> It's a beautiful day and weather will not be a factor. I am dropped off
> to this view:
>
> http://www.schnauzers.ws/public/images_upload/IMG_2549.jpg
>

Wow!!!

--
- Zilla
Cary, NC USA
(Remove XSPAM)

 

[JD]

Ride-A-Lot wrote:
> I suggest Two Elk Trail. They did not know about
> it and thought the idea of 6" wide singletrack into Minturn was just the
> ticket. So, instead of tagging behind I am now part of the group which
> hails from Boulder, I believe.


They must have been given a bum steer, or just plain stupid to not have
heard about Two Elk in the first place. It's probably the most popular
trail in all of Eagle County.

> Now the fun begins. Who knew the second half of Two Elk would become a
> technical marvel of undulating singletrack?


Those who have ridden it before? It's mostly pretty smooth, with only
three moves I would consider technical, two of which are grooves in the
rock that trequire a well-timed burst and the other that techy
double-switchback.

JD

 

[Ride-A-Lot]

JD wrote:
> Ride-A-Lot wrote:
>
>>I suggest Two Elk Trail. They did not know about
>>it and thought the idea of 6" wide singletrack into Minturn was just the
>>ticket. So, instead of tagging behind I am now part of the group which
>>hails from Boulder, I believe.
>
>
>
> They must have been given a bum steer, or just plain stupid to not have
> heard about Two Elk in the first place. It's probably the most popular
> trail in all of Eagle County.

Yeah. We ran into some other riders who put it in the top five of the
state. I haven't ridden enough trails in CO to judge that, but it was
one of the best I have ridden here so far.

>
>
>>Now the fun begins. Who knew the second half of Two Elk would become a
>>technical marvel of undulating singletrack?
>
>
>
> Those who have ridden it before? It's mostly pretty smooth, with only
> three moves I would consider technical, two of which are grooves in the
> rock that trequire a well-timed burst and the other that techy
> double-switchback.
>
> JD
>

It's funny bacuase when you ask the LBS guys in Vail about it, they
don't give you a lot of information. I guess it's to scare the Barney's
away from it (and there are plenty here). When I finished and went back
to the LBS to get a loose hub fixed and started talking about the trail
in detail, they were all over the conversation. I guess I looked to
much like a Barney when I went in there the first time. Note to self:
No dockers and golf shirts in the LBS.

One of the gals riding with us wouldn't let that switchback die. She
must of tried it ten times. I have video of it to post when I get home.

--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws

 

[GeeDubb]

Ride-A-Lot" <"mitchel[nospam] wrote:
> [In-line version available at: http://tinyurl.com/b25yf}
>
snip

I knew I should have driven up Thursday.........

Next year.

Gary

 

[Ride-A-Lot]

GeeDubb wrote:
> Ride-A-Lot" <"mitchel[nospam] wrote:
>
>>[In-line version available at: http://tinyurl.com/b25yf}
>>
>
> snip
>
> I knew I should have driven up Thursday.........
>
> Next year.
>
> Gary
>
>

You would have loved the climb and of course positioning yourself
behind... well, you know.

Next year for sure.


--
o-o-o-o Ride-A-Lot o-o-o-o
www.schnauzers.ws