Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
A mountain biker riding on a rocky trail with a panoramic view of mountains and cloudy skies in the background.
  1
This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
  1
Image showing a unique bike stand that also functions as a tire pump. On the left, the bike stand is anchored in the ground, while on the right, a person in a red hat is using the stand to inflate a bicycle tire. The background features greenery and a pedestrian walkway.
A mountain biker ascends a rocky trail beside a large, weathered rock formation, with blue skies and scattered clouds in the background. Sagebrush and small trees are visible on the side of the path, enhancing the rugged outdoor scenery.
A colorful poster for the Sorba Woodstock Mountain Biking Festival featuring the text "THE SORBA WOODSTOCK MOUNTAIN BIKING FESTIVAL" at the top. The design includes imagery of UFOs, mountains, and a silhouette of a cyclist riding on a trail. At the bottom, it invites attendees to celebrate the grand opening of Area 51, along with details about the event on Saturday, September 27th, from 9 AM to 4 PM, and mentions group rides, bike games, demos, food, and music.
  3
A spacious bike workshop with several bicycles in various stages of assembly. Two workers are present: one is focused on assembling a bike frame while the other walks along an aisle lined with finished bikes. Workbenches are equipped with tools and parts, and there are storage boxes and equipment visible in the background. The environment is bright and organized, showcasing a bustling workspace dedicated to bicycle technology.
  1
A person in a yellow and black cycling outfit rides a mountain bike along a narrow trail surrounded by trees and autumn foliage. The cyclist is focused and wearing a helmet, with a race number visible on the bike.
Map depicting mountain bike (MTB) trail routes, featuring highlighted trails in red and overlay text indicating "500" and "Hundreds of MTB trail maps."
A podium ceremony at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, featuring five participants celebrating their achievements. The first, second, and third place winners are holding trophies and flowers, standing on the podium, with a backdrop displaying sponsor logos. An audience can be seen in the background applauding.
Graph displaying speed (in mph) and altitude (in feet) over distance (in miles) and time, with a top chart showing fluctuating speed in red and altitude in green, and a bottom chart illustrating speed changes in yellow over time.
  1
A bicycle front fork with a white and black design featuring graphic elements and logos, designed for suspension. The fork has a glossy finish, visible shock absorbers, and an adjustable feature at the bottom.
Two male mountain bikers riding on a dirt trail through a grassy area. The rider in the foreground, wearing a yellow and black jersey and helmet, has a focused expression as he pedals intensely. The rider behind him, dressed in a patterned jersey and helmet, is also engaged in the ride. The background features greenery and trees, suggesting an outdoor setting.
This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
  1
A futuristic bicycle featuring a sleek, minimalist design with a dark frame and unique, large black wheels. The bike has no visible gears or brakes and showcases a modern aesthetic with an orange accent.
Logo of VeoGeo, featuring the word "VeoGeo" in bold black letters on a light brown background, with the word "BETA" in orange positioned to the upper right.
A mountain biker is airborne, falling off their bike while descending a sandy slope, with their bike above them and a caution tape line in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and protective gear.
  1
A hand-drawn illustration of a lightweight bicycle, labeled as a "fine cow-trailing bicycle," designed by J.F. Scott. The bicycle features a distinctive frame, two wheels with balloon tires, a front rack, and a rear carrier. Accompanying text outlines the bicycle's specifications, including materials, components, and features like the gear system and odometer options.
  2
A scenic view of a mountainous landscape featuring a twisted, weathered tree branch in the foreground. The background showcases rolling hills and distant peaks under a cloudy sky, with varying shades of brown and green vegetation.
  1
A mountain biker standing beside a rocky trail in a forested area, wearing a pink shirt and shorts, with a bicycle next to them. The surrounding landscape features greenery and colorful autumn leaves.
A cascading waterfall surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain, with water flowing elegantly over layers of dark stone.
