Latest mountain bike news

A mountain biker navigating a narrow dirt trail along a rocky hillside, with cliffs and sparse vegetation on either side. The landscape features red and brown rock formations under a clear blue sky.
A person riding a mountain bike on a dirt path, wearing a helmet and a backpack, with a scenic view of hills and cloudy skies in the background. The cyclist is dressed in a short-sleeve shirt and cycling shorts, navigating a rugged terrain.
A mountain biker navigating a rocky cliff edge in a desert landscape, with expansive canyons and mountains visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
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A scenic outdoor landscape featuring two mountain bikers navigating a dirt trail on a hillside. The sky is filled with clouds, and the terrain is rocky with sparse vegetation. In the background, distant mountains are visible under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with a sleek design, featuring a white and blue frame, positioned on rocky terrain. The bike has large tires suitable for off-road conditions and a prominent front suspension fork, showcasing its capability for rugged trails.
Map of the most popular mountain bike trails in the United States and Canada for the year 2017, featuring various trail locations marked across the regions of both countries.
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Close-up of a bike tire featuring a rugged tread design, partially covered in snow. The tire's surface is detailed with distinct, square-shaped knobs, which provide traction for winter riding conditions. The background shows a snowy landscape.
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A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail on a hillside, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A close-up view of a person wearing a CamelBak hydration pack, positioned on their lower back, while holding onto a bicycle handlebar. The background features a forested area, suggesting an outdoor activity like biking or hiking.
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A winding dirt path through a tranquil forest, surrounded by tall trees and patches of green moss. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting gentle shadows on the ground.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky terrain, with large boulders and sparse vegetation, under a clear blue sky.
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A close-up view of a bike suspension tool mounted in a workshop, featuring a metallic silver body with a blue label and a clamp at one end. Various bike tools and equipment are visible in the background, arranged on a wall.
A person riding a mountain bike on a gravel path alongside a river, surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. The scenery features hills in the background and a clear sky.
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape at sunrise, featuring rugged peaks illuminated by warm sunlight. In the foreground, a rustic wooden fence and scattered bushes blend with the natural surroundings, while a house is nestled among the trees in the distance. The scene captures the tranquility of nature, with a mix of rocky terrain and evergreen trees.
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A mountain biker rides along a narrow rock arch in a desert landscape, with cloudy skies overhead. The scene captures the thrill of outdoor adventure and the natural beauty of the terrain.
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A close-up image of a brightly colored, worn shoe resting on a large stone, surrounded by natural elements such as dried leaves and small plants. The shoe features a black toe with red accents and visible text printed on the side.
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Group of four outdoor enthusiasts posing together by a body of water. They are smiling and wearing casual attire, with logos visible on their shirts and hats. The background features a recreational area with boats and greenery under a clear blue sky.
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A mountain biker riding over rocky terrain on a sunny day with a clear blue sky. The cyclist is dressed in a black and pink jersey and gray shorts, focusing on navigating the challenging landscape.
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A group of mountain bikers in various colored outfits and helmets are lined up next to a starting banner on a dirt path. The setting appears to be a grassy area with hills in the background, under overcast skies. Some participants are holding umbrellas due to the weather, while others are on their bikes, preparing for the race.
