Fantastic Flying Four Wheeling in the Fall!

I like to think I'm adventurous way above many other characteristics.  That being said, it took me a long time to begin to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors.  The real purpose of being outside (when I was younger) was to go fast and conquer!  I'm not sure when it happened but maybe it had something to do with becoming a mom and then grandma that I began to look around at what I'd been missing.

About at the Timberline

This past 4-day weekend (fall break) 4-wheeling in the Marysvale, Utah area was one of those "catch-up times" for not paying attention in the past.  We took our youngest son, 15 years old and oldest grandson, 11 years old and covered over 200 miles.  We rode through tunnels of golden aspen trees creating leaf blizzards and across mountainsides that looked as though Midas had been running around touching just the right trees to create masterpiece after masterpiece.  We flew to the tops of snowy mountains and then flew down them again; the landscape changed over and over from dusty and dry prairie to snowy and muddy alpine, the roads from wide and smooth to narrow, rocky and steep.  I've never been through so many water crossings in such a short time. We hiked to the Bullion Waterfall, followed the ATV trail around the stunning Koosharem reservoir-elevation 7,000 feet and cruised through cougar and bear country at elevations over 11,000 feet.

Koosharem Reservoir

Then, combine all this with the fact that we got to go with such good friends, the Colyars and 2 of their grandkids - I can't begin to tell you how memorable this trip will always be.  Mont and Cheryl had a much much more thorough knowledge of the area and took us to Miners Park up Bullion Canyon.  Wow!  If you're at all a history buff and/or into mining, this place is super cool!  Many of the old mining buildings and tools used in the last century and before that have been left as an outdoor museum, complete with "plaques" explaining the displays.  If you live in Utah and have a 4th or 7th grader, come prepared to take pictures and notes as this would make a great report for their Utah History course.  The park is about 5 miles from the town of Marysvale.  The Paiute ATV trail is a world renowned, maintained trail system in central Utah.

Trev and One of  Several Mining Implements at Miner's Park

Miner's Park - Closed Off Mine Entrance

To make a great trip even better, the Deckers came with their 12-year old son and joined us on Friday evening.  Of course, with the boys - we had to do what we've come to call "the bowl".  This is right next to the trail just as you leave Marysvale.  It's a place with all grades of hills.  I had a lot of fun there last year but this year, scared myself on the very first hill and had to sit to watch the more adventurous riders while my heart slowed back to normal.  Dang that 50th birthday! JK

We rented our 3 machines from Lizzie and Charlies in Marysvale. They have been so great to work with.  They really make sure things go well.  Lizzie and Charlies is a full service campground complete with full hook-ups, covered pavillion and even camping cabins. Last year we went a bit earlier in the year.  It was our first time in the area and we didn't know what to go see.  We still had a great time but didn't realize what we'd missed.  Right next to Lizzie and Charlies is a crown jewel for Marysvale; a little pizza cafe called "The Garage".  We tried it last year and were so completely caught off guard at how good the pizza was, we asked a lot of questions.  How could such good pizza be being made right there?  Well, the chef is from New York, complete with accent and real knowledge of how to make a New York Pizza Pie.  The Garage closes for the winter season so we missed it this year but vowed to go earlier next year!

Bullion Waterfall

The Richfield Comfort Inn was our hub; complete with all of the amenities, including breakfast so that was one less meal to worry about.  One night while there, we ate at the South China Cafe.  We were very pleased with the food and the atmosphere-clean and new; with quick, friendly service.  We will definitely go there next time we're in Richfield.  I think with these past two trips under our belt, we can safely say we've got a new family tradition - riding the Paiute trail for fall break!

Salt to Saint 2011

Todd - first leg - leading the pack down Wasatch Blvd.

 by Karin Marie

On a cool Friday morning in September,  team Recreate in Utah (RIU) joined together to begin what would be a 425 mile, 26.5 hour long adventure across the beautiful state of Utah. Our 8-man team consisted of Rick & Audra Jeske, Karin Marie Plunkett, John & Lisa Conrad, Todd Vincent, and Phil & Ronelle Patten; ranging in age from 36 to 52.  The Salt to Saint relay began at the State Capitol in Salt Lake City and ended in Saint George.  With a very strong start and wonderful weather conditions, we powered through our first few legs of the race.

Lisa - suffering wind and rain all the way to Ephraim - leg #7

Phil and Karin Marie
Did we say ALL NIGHT long?  
Still Smiling!

Mother Nature is consistent in her inconsistencies. That being true, we were about to experience an uncomfortable array from her arsenal that would both challenge the body and erode at the steel in our minds.  An increasingly persistent head wind with punchy gusts kicked up to welcome us into Elberta and pursued us until Mt. Carmel Junction.  The rain pelted down intermittently at first but soon became a resolute companion. Through the less than ideal weather conditions, the stunning countryside shone. Golden fields dotted with trees and pasture animals, colorful canyons, and majestic mountains comprised our route. It was a joy to experience the course outside of a vehicle where we could better connect with our surroundings.

As a team we became increasingly adept at preparing the next person heading out for the elements and at rescuing the sodden riders as they completed their legs- warming and drying them.  Through the night we rode with cycling shoes acting as sloshing tubs for chilly toes. The wet night air smelled of sage and pine - both crisp and clean. It was invigorating!

One of the surprises we encountered on our journey was the test of our mental mettle. We were prepared for the challenge this race afforded our bodies. We were not, however, ready for the exhaustion that results from long periods of unexpected stress. The tension of trying to stay the narrow path between traffic and road construction, the additional challenge of the weather, and the sleep deprivation all played in together to cause a collapse or two.

The morning sun brought with it a renewal of both energy and hope. We really were going to finish this relay after all. Happy day!  The skies cleared and beautiful weather welcomed us as we rode through the stunning colors of Southern Utah's sandstone on our  approach to the finish line in St. George.   We did it!!!  Exhausted and worn we unanimously agreed that team Recreate in Utah will definitely be found racing along the beautiful Utah countryside next year in the Salt to Saint Relay.

Team RIU

RIU ride from State Capitol to Orem

It wasn't that long ago that the RIU Crew did a Salt to Saint training ride from State Capitol to Orem. It was an awesome adventure as we rode along the East bench of Salt Lake and around the point of the mountain, then West through Lehi making use of the Jordan River parkway trail. At Saratoga Springs, we rode back East through P.G. to Orem. A few minor mechanical problems required a stop at the Bike Barn in Lehi for repairs. They were very helpful with screws for a shoe cleat and a derailleur adjustment.
All in all, it was another great ride and a big confidence boost for the upcoming relay race.
Update: I added some photos of Phil and Ronelle that were taken near Hogle Zoo and This Is the Place state park.

First Post!!! Top of the Alpine Loop

Okay - so I waited 4 months to post (after setting this blog-thing up); but we're off and running now!  I've decided that people need to know how amazing the Alpine Loop is right NOW!  The colors are stunning and the climb, whether you are on a bicycle, motorcycle or in a convertible- is really something to experience. There is very little time left before the colors will be gone, replaced with snow and the loop will be closed till next spring. Gotta make this trip happen quick!

This particular ride was a training session for the mega hill climbs (for me anyway) that are coming up in two weeks in the 100 mile (also known as the century) Tour de St. George - Autumn Edition; and I must say I managed to exceed my own expectations in climbing without having to walk the bike - at all! (Don't tell anyone that my average speed was somewhere between a turtle and a snail).  You might have noticed that we're wearing our Salt to Saint Jerseys from the ride we did last month - 425 miles as an 8 man relay team from the Capitol in Salt Lake City to St. George, but that's a story still to come . . .