MTB: Lory State Park- East and West Valley Trails

The East and West Valley Trails at Lory State Park

Location: Lory State Park, East/West Valley Trails

Date: 5/6/2014

How far we went: 4.96mi

How long it took me: Around 39 min for both trails

Elevation reached: 5600ft

Weather: Overcast, mild.

The East and West Valley trails provide a nice easy ride that put you between the shore and the road on the East side and between the mountain and the road on the West side. I was riding at a brisk pace but randomly stopped here and there to snap a photo or read a sign. With that said it took me around 39 minutes to do both trails.

The trails consists of mainly easy going with some small up and downhill challenges that take some small maneuvering. Minor switchbacking and some small rock jumps are there should you choose. An easy trail is as difficult and fun as you make it and I've easily found myself going way too fast or being overconfident and have almost caused great spills. But honestly, that's why we do this shit.

These trails are shared with pedestrians and people on horseback. Make sure you're polite and show proper trail etiquette.

If you're visiting from a flat area and/or not used to hills or actual mountain biking terrain, I suggest you: 1. Make sure you have your safety equipment in order, a helmet at the very least. 2. Spend 20 or 30 minutes getting comfortable at the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park. (If you look at the picture above, it's that square shaped cleared out area to the left of "End) and 3. Make sure you're comfortable on these trails before heading up further into Lory.

Anyways, have fun and be safe!

MTB: Corral Center Mountain Bike Park- Lory State Park- 5/6/2014

First Mountain Bike Post! ... And since it is my first MTB post I'll start small. Here is the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park in Lory State Park, It's right near the entrance and will cost you $7 if you bring your bike in via vehicle or $3 if you make there on a bike.

The weather is beautiful in N. Colorado during the spring so what could be better than as nice day out on two wheels? Here in Fort Collins we are fortunate enough to have this stuff practically in our back yard. If you're getting acquainted with a mountain bike or just wanna have some fun this is a great place to start.

 

There are three different parts to the area with increasing difficulty: Skills area, pump track, and dirt jumps.

The skills area is definitely where you want to get comfortable, especially if this is your first time doing some actual trail riding. Basic obstacles include structures for balance, turns, small jumps/hops, and loose terrain.

The pump track is a looping track of bumps and rollers where the rider absorbs and compresses the bike without pedaling to make it through the loop. A pretty decent workout!

Here is the dirt jumps at the park. They are divided into three different lines in order of increasing difficulty. If this is your first time hitting the jumps make sure you are aware of what you're doing and start small!

Overall, a great place to hone your skills if you are a beginner or expert. If it's your first time hitting the trails at Lory or if you are used to riding that is a little more tame, then be sure to check this place out before hitting the trails. It's usually never busy!

Swan Johnson, Shoreline, and Nomad Trail- 7/23/2013 (Horsetooth Mountain Open Space)

 

 

 

Location: Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Date: 7/23/2013

How far we went: Around 2.87 miles

How long it took us: About an hour and a half

Elevation reached: Not very high

Weather: Sunny in the summer!

My friends were passing through Colorado so I met them to camp up at Horsetooth Rock for an evening and a quick hike in the AM before they departed. Towards the end of the summer the water level drops in the reservoir and leaves a muddy/mucky mess around the shoreline, but still provides scenic views and these trails are very easy for anyone. This hike is ideal for those who don't mind venturing out, but are never far from the trail head and doesn't present a challenge to those not familiar with hiking, small youngsters and/or the elderly. This particular day was quite peaceful, but when the boats on the water get fired up and people start partying for the day, it definitely isn't silent.

If you're not camping up there and are coming in an automobile, you're going to want to park at the Soderbreg Open Space trailhead & parking which is off Shoreline Dr. One more suggestion, if you are camping, even in the middle of summer, the wind can howl in the middle of the night and temperatures can drop quickly. Sleep near the fire or pack an extra blanket.

 

Whitewater Rafting- Poudre Canyon (5/24/2013)

In-laws in town so we decided to take a rafting trip down the Poudre Canyon. What an amazing journey! We went through A1 Wildwater Rafting here in Fort Collins and they did a great job. Instructed everyone on the do's and don'ts of whitewater rafting. They made us feel safe and confident and set us up for success. The trip was the "Wild & Scenic" trip which they offer and is described as:

 "nothing short of incredible! It’s a wild ride on world class whitewater as it churns its way down a deep mountain canyon, just as it has done for millions of years. The river runs clear and free and is never crowded, unlike most of the rivers in Colorado, and the rapids are almost continuous for the entire length of the trip. This trip traverses the National Wild & Scenic portion of the river and is the best single stretch of rafting wildwater on the river. This is a challenging trip for those people looking for an exciting ride. We take lots of first time rafters on this trip as well as experienced rafters but people going on this trip should be healthy, fit, have good swimming ability, and be able to paddle heartily. Class II, III, IV, and at times class IV+ rapids punctuate our dialogue with the river."

I will admit I thought it was going to be a leisurely stroll on the water... Anything but the case, so be ready for a work-out! You will have your hands full with paddling so you won't be able to take many photos and besides, you don't want your camera getting soaked. You will definitely get wet, which reminds me, if you don't have your own, spring for the waterproof shoes they offer you for an upcharge. I decided to be a man about it and not wear them... Holy shit that water is cold. Big mistake on my part. No doubt you will be enjoying the splendor of the views and the thrill of the ride, but your vessel will be covered in water within about 60 seconds. Additionally, water gathers in the boat so your feet are siting in ice cold water that was snow a few hours earlier! Also, bring a change of clothes and a towel unless you want to bet sitting it a sopping wet-suit when you get out and not just for a couple minutes but for the duration of the trip back to Fort Collins on the bus.

Check out their website: http://www.a1wildwater.com/

Horsetooth Falls, Horsetooth Moutain Open Space 5/29/2013

Location: Horsetooth Falls (Horsetooth Mountain Open Space)

Date: 5/29/2013

How far we went: 2.4mi (Round trip)

Elevation reached: 5800ft

Weather: Sunny, warm. 

A short hike to the falls from the parking lot is simple for anyone that can walk. You can traverse down to where the falls lands or you can hike up where pool forms above. Some really nice views to and from and make sure you try to catch it during the snow melt! I've seen people swimming in these pools/water but I'm not sure if it's actually allowed or not. Jump in at your own risk, I suppose. $6 to for a daily pass so don't forget your wallet! For more info on this hike, visit it's Trail Wiki.