BCI - Ride Reports, Matsufuji

Ride Reports List

by Pam Matsufuji

October 10 – 16, 2004--Connie Sweet and I just returned after participating, with 50 other riders, in the first LAGBRAU. I can write a book about our adventure, but here are the highlights:

Saturday pre-ride - The Shuttle from St. George to Blanding: For the fee of $15, the organizers agreed to shuttle riders, their luggage and bikes, from St. George, the end point city to Blanding, where the ride starts. Blanding is located in the South East corner of Utah, SE of Moab. Transportation was a 1950’s school bus. It was hot, the ride bumpy and it took forever (I think around 7 hours), but we had a great time getting to meet and socialize with all the other LAGBRAU riders. We met a great group of guys from San Diego who remained our companions throughout the ride.

Day 1, Sunday - Camping in Fry Canyon: Although this was a camping trip, Connie and I elected to stay in hotels because of the weather. Average morning temperatures were between 30 – 35 degrees. Unfortunately there are no hotels near Fry Canyon so we had to camp. Of all the nights, this was the one with the worst campsite - red clay dirt. They had to bring in portapotties and showers. I couldn’t sleep but that gave me time to watch the stars (which were awesome) and contemplate the day’s ride. We did a lot of climbing. Starting elevation was 6000’ (until the last day, the Ride stayed at between 6000 – 9400’). We did 70 miles, and climbed approximately 5000’. The scenery, however, was beautiful and got prettier as the week rode on.

Day 2, crossing the Colorado River: After a restless night, Connie and I ate the offered breakfast (eggs, bacon, biscuit, fruits) and were off to Hanksville. The ride started off with a 20 mile downhill. Reaching the Colorado and passing over it was very special. Unfortunately, all that altitude gained was now lost and after crossing the river, we were back to climbing. The first, in the line of many, long and gruesome climbs was about 2 miles long and at an average 10% grade. I lost it on the climb and had to quit the ride at 50 miles. Connie was able to ride into Hanksville. The climbing that day was 3600’, all in the back half.
Day 3, Hanksville to Torrey, glorious riding!: Bummed about doing poorly the day before, Connie and I set out to Torrey, uncertain what to expect. This turned out to be my favorite day. There was lots of climbing, of course, but then we coasted into Capital Reef National Park and the historic Fruita area. This road was made for cycling. It was quiet, no cars, just us, our bikes and beautiful large trees all wearing their fall colors. Plus, there were miles and miles of apple orchards. The smells were intoxicating! After a quick lunch under beautiful shade trees, we were off to Torrey. The head winds picked up in the afternoon making the climb to Torrey difficult. We finally got there and thankfully had a great hotel. I got an ice mocha drink, we were able to relax around a hot tub with other riders and then topped off the evening with a hamburger, fries and shake for dinner. Ummmm, good!

Day 4, the “Mountain.”: Everyone was nervous about climbing Boulder Mountain. This was a short day, only 33 miles, but with almost 4000’ of climbing in 25 miles. We got an early start and it was cold! It never seemed to warm up. The high that day was 40 degrees. The scenery was pretty spectacular: quaking Aspens all wearing leaves of gold, orange and red. Reaching the summit (9400’ ) was remarkably easy and the downhill an “E” ticket ride. The Town of Boulder was very special -- a quiet, pretty little town not use to a gaggle of cyclists! We had a great lunch and a gourmet 4-star dinner.

Day 5, Boulder to Cannonville. The morning was cold but the sun was coming out. We started, almost immediately, climbing. Once at the top, we rode along the Hogsback, a ridge road with steep drops on both sides. We finally came to the downhill. “Beware 15% grades”. Yipes! Actually it wasn’t that bad. The downhill wind was cold, but the decent was fun. At the bottom of the grade was a river area with beautiful fall colored trees. We stopped and took lots of pictures because we saw what was coming -- anther climb! 15% down means 15% up! This was probably one of the toughest climbs. Even the strong riders had to pull over and take a breather. We did 60 miles and climbed 4000’.

Day 6, Cannonville to Glendale: Today was some of the best and worst rides of the week. I started out not feeling too well and was told of a long, steep climb was coming up. Strangely, the climb wasn’t all that bad. We were on our way to Bryce and the landscape changed from large trees, streams, and shrub to tall, red/gold/white spires and rock formations. Connie and I elected not to do the Bryce Loop which would make the day 80 miles v. 60. We instead rode through Red Canyon on the Red Canyon Bike Highway. What absolute fun and joy! Someone who rides designed this bike trail. I would go back if nothing else but to do this bike trail again. After a number of climbs, there was a long 20-mile downhill to Glendale. Fun! We stayed in a historic Smith Bed & Breakfast. The campers stayed in apple orchard along side donkeys and alpacas (really. I have pictures!).

Day 7 - last but not least!: We ate breakfast at the B & B and set off early. This morning was the coldest of the week and I froze! We did 9 miles downhill and then couldn’t ride any further. We had to seek shelter. We waited approximately an hour before attempting to ride again. Thankfully it got warmer. The plan was to ride to Zion National Park and out the front side. There are two tunnels, one a mile long we were not able to ride through. The Park Service was our escort. That was incredibly special.

The scenery was as awesome as any place I have ever been and being able to ride through it without worry of cars, was a joy. We later made it onto a great bike path which had us riding wooden bridges criss-crossing over a river. Finally there was the long ride back to St. George. Once in St. George, we again got onto a great bike trail and finally reached our end destination. Our mileage for the day was 80 miles with about 5000’ of climbing (although there was also a 6000’ descent – is that possible?).

Final words: There is no way to describe the beauty of Utah. From day to day the scenery changed and all for the better. The Utah roads are made for riding with little or no car traffic, no debris, and no glass! This was truly an adventure and a challenge of a bicyclist’s skills (climbing and descending) and stamina. The 50 participants were a great group of folks. They came from all around the US, although mostly from California. This was the first year, so the ride was a little unorganized but can only get better. Please review the website (LAGBRAU.com) for further information. I would do this trip again in a heartbeat! Hopefully our photos do it some justice.