Antelope Island by Moonlight 2012

2012 Antelope By Moonlight - End of the World - Mayan Meltdown

Each year as the bike season begins, I reflect back on all the rides/races I did in the previous year.  The one that brings the biggest smile to my face is the Antelope by Moonlight put on by Davis County. 2012 is their 19th annual ride with the theme for this year being "End of the World - Mayan Meltdown".  This is a fun, family night ride lit only by bicycle lights & glow sticks along with the moon and its reflection off the Great Salt Lake.

Eating up - Pizza Factory - Syracuse-2011

This year, July 6th will be the fifth year in a row I've ridden this well organized fund-raising event.  Each year I get more of my friends to make the drive and do the ride.  The last two years we've met at the Pizza Factory in Syracuse for dinner.  It makes a perfect place to meet and eat.  The food is always great and the owners, Josh and Emily Patten take really good care of our group.

Waiting for "Go" signal - 2011

Phil, Trevor and Ronelle - 2011

After dinner, it's easy to play follow the leader by car the last 5 miles to the Antelope Island marina where we park; putting us all close in the parking lot and easy to find everyone in the group to start the ride together.

This is a pretty easy ride for the whole family.  It's 11 miles out to the historic Fielding Garr Ranch making a total of 22 miles out and back. The historic barn is well lit with tables stocked full of fruit, granola bars, other treats and water.

Some of the things I enjoy most about Antelope by Moonlight:

1. The snake of lights winding its way down the road to the barn.
2. The breathtaking sight of the lights of Syracuse reflecting off the lake.
3. The fact that the entire road is closed to cars (The sag wagon help is on four-wheelers riding the shoulders).
4. Calling out to see where your friends are and hearing their excited voices on the dark road.
5. The meet-up at the barn.
6. Seeing the decorated bikes of all shapes and sizes - road bikes, mtn. bikes, kids bikes, tag-alongs, bike trailers - all lit up and many of them decorated in some of the craziest ways; including massive use of glow sticks and other crazy lights.

Click here to read the Deseret News' review on the 2011 Antelope by Moonlight ride.
Click here to read the Standard Examiner's review on what is done with proceeds from the Annual Antelope by Moonlight Ride.

This Place is Real AND It's in Utah!!!

Going Under the Bridge - Just Beginning

Zion National Park never ceases to amaze me. Having lived all but my first 9 years in Utah, it still disheartens me how little of this world-renowned state I had seen before marrying my adventure-seeking partner. That being said, I still never saw Zion National Park until I was 34 years old. I know, sad huh. Well, since that time, I've somewhat made up for lost time having averaged about 2 visits per year and was yet again stunned this past June at what we experienced when a friend of ours took us on a canyoneering trip to

Jasmine - One of the First Rappels

Pine Creek Canyon in Zion National Park. The pictures I plan to add, cannot do it justice. This is a place you literally have to experience. The deep rich colors, textures, temperatures, smells, sounds, etc. will become a part of you. I'm still wondering, 'how had I never heard of this canyon, much less been through it until now?'

This trip begins at the tiny parking lot just east of the famous Mt. Carmel tunnel, with the first few steps taking you right under the bridge (didn't even know it was there) just as a car would enter the tunnel. Important tip:  Permit is required and I've included the information as to how to get one, below.

Within a very short time, we were descending the first of several breathtaking rappels. The entire trip was in the neighborhood of 3-4 hours.

Phil - Final Rappel

The cold water we had to drop into was bone chilling, but the wet-suits were great! The rappels were exhilarating!  I wanted to scream just for the fun of it, it was so awesome (and as much as that word is overused right now; it really really fits in this case)! The final rappel is the most spectacular of all with a 96 foot free hang through a swirled tunnel-like mass of rock.

By the time the hike ended, we were all overheated in the June sun. So we welcomed the little pool with rock overhangs on two sides and took to jumping the 10 or so feet into the water. Jasmine, being true to herself, loved catching frogs there.

