Moab and the Magnificent 7 - Oct. 2012

[ScottSchmidt]

Saturday we took a day trip to mountain bike a new trail called the Magnificent 7 in Moab. We originally planned on riding a trail called "The Whole Enchilada". This is my favorite ride and is probably one of the greatest mountain bike rides in the world, you will have to look it up. Unfortunately, it poured rain on Friday which put snow in the mountains and shut down the upper portion. Rather than ride the lower portion we decided to try a new trail system that was put in this past couple of years.
We did not know how the weather would be on Saturday so we tentatively planned on leaving around 7am so we could catch a shuttle that dropped us at the top of the trail system around 9am.
That morning turned out to be great. We had two planes going (mine and Sean's RV-10's) with 2 bikes and a passenger in each plane. I took my friend Adam who I have known since jr. high. I have mountain biked with him more than anyone else. He's a strong rider and always makes me feel fat and slow. Sean's passenger was his friend Trevor.
After loading the planes with the bikes we departed and climbed above the clouds near Salt Lake. We had a great tail wind and were seeing around 200 knots to Moab. The flight took around 50 minutes.











The Green River


Descending into Moab


Moab and the Colorado River

[ScottSchmidt]

We didn't land at Canyonlands Airport (KCNY) but instead landed at a private strip 7 miles south of town called Skyranch. It had a quite a few weeds on it but the first 1000 feet was clear and had no problem stopping. Before taking off I pulled 20 weeds to give us another 1000-1500 ft.
We landed, unloaded the bikes and rode into town to meet up with the shuttle service (Uranium Bike Shop). They charge around $20 - $25 to take you up to the Magnificent 7 or The Whole Enchilada.





We were treated to a perfect day of riding with temperatures around 60-70 degrees, no wind and an amazing trail.


Sean ripping by!






Riding on the edge.


Would you quit checking ForeFlight!!

[ScottSchmidt]

Arch




Trevor taking a fall with the camera in hand while I was riding.






The price we pay for a great day of riding. (PSSSS,he fell in a bush while he was standing completely still. Don't let him tell you anything differently.)


Our lunch break and view.

[ScottSchmidt]

Sean's wheel had a bearing issue that we fixed thanks to a DWR Officer that had a cheap tool kit and we were on our way again.


We rode out on the Gemini Bridges Road and back into town for a late lunch.




Nice paved bike trail between Gemini Bridges and Moab. It rides by the entrance to Arches National Park.


Sand hill the kids like to play on right before Moab.


Boy were we glad to see that hangar in the background. We were pooped.
37.27 miles, 2200 calories.

[ScottSchmidt]

We loaded up the planes and took off. It was 1:15 home because of a strong headwind but I was able to get home in time to play with both kids and put them to sleep. Could not have done that without this great plane.
To top it off, we were offered a great sunset.
Nope, didn't waste that day!








Arches National Park




iPhone picture that Trevor took on the way to Moab

[Bruce]

Scott,

Missed ya.
Just arrived. Will be here for a week doing nothing or filling in potholes in the mountains where you crashed and burned.

Brought the jeep. Oh yeah and the wife.

[n5lp]

Thank you for that Scott. Just spectacular photos!

[panhandler1956]

Amazing Scott! Brilliant photos! Looked like a good time was had by all!

[N15JB]

We have had our road bikes in the back of the -10, but have not tried the mtn. bikes; glad to see it can be done. My favorite Moab ride is Poison Spider, but it looks like Mag 7 is well worth checking out. Actually, it is pretty hard to pick a bad trail in Moab. Thanks for sharing.

Jim Berry
RV-10

[fstringham7a]

Wow ... Scott, once again you have shown how great these magic carpet RV are, having wonderful friends, beautiful pix and story line, ....... Only in America ....

Once again .... You The Man ...