I am CRAZY for planning a trip to Moab????

[slinky1]

OK ladies, I am beginning to wonder if my stubborness is affecting my ability to think clearly. You all have been so helpful to this newbie(I LOVE this site! ) that I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask for the opinion of some riders much more experienced than myself. Here is the story in a nutshell:

Always wanted to mtb, got my new clipless pedals last week and have been spending the week learning how to use them and getting familiar with being on the bike again(I've been out almost every day. Just missed once). At some point, my BF mentioned how much fun it would be to go to Moab. He is an experienced mtb and road biker. I got it into my head that he was onto something. Turns out, the only weekend we can go until Sept/Oct is the last weekend in April, two weeks away.

He doesn't plan on taking any of the "easy" trails. He wants to do Slickrock and Porcupine Rim. Now, after a few conversations regarding the trip, I think I am not in my right mind and should wait for October when I have more mtb skills. He doesn't want me to get hurt, nor do I.

Is my unwillingness to admit I can't do something clouding my judgement? Am I just plain crazy for thinking I can do this as long as I recognize that I will be walking my bike(frequently)? I REALLY want to go but want to be smart.

(I should mention that I suffer from an accute case of indecisiveness. Have a sweatshirt that truly describes my nature, "I used to be indecisive, but now I'm not so sure".)

[KnottedYet]

Depends on how much bike experience you had before this. You've probably got a good handle on your pedals after a week, but how much riding did you do before, and how long had it been?

Depends on what you have a passion for. Does your heart yearn for technical just-let-me-stay-on challenges?

I haven't been mtb since the late 1980's, when a non-suspended DiamondBack was the height of technology. I wouldn't consider doing "non-easy" stuff in Moab, but I'd be all over simple trail rides. That would match my experience (road and trail) and my passion (simply moving along).

What would match your experience and passion?

[Deanna]

Moab is one of the most beautiful places in the country. There is a practice loop for the Slickrock trail, which isn't too hard. I completed that and then started the slickrock and got to a point that I just didn't see as possible, given the laws of physics. I let my husband (boyfriend at the time) ride it on his own and rode back to the hotel and the pool. No regrets about it either. There is plenty to do for all levels of riding and for all types of outdoor activities. I've been there twice, and would jump at the chance to go again! IMHB, you would be crazy not to go!

[Veronica]

IMHB, you would be crazy not to go!

Yep, we're already trying to figure when we can get back there.

V.

[SadieKate]

You need to do some research on the trails he is planning. Moab has easy trails and advanced trails. Not much in between. Check out some of the day tours and skills clinics. You may need to negotiate you going on some day tours more suited to your skills while he does the more advanced trails. People die on some of those trails. Do not get in over your head.

Klondike Bluffs if the perfect first step for slickrock riding with some cool dinosaur tracks for icing on the cake. It can be loads of fun. They also just built a new trail, the Sovereign.

Call and talk to some tour operators like www.rimtours.com (Jenna is the day tour mgr) before you make any commitments. You could have a great time if planned right but BF will need a day or 2 to ride the advanced trails without you. You could even go rafting one day while he rides.

[carback]

I have been to Moab twice and had very different experiences both times.

First - it's a fantastic place!! Unbelievably beautiful, great weather, good food and of course, awesome riding.

The first time I went, I had mountain biked twice in my life. Granted, I was fit as I was a road rider and I was comfortable with clipless pedals.

The second time I went, 1 1/2 years later, I was a much better rider having spent the 1 1/2 years riding trails in British Columbia.

While I did enjoy my first time, I preferred my second time. We rode Klondike Bluffs (a fantastic intro into this crazy slick rock stuff!), Gemini Bridges (a very easy, very cool ride), and then Slickrock, in that order. I loved slickrock (we did the practice loop first), fell a few times, walked anything that looked suspect.

Second time, I rode Slick Rock, Porcupine Rim & Sovereign and had a totally different experience. Much more comfortable on my bike, didn't fall, was able to ride most of Slick Rock, positively LOVED Porcupine Rim and didn't really find it all that difficult except for one small section.

Anyhow, in a long-winded way, I would say go to Moab and just be prepared to walk anything that looks heinous or you feel uncomfortable on. It hurts to fall on slick rock and there are some trails where an error could be very serious. If you go, like someone above said, start with Klondike Bluffs. SOvereign Trail is not difficult either - and it's fun singletrack (a novelty for that area). The only tough part is the approach (a steep, short hill - absolutely walkabout with no fear of death).

Enjoy!!

[SadieKate]

Whatever you decide to do, check the local happenings. Try www.moabhappenings.com.

We drove into town at 1 am a week ago Saturday to find a large sign welcoming the 40th Annual Easter Jeep Safari. SadieKate's normal aplomb and good manners left her (hope nobody gagged over that one ) and her potty mouth appeared. Let's just say that I'm not a fan of Jeep based on the event. Matter of fact, I may be writing the company to suggest they do a little more education about manners. For instance, the uphill vehicle has right of way (including bikes) and don't force your way past a rider going uphill if you can't drive the road faster than the rider can ride it.

http://www.moab4x4parts.com/catalog/...eep_safari.php

I called Yellow at some ungodly hourly Sunday morning to see if she could find trail info so we could avoid the mass of idjits. Bless her heart for taking my panic in stride.

[KSH]

Maybe see if he is willing to make a compromise. He rides an easy trail with you, so you can have some fun... and you lay by the pool and let him ride the advanced trails on his own?

From what everyone is saying...it sounds like a beautiful place... you shouldn't stay at home just because you can't do the advanced trails.

[slinky1]

Thank you for all of your feedback! I have been working dilligently on my skills and feel with the info. you have provided and a bit of brains, this trip will be one I will never forget! I am soooo excited to get there and see what Moab is all about! I can't wait to test myself on the trails. In the past weeks I have learned the importance of not being ashamed to walk something beyond my capabilities. Good practice for a novice in Moab I am sure!

I will let you know how the trip turns out!

Thanks again ladies!!!