No one was more surprised than I was when we climbed up to the road to find that we had ended only about a 5-minute car ride from our where we'd parked.  Truly a hidden treasure.

This is a trip for those fairly unafraid of cold and heights. As much as I enjoy adventure, I like to be assured that the risk is pretty well near zero (given confidence in the person leading us and their knowledge/equipment). So, unless you are a seasoned climber, adventurer- (own your own  equipment

and know how to use it), I would highly recommend you do this with someone who is. We did lots of fun things when all 5 kids were young but now with the "babies" being older, this was a fantastic trip for our family being just down to our last two teenagers.

Just an FYI - The town of Springdale sits right up against the west entrance to the park.  It's where we always stay.  One of our favorite places there is Zion Park Motel.  It's family owned and operated with two family units that include a small living room and kitchen.  We have also come to not only enjoy but truly look forward to eating at Blondies Diner.  Blondie is lots of fun AND an amazing cook.  Her pies are literally world famous.

Here is a link for year-round planning and phone #'s to get more information on permits, maps, etc.

Zion Canyon Trip Planning- Permits -

Kolob Canyons Visitor Center - 435 586-9548
Zion Canyon Visitor Center - 435 772-0170

Bike Season Is Here!

After months of spin classes, Ronelle and I were ready for some time in the sun on our bikes. We looked to see what rides Spin Geeks had on the horizon and found the Mesquite Madness 83-mile ride on March 24th. Having done other Spin Geeks rides we jumped on this one. This was the first year they have done the Mesquite Madness ride. It proved to be a great addition to their line - making 8 rides/races they sponsor each year.

There are a number of reasons we keep going back to Spin Geeks rides/races.

1. A lot of their rides are in the warm sun of the St. George area when the weather in Utah Co. is; should we say, "less desirable" for biking. Who doesn't like to take a road trip to find some fun in the sun.
2. They do an incredible job in both the organization in the months before the event, as well as the day of. The course is very well marked with both- standing signs on the sides of the road as well as arrows on the road pointing the way. You are given a map with turn by turn directions. Their staff at all the aid stations are all up beat, friendly and extremely helpful. Their website answers most of the riders questions, gives a good description of the event and has registration info.and forms. I love looking at the street map and the elevation map because of how they work together - hold your cursor over the starting point on the elevation map drag it to the right and simultaneously watch the street map.
3. Safety is a top priority with Spin Geeks! They have police blocking intersections as well a escorts to
   start each race.
4. The feed stops are well stocked and well placed a long the course.
5. All of the rides we have done have had a nice meal at the finish line.
6. They have sag wagons all over the course to assist you with anything you might need help with.

The Mesquite Madness was everything we had hoped for in our first long ride of the season. With plenty of sunshine, the temps started out in the mid 60s and climbed into low 80s by the end of the dayIt came as no surprise that thiscourse was challenging physically and mentally, just like the other Spin Geeks rides we have done. They always have plenty of hills to climb to wear down the legs, then they seem to find a way tease you a little with some mind games. The course leads close to the finish line, building up your hope that you are about done, then it takes a turn and you realize you still have miles to go before you find that elusive finish line. This is one of the the biggest reasons I love their rides. My wife and I are looking forward to both the Spring (April 14) and Fall (October 20) Tour de St. George rides.

Of their 8 rides, most are set up to challenge riders of every level, including shorter distances for the newer rider. Go to spingeeks.com to check out their season, find one that will work for you and sign up. You won't be sorry.

We Found the Cure!

Tuacahn Ampitheatre

Each year by the first week of March, my cabin fever is off the charts. The cure, a trip to St. George, Utah to enjoy some of my favorite outdoor activities in the sun.

