[Briko03 offline]

I am about to embark on a 3 week road trip spending time in what I have heard to be some of the best places to ride in the US. While I will not have a lot of time to spend at each location I was hoping to get some of the "best rides" at each stop.

Some of my planned destinations:
Denver, CO
Aspen, CO
Crested Butte, CO
Edwards, CO

Possibly Salt Lake City, UT

Lake Tahoe, CA
Bend, OR
Portland, OR

TBD - Heading back towards yellowstone area... open to suggestions.

If you can point me in the right direction I would appreciate it, but please keep in mind I have little to no local knowledge of these trail systems aside from reviews I have read etc.

[skibum offline]

Briko,
Would love to give you some recommendations, but most of those places have lots of options. It would be helpful to know more about your riding preferences.

You say "new member" -- does that mean you are a new rider as well or just new to Singletracks? Do you like mostly smooth or technical trails or the best possible example of each? What's your fitness level--are you up for a big climb? Clue us into your abilities, likes and dislikes and I'm sure we can be of assistance!

[Briko03 offline]

I am new to singletracks, have been mtn biking for about 6 years ish. I would like to think that I am in pretty good shape and have done significant climbs such as the mt washington auto road (road bike). I do not know how my body will react to the higher elevations however, but I do have some elevation sickness meds in my toolbox if it comes down to it (as a backup).

As far as riding preferences, I would categorize myself as a CC rider, I enjoy technical descents (not fire roads), rocks and roots don't scare me but I am not big on jumps / gaps / huge drops.

Does this help?

[mtbgreg1 offline]

Definitely hit up our trail database for more information, but here are a couple of recommendos:

Denver, CO:
Buffalo Creek http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails ... creek.html
Ride report from this summer: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr ... -the-bear/

Crested Butte, CO
Trail 401 http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/trail-401.html
Ride report from last year: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr ... -butte-co/

Reno/Flag/Bear/Deadman's: http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails ... adman.html

Lake Tahoe, CA:
Do the ride I did, it was awesome: http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-tr ... me-trails/

But like skibum said, there is SO MUCH in each of these places!

[abegold offline]

You might have a better time by concentrating on a few areas and driving less, a mistake I often make. However, if in Tahoe, the Tahoe Rim Trail circles the lake with most of it open to bikes. Mr Toads Wild Ride is one I wish to ride there. Don't miss a descent or 2 at Downieville. 5000' descents in about 17 miles. Fun and beautiful. South Yuba was sweet but lots of Poison Ivy.
I've ridden amazing McKenzie River Trail east of Eugene, west of Bend. All I know who've ridden McKenzie and North Umpqua Trail (NUT) say the NUT is even better, 79 miles of trails broken into sections.
Haven't ridden much near Aspen, Governmnet Trail on my list. Maroon Bells is worth hiking to, in wilderness. Best at sunrise. Everything is sweet in Crested Butte, make it a focal point of the trip.
Durango has tons, check Trails2000.com for info. I love Phils World and Sand Canyon in Cortez.
Monarch Crest is an amazing 32 mile ride. As it gets above 12,000' do it late in the trip after some getting used to altitude. Hydrate, and not just beer! Above Salida. Most take a shuttle from Poncha Springs.
If it's cool head to Gooseberry Mesa and Little Creek Mesa, near Hurricane, UT. 2 world class trails that are more fun than almost anywhere.
Weather changes fast in the mountains, carry a rain jacket. Still monsoon season.

[Briko03 offline]

Thanks for the advice, will post some updates along the way.

[klowe8828 offline]

Blue Diamond in Vegas is fantastic. cant speak about a lot of western trails, but if you need a reason to head to Vegas, its a great XC series of trails.

http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails ... amond.html