Mtb Instruction & Skills

[solobiker]

Sounds great Artista. I think you may like Buffalo Creek. It is a beginner/intermediate with no real technical areas. Some climbing but very do able. There are some sandy areas which I am getting better at. There are all sorts of trails and in some areas you can hook on to the Colorado Trail which is very fun. I would like to find the one down by Castle Rock you wrote about. Sounds nice. Have you tried Centenial Cone? It is a very nice trail area. Quite a bit of climbing but very smooth. If you try on a weekend it alternates between hikers and bikers. Hikers on odd days, Bikers on Even days. Throughout the week is fair game.

[Artista]

So what kind of condition is Buffalo Creek in after the fire? Hubby is thinking that it's still pretty barren Maybe not the area you're riding in, though.

We just finished riding Greenland on the west side of the railroad tracks. I'm disappointed that the trail has deteriorated into mostly sand now. I hit deep sand a few times at high speed after coming off of what little hard-pack there is. In keeping with the original subject of this thread, I learned that my SPD's release on their own when I'm having trouble maneuvering the bike I was able to save a couple of falls because my feet released automatically. I tipped over once, but again, both feet were out before I hit the ground. I'm beginning to trust my reactions & my SPD's. Maybe they won't be the death of me afterall

Also, I was again thankful for my cornering & braking drills. Just call me the drill queen. I can't wait for my next lesson!

Solobiker, the Ridgeline trails in Castle Rock can be a little tough to find if you don't know where you're going. How about if we set up a ride date? I'll PM you. Any other Denverites want to join us? Send me a PM!

[solobiker]

Artista, Yes...some areas are barren once you climb up on the ridge. But for the most part it is not too bad. We like it because it does not get too crowded because there are so many different trails to take and you can easily hook on to the Colorado trail which is very nice to ride on.

We rode at Bear Creek once, it is not too bad for an after work kind of ride. However I would not go on a weekend because it is only "okay".

I will try to attach a pic of the Buff Creek/Colorado trail. If It works the one I have uploaded is on the Colorado Trail. Hope it works.

[Artista]

Wow! It does look pretty there. Glad to know that the fire didn't get everything. Is there anything technical on the Buffalo Creek or Colorado trails? I'm partial to bumpy stuff...rock gardens, small ledges, etc.

Your picture reminded me of some trails that we used to hike on Rampart Range. There is enough technicality to those trails that I never wanted to ride them. I think we'll give it a try on the mtb's now that I'm a stronger rider & have better technical skills.

[solobiker]

The areas we go are not too technical..some roots and rock ledges depending upon where you ride. I think Charlies Cutoff has a few small ledges. There are 2 new trails that have been opened up that I have heard are pretty technical. I can't think of the names of them right now. I am not too much into the technical stuff. Our plan is to focus on distance. I need to build up my toleracnce as I have a bad back and it starts hurting after awhile. Our first few rides my back lasted only about 14-16 miles. A few weeks ago we rode close to 30 which was nice. I am not the fastest but I can go for long periods of time without resting.

Speaking of Technical..have you ridden White Ranch? That is pretty techy. You may also like Walker Ranch. We have ridden that last year. It is a nice loop with quite a bit of climbing.

Enjoy!!

[solobiker]

Artista, I have tried to send you a PM but there is an error. I will try again most likely on Monday.

[Artista]

No to White Ranch & Walker. I actually forgot about those. You're right. Colorado...so much to do, so little time!

Wow! 30 miles on an mtb. I'm impressed. I reserve that kind of mileage for my road bike.

Got your PM. Not sure what was up with the error you received. I just answered you.