Snow Canyon State Park (Utah)

This year we chose to road bike and rock climb. We started out on the bikes. It was almost a 30 mile ride from the Courtyard Marriott where we were staying; out to the Tuacahn and then up through Snow Canyon to Highway 18 and back to our hotel. The flowers are up and the trees are starting to blossom. Spring has arrived in Utah's Dixie.

Trevor

This loop is now my favorite short ride in St. George; just enough climbing to get a good workout, with one of the best downhill rewards I have ridden.

We took the bike path that runs along the west side of Highway 18. It has steeper drops than the road does; seven miles of a rollercoaster-style descent with no cars to dodge and no sharp corners; just tuck and go. This was just what my wife and I needed to help prepare us for the 80 mile Mesquite Madness bike ride on March 24th.

Todd

This was my first time climbing up Snow Canyon on my bike. It gave me the opportunity to look around and enjoy its beauty. The red rock and black lava are stunning. This canyon has something for almost anyone who loves the outdoors; sand dunes for the young and the young at heart, a walking/bike path for those looking for a quiet stroll, mountains and slot canyons to conquer for hikers as well as multi-pitch climbs for the ones who like hanging from a rope. I look forward to spending more time in here with my grandkids.

Ronelle

Phil

After our ride we headed to the cliffs on the north side of St. George above the painted "DIXIE" to try our hand at rock climbing. My 16-year old son is avid in this sport, and is hoping to get my wife and I to follow. We found about a 35 foot rock wall that didn't look too challenging, so we pulled out the climbing harness and rope. This proved to be not much of a problem for my son, he went right up like he had been doing it his whole life and not just a couple of years. The same cannot be said for Todd (a friend), my wife and I. We all had a hard time making it to the top, and we would not have made it without a little "hang dogging". This is a term I just learned the meaning of. Its when the one on the the bottom of the rope (the belayer) uses all his weight and strength to pull the climber up when they just can't get any higher without help. The 4 of us all had fun laughing and taking pics.

I'm sure we'll find ourselves wearing climbing gear, staring up at many more rock walls as the weather warms up.

Snowshoeing - A few storms help a lot!

Snowshoeing Mania

1st group - Aspen Grove/Timp Trail

"The only serious tricks to discover are on the downhill. Keep your arms out to the side and open up your stride. The magic of snowshoeing happens on the downhill when you start to "float" on the powder! It's a kick. And loads of fun, that is until your foot gets trapped under some submerged log and you fall flat on your face in the powder. But that's kind of fun too. It's hard to get hurt showshoeing, because the surface is so forgiving."

1st group - Aspen Grove/Timp Trail

Bernie Boettcher; USSSA Masters

National Snowshoe Champion 2003 & 2004, Silt, Colorado

We have a large group of friends that we work out with. Most of us enjoy snowshoeing. This year, we haven't gotten out as much because of the lack of snow; however, last Saturday (January 28) there were 19 of that group that headed into the mountains to find some snow.

The first five left Orem about 9 am and went to Aspen Grove above Sundance Ski Resort. The outside temperature was in the mid teens but that was not a problem (within five minutes of starting to snowshoe, your body temp is on the rise and you are soon sweating). They had a great time and a hard workout as they blazed their own trail to the first waterfall on the way up the Timp trail.

2nd group - Big Springs

The second snowshoeing group met at 10 am and went up to Big Springs in the South Fork of Provo Canyon. They found it still lacking in snow and what was there was very icy. They did about a 4 mile loop in about 90 minutes.

The last group of seven went out at 1:30 pm. We headed up American Fork Canyon, taking the North Fork to Tibble Fork Reservoir and stopping at the dam. This was a new route for all 7 of us. After parking, you walk across the dam and head up some switchbacks that lead southeast away from the reservoir. Then, stay to the

2nd group - Big Springs

left each time the trail splits. We made about a five mile loop that took us about 2.5 hours ending up at the bridge on the east end of Tibble Fork Reservoir. Outside of the time I went snowshoeing in Bryce Canyon National Park, this was my favorite so far. I know there are a lot of new places to explore on snowshoes so I'd welcome suggestions!

