Chickering lays it out for Oct 2nd

We awake fully rested after the previous day’s ride in the eastern foothills ready for the high desert challenges that await us.

Looming behind our campsite are the Bookcliffs, the dominant cliffs that form the northern border of the Grand Valley. This ‘ancient shoreline’ of sandstone and adobe ruins runs far into Utah… But I digress – that is a different day’s playground. Today’s ride is out of the Kokopelli trailhead.

Our ambitious loop will go counter clockwise and hit all the good stuff starting with Moore Fun:

What is it: Our technical challenge singletrack. No fast air ledges, but cool tight lines on a ridgeline climb/descent

Climbing: 950'

Highlight: Trials-type technical challenge

Who rides this: Strong rider seeking rocks, ledges, climbing

Why's it Cool: Rocks! It's all ridable, but rarely all ridden

When to ride: February - November, possible year round

The Crown Jewel of Fruita to many riders. This section of the Kokopelli's System is not all that long, but you would be hard pressed to convince many of that. If this trail is over your head it can turn into a nightmare pretty quick. If you love 'trials moves' and ledge 'ups' and rock gardens this is your paradise.

Beginning from the trailhead lot you simply ride over the ridge and stay right on the singletrack that takes off as you descend the other side. The turnoff is at the apex of the left-hand corner at the bottom of the descent; if you hit the junction with Mary's Loop, you have gone too far. Once on Moore Fun there are no junctions or turn-offs. You will climb an awesome, rocky line (thanks, Kevin) to a midway park and then begin a bit more challenge up to the first high point and one great view.

After your scenic ponderings and viewings, continue on to the second summit via some really cool fast stuff and a tech finish after the 'cave' switchback. Often golden eagles are seen at this summit.

Now you're in my world. The descent brings you through some killer moves I call the 'room with a view: the 'U-Turn' and 'the Rock'. If you haven't found a challenge by here you should turn pro. A final culminat­ing move at the exit leads you to the saddle; Mack Ridge ahead and Mary's to the left. Finish via Mary's Loop (left) and back to the gravel road at mile 9.

Option to continue on Mack Ridge to Troy's or bail out via the frontage road to your right. If you really eat up the tech moves, climb Mack Ridge and then flip a U-turn and retrace the route. Going back is significantly harder on Moore Fun.

Enjoy...remember it's 'more fun' right'?

…moore to come…

~mark