Granby Ranch

#followcamfriday dodging rocks and shakin' shocks at the Granby Ranch Bike Park with James. 

Guess who's back, back again, James is back, tell a friend. Everyone's favorite stunt-man is back in action for your viewing pleasure. In all seriousness, James is a new dad. When you see him, congratulations are in order. His dad-bod hasn't set in yet, but give it some time.... Legend has it that his baby can already hold a manual for 30 seconds on a strider. Start em young. 

Oh Granby, your rocks and sand boxes hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how scared I was to race nationals here, back in the day. Overcoming that fear and learning to ride that track made me who I am today. There are now trails for all abilities here, but I am glad to say that the hard trails are as rough and rugged as they have ever been. Thank you for keeping the rocks on the trail on behalf of mountain bikers everywhere. My wheels don't love you, but I think they understand. 

This weekend happens to be the opening weekend of big brother, Winter Park, just up the road. Record snowfall is keeping WP from opening much terrain. Granby is 100% open and running sweet. Choose your weekend park lap strategy wisely. People will be lining up early for WP and standing in line for most of the day. Granby is the "line avoidance" strategy. Choose wisely. Maybe a day at each? A Front Range Festivus, for the rest of us. 

Fatherhood definitely seems to be slowing James down a bit, lol. He is basically trying to jump over me in this photo. The old Nationals track still has the amazing set of jumps after the wooden drop. This section is one of the more well-built and funner jump sections to ride anywhere. Kudos Matt Thompson, love your work. 

Once you get your fill of berms on Silky Johnson, go ride Fraser Canyon for some flat trackers through the aspens. Flat turn practice for days. The absence of a berm is a beautiful thing. Races are won and lost in the turns. Better check yourself. 

#lovesbackwheel situations. The original trail names, given by Matty and the boys, are mostly references to the Chapelle show. I miss the Chapelle show. Anyone who gets the references, is old like me. I am dating myself. I guess that was back when people watched television. I don't even have television anymore. Oh the irony, as I stare at my computer and type these words. My how times have changed. 

Making the case for DH bikes. Granby is one of the last places in the state where a DH bike is probably faster on most of the black trails. Trail bikes have gotten so very capable in recent years. It is an amazing time to ride a mountain bike. Granby however, still is making the case for a DH rig. How very refreshing. Bucking the trend of complete sanitization. Good work Granby. There are trails for all abilities, thanks for leaving the rocks on the hard ones. We love you. No love from my wheels. 
Since I only ride park, where will Follow Cam Friday show up next....