This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
  2
Two mountain bikers race over a dirt jump course, kicking up dust as they compete closely against each other. They are wearing helmets and protective gear, with one rider in a black and yellow jersey and the other in a red and white jersey. Colorful flags line the course, and a tent is visible in the background.
Logo of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) featuring the letters "IMBA" in black within circular shapes, accompanied by a red button that says "JOIN" and the text "imba.com."
Two mountain bikers navigate a rocky path during a race, with one rider in a blue jersey and the other in a red and yellow jersey. They are surrounded by green foliage, and there's visible dirt and stones on the track. The background features a cloudy sky.
  1
A close-up view of handmade wooden carts with metal wheels placed on grassy terrain. In the background, a group of people can be seen observing the carts, with a hillside in the distance. The image showcases traditional craftsmanship and community engagement in Rwanda.
A sign indicating that biking is prohibited, positioned next to a wooden bridge surrounded by lush greenery.
Logo of Giant Bicycles, featuring the word "GIANT" in bold black letters with a stylized wave design above it, accompanied by the word "BICYCLES" in smaller text.
Two mountain bikers preparing to jump out of an aircraft, standing in the open door with clouds visible below. Both wear helmets and backpacks, with their bikes positioned at the edge, suggesting an adventurous leap into the sky. The image conveys excitement and the thrill of extreme sports.
Promotional banner encouraging users to add a review in August for a chance to win, featuring the text "Add a Review in August for a chance to WIN!" and a yellow star graphic alongside a device labeled "Garmin."
  1
A black and orange Cannondale mountain bike with a lightweight frame, featuring disc brakes and wide tires, displayed against a plain background.
  2
A graphic showcasing a helmet at the top and four different helmet covers labeled as Izmir, Dublin, Paris, and Tokyo below. The design is sleek with a dark background, highlighting the options available for customizing the helmet.
This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
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This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
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Five cyclists in coordinating red and yellow cycling suits with "CHINA" printed on them stand beside their mountain bikes, while a man in a black jacket smiles in the middle. They are outdoors, likely preparing for a ride or photo opportunity.
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A cyclist in a yellow and black jersey races down a street during an event, while a young boy on another person's shoulders captures the moment with a camera. The scene is filled with spectators and a festive atmosphere, showcasing a mix of excitement and support for the cyclists.
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Label for Fat Tire Amber Ale featuring a vintage-style illustration of a red bicycle against a blue background with green vines and a tree. The text "Fat Tire" is prominently displayed at the top, along with brewing details at the bottom.
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Alt text: Two vending machines designed for bicycle parts, located at a Trek Stop. One machine is shown with a bicycle parked next to it, while the other features a person interacting with the vending machine. The machines are prominently labeled and situated in a well-lit outdoor area.
A mountain biker riding along a grassy trail with wildflowers, near a wooden cabin, set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and blue sky with scattered clouds.
This weekend mudhunny and I had the chance to ride a couple of the trails in St. George, UT including the world-famous <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=503">Gooseberry Mesa</a> trail. Ryan at <a href="http://www.redrockbicycle.com/">Red Rock Bicycle Co.</a> hooked us up with a couple mountain bikes from <a href="http://www.mountainbikebuddies.com/">Mountain Bike Buddies</a> and connected us with Bryce and Danny to show us the trail. It's a good thing he did too - Gooseberry Mesa can be a confusing and (somewhat) dangerous place to ride for first-timers. I highly recommend anyone riding in St. George stop in at Red Rock Bicycle Co. to grab a map and a read on the local conditions. The guys at the shop are great and they're more than willing to help!