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Alt text: A detailed view of a mountain bike featuring a black and green frame, showcasing the suspension system and handlebars. Images include close-ups of the shock absorber and fork with branding, highlighting the bike's advanced components.
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A mountain biker climbs a dirt trail on a hillside, surrounded by rocky terrain and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky.
Four containers of Nikwax cleaning products are displayed on a red background. The products include TX.Direct Wash-In and TX.Direct Spray-On on the top, and Basewash and Tech Wash bottles on the bottom.
A scenic landscape view featuring rolling hills and a valley, with a winding river and patches of trees. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise against a cloudy sky, illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds.
A black and yellow GT mountain bike frame is positioned on a workbench. The frame features a stylish design with prominent branding and is equipped with a shock absorber. A small piece of wood is supporting the frame, and the background shows a power outlet and a row of electrical sockets along the wall.
A blue fat bike with oversized tires is displayed against a textured white background. The bike features a sleek design, with a modern frame and disc brakes. Additionally, a graphic reading "Coming Soon" is positioned at the top left corner, adding a promotional element to the image.
A mountain biker performing a jump off a wooden ramp in a forested area, surrounded by trees and greenery. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an action shot that captures the thrill of the sport.
Two people riding mountain bikes along a dirt path in a desert landscape. The scene features sparse vegetation and a distant mountainous horizon under a cloudy sky.
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A mountain bike with orange handlebars and two water bottles mounted on the frame is parked beside a trail sign featuring symbols for biking and hiking. In the background, a rocky mountain range and clear blue sky are visible. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment with scattered shrubs.
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A mountain biker skillfully navigates a rocky trail on a bicycle, with a wooden bridge in the foreground. The landscape features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, showcasing the challenging environment of the bike ride.
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Close-up of a man’s face with a focused expression, accompanied by the text "dirtTV" in the top left corner and the words "BEYOND THE BIKE 'NEEDLES'" prominently displayed. The background is dark, emphasizing the subject's features.
A black fat bike displayed in a shop, featuring oversized tires with white rims and a sleek frame design. Various bicycle accessories and other bikes are visible in the background, showcasing a vibrant retail environment.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by tall grasses and rocky terrain, with hills in the background under a partially cloudy sky.
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A spacious bicycle shop featuring a variety of bicycles on display. The interior has high ceilings with bright overhead lights and large windows allowing natural light. Rows of bikes are arranged around the shop, with a counter where staff assist customers.
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Logo of "Bell Built" featuring a hexagonal design in red with the words "BELL BUILT" prominently displayed. The tagline "MAKING TRAILS" is included, accompanied by a gear symbol.
A cluttered bike shop filled with numerous bicycles, both on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. Various styles and colors of bikes are visible, including a bright yellow bike prominently displayed amongst many others. Price tags are attached to most bikes, and posters and signage decorate the walls of the shop. The overall atmosphere is busy and vibrant, highlighting a vast selection of bicycles.
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A person standing outdoors in a black t-shirt, speaking towards the camera with a scenic background featuring trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. A video player interface is visible at the bottom.
[caption id="attachment_43882" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac03.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43882" alt="Stunning views of Zion National Park are your constant companion on the Guacamole Trail." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac03-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Stunning views of Zion National Park are your constant companion on the Guacamole Trail.[/caption]

