RE: GPS Route Files

Good work. Although the way I read the bible, we must be willing to change routes at the whim of Mother Nature…thus a "must ride" option may be out of question due to rains. I think we should all learn as much as possible about the routes, but I'd suggest we wait until we gather in CO the few days before the ride to decide on exact options, and even that may change.

 

Sarah, go get two maps.

 

From: Sarah Tisdale [mailto:sarah.s.tisdale@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2015 9:12 PM
To: janmoss@quidnunc.net
Cc: David Omoto; Sojka, Mike; Williams, Michael; mike.sojka.sjhtoh
Subject: GPS Route Files

 

The documentation suggests having these paper maps:

• http://www.latitude40maps.com/moab-east-trails/
• http://www.latitude40maps.com/southwest-colorado-trails/

I'll volunteer to buy them unless someone already has.  Might be good to have two sets.  I could buy two (or more) - let me know.

The documentation also suggests:

"Keep in contact with your group. Travel the speed of your slowest rider or make plans to regroup at predetermined points along the way-do and do not deviate from these plans! Do not make turns without everyone being in sight. Make sure everyone in the group has access to the maps."

With that in mind, we might want to look at the route and see what people want to do.  Maybe we can split into a couple groups.

I uploaded GPS routes for our trip into RideWithGPS:  http://ridewithgps.com/events/San-Juan-Huts-Telluride-to-Moab

• "D1" prefix means "Day 1 standard route"
• "D1a" prefix means  "Day 1 alternate route"

After looking at the routes, I'm thinking these:

• Day 1:  I'm thinking either the "galloping goose" or "gondola trails" alternate routes.  The gondola trail starts with a free gondola ride up ~2000', which is nice.
• Day 2: Only one option to the hut.  Then two possible loops after dropping gear at the hut. 
• Day 3: I'm thinking "recommended singletrack" option which seems a good balance of additional singletrack while avoiding a ton of climbing.
• Day 4: The route description says the standard route has the best views. The singletrack sounds nice, and 45mi for the alternate route sounds looong.
• Day 5: Leaning toward the singletrack option.  Shorter than the standard route and mostly downhill should make it easy-ish.
• Day 6: Standard route - no alternates
• Day 7: Leaning toward the porcupine rim trail, though the standard route goes right by the slickrock trailhead, which I'd like to ride.

Hopefully we can agree on one or two options each day so no one rides alone.