"Snowshoeing is great because no matter how cold it is outside, if you wear enough layers and do at least 15 to 20 minutes on snowshoes, you will break a sweat every time. No excuses, like it's too cold. It's never too cold to snowshoe."

3rd group - Tibble Fork

Scott Gall, 
Snowshoeing Professional

Atlas Snowshoe Team and former North American Snowshoe Champion; Waterloo, Iowa


To see more pictures of the Tibble Fork snowshoeing trip (stunning pics!) check this Facebook link to Recreate In Utah's Page:  

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150553970244920&set=a.10150472264644920.382960.357123119919&type=3&theater

Ahhh! Springtime in St. George!!!

The best ways we know to enjoy a trip to St. George:

Go in the Spring. Go to the Tuachan.  Go Biking. 

The Tuachan has a fantastic line-up of Spring concerts and Spin Geeks hosts awesome bike rides/races.

Soooo - we thought we'd let you all in on these four perfectly matched up weekends!

Weekend #1
March 23rd (Friday) - The Pink Floyd Experience @ Tuachan
March 24 (Saturday) - Mesquite Madness - Start your cycling season off with a choice of 38 or 80 miles.

Weekend #2
March 30th (Friday) - 38 Special @ Tuachan
March 31st and April 1 (Sat. & Sun.) - A 2-day, 3-stage race - Tour del Sol

Weekend #3
April 13th (Friday) - Three Dog Night @ Tuachan
April 14th (Saturday) - Spring Tour de St. George - Spin Geeks offers a 30, 80 and 100 mile option

Weekend #4
April 28th (Saturday) - Spokes for Hope - hosted by Spin Geeks; this ride is a women's only cycling charity event with 30, 50, 70 and 94 mile options.
April 28th (Saturday) - Martina McBride @ Tuacahn

To see the full race season, go to SpinGeeks.com.  There you'll find all of their events as well as pricing and registration forms.

Tuachan.org will give you all the information you need to book tickets and read more about their entire season of concerts and Broadway-style productions.

The Winner of the Crazy Weather Contest 2011/2012 - Utah!!!

For years there has been a group of die-hard road bikers that have gone out on the last day of the year or on New Year's day. Some years the numbers have been quite sparce, mostly due to outside temps being in the high 20's or lower. We had 8 go out this year on December 30th and enjoy temps in the mid 40's.

We rode north from Orem to the southwest side of American Fork and back - just over 20 miles round trip. It was awesome to be outside in Utah County in late December; soaking up the sun, working up a sweat while enjoying good friends.

The next day, December 31, there were a dozen of us (young and old) looking forward to a good workout snowshoeing up American Fork Canyon. Only one problem, no snow (check out the pics)!! We were shocked at the lack of snow even at those altitudes, i.e. Tibble Fork Reservoir.

We were able to find a little snow in the shade on the southeast side but not enough to use our snowshoes - they stayed in the cars. We had a short hike in mud and ice, just enough to raise the heart rate into the aerobic zone.

Overall, thoughts were that it was a little eery to be out on New Year's eve in almost 40 degree temps in the North Fork of American Fork Canyon; no snow and none in the forecast. I hope that changes soon.

The kids were the highlight of this trip. They had never met before but it only took a minute or two to become friends. It was fun to watch and it was a good reminder to me that it's not that hard to make a new friend.

On January 2, we decided to stick to biking with temps in the mid 50's. Five of us headed south leaving Orem on State Street riding around Provo Towne Center, through East Bay and Springville into Spanish Fork. We made a loop of 34 miles; loving every minute; with thoughts like 'in a normal year, we would have to make a trip to St. George to get weather like this'. This was a good, fast ride with an average speed of 18 mph. There was no wind, only sunshine and the next two days look to be about the same. With a little luck, I hope to get out one of both days. See ya on the road!