Having survived the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/broken-mesa-rim.html">Broken Mesa Rim</a> in the first half of day 3 of the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/spring-break-singletrack-trek-the-sequel-part-1-green-river-greenhorns/">Second Annual Spring Break Singletrack Trek</a>, we were stoked for the rest of the day. After a quick refuel in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Utah-bike-trails_43.html?pageNo=1&amp;filterBy=|field168:St.%20George">St. George</a>, we then passed again through <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:37.175278~-113.289167~25~Hurricane%2C+UT">Hurricane </a>on the way to the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/guacamole-mesa.html">Guacamole Trail</a>, another one of the area’s great mesa-top rides. I had heard it was something of a poor man’s Gooseberry or <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/little-creek-mountain.html">Little Creek</a> (both solid 5-star rides in our experience), so we figured even if it was only 70% as good as the others, it’d still be a solid 4 or 4.5-star ride, so we set out with high expectations.


<div style="overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;width: 620px" align="right"><a href="bike-trails/guacamole-mesa.html">Guacamole Mesa</a> on <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/">Singletracks.com</a></div>

[caption id="attachment_43888" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac000001.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43888" alt="The vie along the edge of the mesa rim." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac000001-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The vie along the edge of the mesa rim.[/caption]

<em>(Note to the new traveler in the area. The final pitch up the rough dirt road to the trailhead is seriously steep with significant exposure. Both high clearance and four wheel drive are recommended. If not available, simply drive to the last right turn on the dirt road before that treacherous final pitch, find a wide spot to park in, and ride up from there. Do not attempt when wet!)</em>

[caption id="attachment_43885" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac-00.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43885" alt="Mntbikedude leads the way out on the Guacamole Trail." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac-00-300x400.jpg" width="300" height="400" /></a> Mntbikedude leads the way out on the Guacamole Trail.[/caption]

Once on top, there are plenty of pullouts in the pinions, and immediately upon unloading bikes, one can’t help but notice the view of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm">Zion National Park</a>: it’s a lot like the view from Gooseberry or Little Creek, but <em>a lot</em> closer. It may take a little scouting to find the entrance to the trail, but once on, it’s easy to follow... most of the time. There are a few side trails available, and not all intersections are marked. This is a good place to have a local or a GPS with an accurate, recent track.

[caption id="attachment_43886" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac0001.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43886" alt="Easy rock slabs punctuate the early portions of the Guacamole Trail." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac0001-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Easy rock slabs punctuate the early portions of the Guacamole Trail.[/caption]

The initial bit of singletrack is a perfect introduction to the area, as it bobs and weaves through the pinions with an occasional small rock obstacle. Our route took us out along the western edge of the mesa, with its huge vertical drop to the valley below. This is one of those routes where it’s so tempting just to gawk at the scenery, yet you best keep your eye on the trail if you know what’s good for you!

After a while, we veered off the mesa rim and back onto the main Guacamole loop, which lost the rim view, but regained the Zion view, and provided the most excellent variety of tight’n’twisty and wide-open-fast and buff desert singletrack interspersed with slickrock slabs, rollers, drops. and step ups. We were clicking off miles at a pretty good clip and not even knowing it, such was the joy of being in the moment on this trail.

[caption id="attachment_43887" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac02.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43887" alt="Much of the Guacamole trail has easier or more challenging options." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac02-300x400.jpg" width="300" height="400" /></a> Much of the Guacamole trail has easier or more challenging options.[/caption]

However, time concerns did intrude as we still had the demo bike and needed to make sure we got it back to the shop before closing. It had taken us longer just to navigate the long, rough dirt road to the trailhead than we’d expected, so it’s a good thing we were making good time. The slight sense of urgency did limit our stops for photos and just soaking it all in. We had heard talk of an extra loop at the end of Guacamole, called “Holy Guacamole” and that it was well-worth the extra time and effort. Given our time concern, we decided to play it safe and forgo the Holy Guacamole, despite the cool name and high recommendation.

[caption id="attachment_43884" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac01.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43884" alt="The author hits one of about a zillion rollers on the Guacamole trail.  " src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac01-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The author hits one of about a zillion rollers on the Guacamole trail.[/caption]

Remember those sometimes not-so-clear intersections I mentioned earlier? Well, we took the wrong fork at one, and ended up on Holy Guacamole anyway! In the end, We were quite glad we did. Despite the fact that we put on a total of about 5 unplanned miles, they were excellent miles! The scenery got even better, the trail even more swoopy, and the extension provided some of the best techy bits on the ride. While each turn added to my concern of not getting the demo bike back in time, I couldn’t help but revel in the exhilaration this trail provides. When all was said and done, we decided there was nothing second tier about this ride, even when compared to the mighty Goose and Little Creek.

[caption id="attachment_43883" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac04.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43883" alt="Miniskibum negotiates a rock ledge on Holy Guacaomole." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Guac04-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Miniskibum negotiates a rock ledge on Holy Guacaomole.[/caption]

<strong><em>Disaster strikes!</em></strong>

<strong><em></em></strong>In our haste, we were a little sloppy throwing our bikes in the back of the truck for the rough ride off the mesa. Upon unloading at the shop and turning in that pretty blue Knolly, it became apparent there were a few pretty good chips in the paint, all the way through to bare aluminum. Fortunately, I had purchased the damage waiver, which would cover anything up to $100 of assessed damage. I’m not sure why I did: Miniskibum would be the one riding the bike, and he never damages a bike the way his old man does. Nonetheless, for some reason, it seemed a prudent precaution, and I’m glad I took it.

