Southern Utah Collection

#followcamfriday presents the Southern Utah Collection. For discriminating tastes. Don't be fooled by imitations.

Wait.... You made a "best of" video? I did. After spending a bunch of time in Southern Utah over the last few months, the place has really left an impression on me. What can I say, this place is unique. Devoid of crowds that exist in iconic places like Moab and the Front Range of Colorado, this area has tons of riding and very few people. Perfect.

And if I am being honest, I really prefer this style of riding and the terrain down here. I won't be trying to qualify for Rampage next year, but this area is very inspiring and has helped me get my head around some of the lines that I had only previously seen on my computer screen. After spectating my first Rampage event this year and feeling the energy and vibe, I have really become attracted to this type of riding. 

Whether on skis or on bikes, exposure has always been appealing to me. Not for the camera, but for myself. There are very few environments that make me focus 100 percent on the task at hand. All of the mundane "problems" and struggles in life disappear in this environment. There is only focus. As it turns out, I need that in my life. Some time without my phone and computer and the constant pull of work and obligation. Sometimes I just need to go and scare myself and be completely immersed in the moment. 

No, you can't climb these trails. Not even on an Ebike. You carry our bike to the top and ride it back down. If I am being honest, any worthy descent, isn't actually climbable. As it should be. Everything in Colorado and Moab is built sustainably and thus is ridden in every direction possible. Aside from creating user conflict, this just ruins the fun-factor on any of the classic descents, having to yield to some asshole who is on a Strava mission to KOM a climb that is supposed to be a descent. Of course I always stop for people climbing, but some things are meant to be descended. Longhorn is a great example. As it turns out, if you actually cannot climb the trail physically, that situation fixes itself nicely and also lets one ride at full-speed, without endangering any spandex bandits. If this makes you mad, I used to hold a pro XC card, so I get it. You are into fitness. There is so much more than that to "mountain biking".

There is nothing quite like the ridge-lines and soil here. It just feels amazing under your tires. It looks as though you would have absolutely not traction, but quite the opposite is actually true. The dirt is perfect for building and riding. With just a bit of moisture, anything is possible. The dirt is also reasonable friendly for falling down. Not that I recommend that you do that...

So yeah, Southern Utah is a diamond in the rough. So much good riding in a 1 hour radius. I barely scratched the surface. Camping is easy, people are friendly and the possibilities are endless. The food is awful, but that is another rant for another time. Just bring some snacks and you will have energy to carry your bike all day and huck off of things.