We got an early start in town Saturday morning where the high temperatures were supposed to be in the mid-90s. Fortunately Gooseberry Mesa sits above 5,000 feet and when we arrived at the trailhead 45 minutes later there was a nice breeze and the temperature was a good 10 degrees cooler. The top of the mesa is dotted with low trees and scrub brush and appears flat as you look across the horizon, though as we would soon find out the trail is anything but flat.

After gearing up and making adjustments to the bikes we were just about to head out when there was a short, violent hissing sound from Danny's bike lying on the ground- a flat tire. We hadn't even started riding yet but for some reason the tube decided to blow out on its own. After a quick fix we were on the trail where fortunately we had no more mechanical failures.

<img id="image1147" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry2.jpg" alt="gooseberry2.jpg" />

From the trailhead where we parked we started on the Windmill trail which skirts the northern rim of the mesa with incredible views of Zion National Park. The trail here was pretty fast with a few tricky, rocky spots thrown in and at one point the trail traverses perhaps the most bike-friendly and unique cattle grate I've seen. The Windmill trail eventually connected with the Practice Loop where we got our first taste of extended slickrock riding (for lack of a better term).

<img id="image1148" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" alt="gooseberry-cattle-grate.jpg" />

The 'slickrock' at Gooseberry Mesa isn't like the slickrock at Moab at all. The rock here is mostly light brown in color and is much rougher than the red pavement-like slickrock in places like Moab. In some ways the rock features we encountered at Gooseberry Mesa reminded us of some of the trickier sections at Palmer Park in Colorado Springs on a much grander scale.

<img id="image1149" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry1.jpg" alt="gooseberry1.jpg" />

After about 3 miles of riding we hit the main trailhead and started down the Cattle Grate trail which connected to the South Rim trail and God's Skatepark - a large slickrock playground with rock features that even Tony Hawk could appreciate. At this point the trail rating signs go from 'most difficult' to 'extremely difficult' while offering up amazing views to the south as it traverses the rim. We didn't even come close to cleaning many of the short rocky climbs on this section but this is the kind of trail that's meant to challenge riders. Gooseberry Mesa is a trail where each time you return you are able to pick your lines a little better and ride the trail a little more cleanly. As first-timers the trail was admittedly tough.

<img id="image1150" src="https://www.singletracks.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/gooseberry-vista.jpg" alt="gooseberry-vista.jpg" />

Bryce and Danny took us on The Point trail which is an out and back section that leads to incredible 360 degree views of the area. After soaking in the view we headed back down the trail to the North Rim trail which eventually led us to the Windmill trail and back to the car - a welcome sight for sure as the sun and rocks were beginning to take their toll on us.  Our upper bodies were exhausted but somehow our legs still felt almost fresh.

The Gooseberry Mesa trail is a ride unlike any other you'll find. Incredible views, challenging rocky ascents and descents, and a variety of terrain that's rarely matched in a single trail system. Gooseberry is the type of trail you'll want to ride again and again to discover hidden lines and to marvel at the constantly changing scenery. It's tough to believe this trail doesn't have <a href="http://www.singletracks.com/mountain-bike/imba-epics.php">IMBA Epic</a> status yet, though I imagine it won't be long before it gets the recognition it deserves (and the ensuing crowds that follow).

On Sunday Bryce and his wife Cimmaron took us out to Church Rocks just north of St. George and we'll share more about that in a later post. For now, it's off to Interbike and the outdoor demos at Bootleg Canyon!
A black bicycle pedal featuring a dual-sided design with stainless steel clips and a threaded attachment for easy installation. The pedal is branded with the name "LOOK" prominently displayed.
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Image of a Garmin Edge 205 cycling computer, displaying the main menu with options for history, training, navigation, and settings. The device is primarily black with a gray casing and features several buttons on the sides.
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Portrait of a male cyclist wearing a white and black cycling jersey featuring the logo "USA" on the front, with a neutral background. He has curly hair and is looking directly at the camera.
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Four male musicians posing for a photo with a red background. They are dressed in a mix of casual and semi-formal attire, with one wearing a cowboy hat, another in a fedora, and the rest in t-shirts and sweaters. The band's name, "Weezer," is displayed above them in a bright, stylized font.
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A person dressed in costume waves from the top of an oversized bicycle while another person rides on it and a third person runs alongside. The bicycle features large wheels and is set against a blurred outdoor background, suggesting motion.
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A person riding a mountain bike on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by lush green forest, with tall trees lining both sides of the path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant and inviting outdoor scene.
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A dark green t-shirt featuring the word "singletracks" in bold white letters, accompanied by a simple graphic logo resembling mountains. The shirt is displayed flat with short sleeves.
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