[caption id="attachment_43897" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Precipice.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43897" alt="The Precipice Trail starts out innocent enough." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Precipice-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The Precipice Trail starts out innocent enough.[/caption]

<strong>Physical difficulty of our route:</strong> 3.5/5
<strong>Technical difficulty of our route:</strong> 4/5
<strong>Skibum’s grade:</strong> 5/5 stars
<strong>Miniskibum’s grade:</strong> 5/5 stars

That night, more bad news came as our riding buddy, Mntbikedude, learned he needed to head home early, so our threesome was back down to just father and son.

For the next day, Miniskibum and I headed for a new-to-us area with a relatively new trail addition for another epic, this time in the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:37.133056~-113.653333~25~Santa%20Clara%2C+UT">Santa Clara</a> River Preserve. The original plan was to make this something of a recovery day by riding moderate mileage over moderate terrain on the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/precipice-sidewinder-suicidal-tendencies.html">Precipice and Sidewinder</a> trails, with a possible add on to the <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/barrel-roll.html">Barrel Roll</a> trail.


<div style="overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;width: 620px" align="right"><a href="bike-trails/precipice-sidewinder-suicidal-tendencies.html">Precipice/Sidewinder/Suicidal Tendencies</a> on <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/">Singletracks.com</a></div>
The journey out on Precipice was entertaining and just what the doctor ordered. Sidewinder offered up more of the same, albeit with a bit of climbing. After departing Precipice, Sidewinder is a lollipop which is mostly lariat with a very small bit of loop on the end. However, branching off the Sidewinder loop was a relatively new trail which looked, and sounded... intriguing.

[caption id="attachment_43890" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-drop.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43890" alt="Looking down at the descent that begins Suicidal Tendencies." src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-drop-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Looking down at the descent that begins Suicidal Tendencies.[/caption]

When we come upon a trail called “Suicidal Tendencies,” that’s just like laying a T-bone steak in front of a hungry Labrador retriever. We’d heard everything in the area was lower intermediate at best, so we figured the moniker was mostly hype, but decided to check it out anyway.

Suicidal Tendencies is yet another lariat loop starting from the far point of Sidewinder. From the turn off of Sidewinder, we could see most of what we were in for. The trail dropped very rapidly off the mesa, down into a rocky valley, and then climbed up to the next mesa. We realized that, to do Suicidal Tendencies, we’d have to make that climb up onto the next mesa. That didn’t seem to be much of a deterrent, especially as the trail seemed to climb gradually up the side of the mesa, aided by gentle switchbacks. However, we realized that, upon completing the loop portion on the far mesa, we’d have to descend back into the valley and make the much sharper climb back to our current position. This was a bit more daunting, but still not much of a deterrent, so off we went, throwing caution to the wind.

[caption id="attachment_43895" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-climb.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43895" alt="Looking across the valley at the climb up to the Suicidal Tendencies loop. " src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-climb-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Looking across the valley at the climb up to the Suicidal Tendencies loop.[/caption]

Again, we were very glad we did! The upper part of the climb onto the far mesa was challenging and exciting, and it made for a great descent on the return trip. As for the loop portion, it was a long, gradual climb around the south side, topped off with magnificent 360-degree views of all the surrounding valleys and mountain ranges. The return portion of the loop (going clockwise) was rippin’ good fun as well.

[caption id="attachment_43892" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-switchback.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43892" alt="You do NOT want to miss this turn!" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-switchback-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> You do NOT want to miss this turn![/caption]

After making our way back to the Precipice/Sidewinder intersection, we decided to go ahead and add on the 6-mile Barrel Roll loop. This is a superb bit of flowy intermediate singletrack, with just a few rock obstacles to add spice. Most of the time, this would be an absolute hoot of a ride, but having just completed Suicidal Tendencies, we found it a bit anticlimactic.


