It never fails...you think you're a super awesome rider until you tackle a trail you've never ridden before. Then you remember...oh, maybe I'm just average after all. Yesterday we tackled Troy Built, a trail out near the Mack exit that is technically part of the Loma/Kokopelli system. Voodoo Biker has ridden it several times and knew it would be less crowded than the more popular Mary's/Horsethief Loops. We rode it as an out-and-back; the highlighted (blue) portion here shows our route.
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| The section from the start to the Kokopelli cut off is the toughest, technically. |
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The first portions of the trail (about the first 1/2 mile especially) can be tricky if you've never seen the trail before. Random rocks in the way, narrow gaps to navigate...then there is a long descent down to the Kokopelli junction before a short exposed uphill. After this the trail gets really fun, with some technical stuff, some awesome rolling singletrack, and a few portages thrown in just to keep you on your guard. We stopped where Troy Built meets the hill up to Lion's Loop and turned back. The ride back was just as fun and actually seemed easier (except for the long uphill that was a fun downhill on the way out...). I'd definitely ride this one again, especially during high bike tourist season. We only saw about 12 or 13 other people, as opposed to the 40 or so we'd have seen on Mary's or Horsethief.
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| View from the parking area for Troy Built |
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| Crazy slickrock portion towards the beginning of the ride. Super fun going down it at the end! |
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| Junction of Salt Creek and the Colorado River |
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| Our stopping point: The junctions of Lions and Troy Buit. Lion's continues up the hill and involves several switchbacks. |
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| View from the top of the big hill just before the descent to the Kokopelli junction (on the way out). |
1 comment:
Jewels, you are so kick-ass! I could never do that. You are super awesome.
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