<div style="overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;width: 620px" align="right"><a href="bike-trails/barrel-roll.html">Barrel Roll</a> on <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/">Singletracks.com</a></div>
If I was to do all these trails in one ride again, I’d probably start with Barrel Roll and save Suicidal Tendencies for last. Of course, that requires a good deal of commitment, so if unsure and you want tech for sure, Suicidal first is still the best bet.

[caption id="attachment_43896" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-overhang.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43896" alt="Suicidal Overhang" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-overhang-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Suicidal Overhang[/caption]

That afternoon, a long, relentless rain blew in (why is it I’m always besieged by so much rain in the desert? What are the odds? I’ve been rained out twice in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:38.573333~-109.549167~25~Moab%2C+UT">Moab</a>, twice in <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/Mountain-Bike-Trails-bike-trails_0.html?filterBy=|loc:39.158889~-108.728333~25~Fruita%2C+CO">Fruita, </a>and once in St George! What gives?) and prevented us from hitting a second ride, so that was it for day four, but what a great ride it was!

[caption id="attachment_43889" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-jump.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43889" alt="Miniskibum gets airborne on the way back down the Sidewinder trail" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Suicidal-jump-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> Miniskibum gets airborne on the way back down the Sidewinder trail[/caption]

<strong>Travel tip:</strong> St George isn't exactly a culinary mecca, and good food beyond the average chain restaurant is hard to find. However, I recommend without reservation post ride refueling at <a href="http://dubsbarbq.com/">Devey’s Urban Barbeque</a>. The brisket is smoky and tender enough to just dissolve on your tongue. The sauce is perfectly spicy, and the sides are authentic. Good Mexican can also be had at Pancho and Lefty’s or at Don Pedros, and surprisingly good Thai, along with exceptional service, may be found at Royal Thai Cuisine.

[caption id="attachment_43891" align="alignnone" width="533"]<a href="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Barrel-Roll.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-43891" alt="The author gets rollin' on the Barrel Roll trail.  " src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Barrel-Roll-533x400.jpg" width="533" height="400" /></a> The author gets rollin' on the Barrel Roll trail.[/caption]

<strong>Physical difficulty of our route:</strong> 4/5
<strong>Technical difficulty of our route:</strong> 3.5/5
<strong>Skibum’s grade:</strong> 4.5/5 stars
<strong>Miniskibum’s grade:</strong> 4/5 stars

Sadly, with the rain, the Santa Clara River Preserve would be our last ride in the St. George area. In the next installment: Price is Right for Mountain Biking!
A mountain biker navigating a rocky downhill trail, leaning forward with intensity as he expertly rides his blue bike through a rugged, natural landscape surrounded by trees and rocky terrain.
An artistic arrangement of Shimano XTR bike components, including a crankset, cassette, chain, and derailleur, set against a dark blue background. The text "SHIMANO XTR" and "ENGINEERED FOR THE WAY YOU RIDE" is prominently displayed.
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A fat tire bike parked on a snowy trail, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.
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A man wearing a black helmet, a dark plaid shirt, and black pants is standing next to a mountain bike. He is holding an orange object in one hand and has a relaxed expression while posing against a textured gray background.
A bright turquoise mountain bike with striking pink accents. The bike features a sturdy frame and is displayed on a stand against a green backdrop, indicating a bicycle event or exhibition.
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A cyclist navigating rocky terrain on a mountain bike, wearing a helmet and a red shirt, with trees in the background. The cyclist appears focused and is leaning forward, showcasing a dynamic riding posture.
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A high-performance mountain bike suspension fork with a black and silver design, featuring adjustable settings and a sturdy crown. The fork is shown from a frontal perspective, highlighting its sleek lines and branding.
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A sleek black fat bike positioned on snowy ground, showcasing its wide, knobby tires and sturdy frame. Pine trees in the background add a natural, wintry setting. The bike features a minimalist design with a small storage bag attached to the frame.
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A mountain biker performing a wheelie on a rocky trail, with a mountainous landscape in the background under a clear blue sky. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear, showcasing an adventurous moment in an outdoor setting.
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