I had the best sleep of the trip in the cool mountain air of Geyser Pass Hut. After more eggs for breakfast we motivated for the final push into Moab. There was some concern that Pepe would have some trouble keeping up. He had no problem the day before, but it was all climbing so we were riding slow. Today there was 30 miles of descending, meaning much faster speeds.
We topped out over Geyser Pass and the downhill ride began. Jean-Paul and Jo hung back at a slower pace for Pepe. Doug, Joni, and Jean-Paul rode ahead in their own group. I floated between everyone, taking in the scenery and enjoying the descent. The change in scenery was even more spectacular than the previous day. High alpine meadows and aspen groves gave way to conifer forests then arid shrubs and junipers. The red rock desert of Moab below contrasted the green forests brilliantly.
When we reached La Sal Loop Road, 10 miles in to the day, the heat was becoming oppressive. There was still 20 miles to go and it was only going to get hotter as we descended. There was no way Pepe would make it. He was a stubborn little dog that literally would have run himself to death trying to keep up with us. Jo and Jean-Paul were way behind us and Doug, Joni, and John were keen to keep moving. I decided to rally ahead solo and get the truck. That way I could pick up Pepe and Jo and Jean-Paul could finish the trip at a descent pace, without spending hours in the afternoon heat. Time equals water in the desert and I was concerned that if they had to wait too long it could be a factor. I've experienced death from heat exhaustion in Moab and might be a little more concerned about having extra water than most.
When we reached La Sal Loop road I took off. It was 20 miles of net descending. It took me just over an hour and a half to get to the truck. After grabbing some water, ice, and drinks for the group I rallied back up Sand Flats Road. Jo and Jean-Paul were waiting at the top. We all headed to Castle Valley Overlook then Jo and Jean-Paul took off down Kokopelli Trail to join up with Sand Flats Road. Pepe and I jammed to some tunes and enjoyed air conditioning the whole way back. We all met up back in Moab and headed to the Moab Diner for one last dinner before parting ways back to Denver. Here are my notes from the day:
We topped out over Geyser Pass and the downhill ride began. Jean-Paul and Jo hung back at a slower pace for Pepe. Doug, Joni, and Jean-Paul rode ahead in their own group. I floated between everyone, taking in the scenery and enjoying the descent. The change in scenery was even more spectacular than the previous day. High alpine meadows and aspen groves gave way to conifer forests then arid shrubs and junipers. The red rock desert of Moab below contrasted the green forests brilliantly.
When we reached La Sal Loop Road, 10 miles in to the day, the heat was becoming oppressive. There was still 20 miles to go and it was only going to get hotter as we descended. There was no way Pepe would make it. He was a stubborn little dog that literally would have run himself to death trying to keep up with us. Jo and Jean-Paul were way behind us and Doug, Joni, and John were keen to keep moving. I decided to rally ahead solo and get the truck. That way I could pick up Pepe and Jo and Jean-Paul could finish the trip at a descent pace, without spending hours in the afternoon heat. Time equals water in the desert and I was concerned that if they had to wait too long it could be a factor. I've experienced death from heat exhaustion in Moab and might be a little more concerned about having extra water than most.
When we reached La Sal Loop road I took off. It was 20 miles of net descending. It took me just over an hour and a half to get to the truck. After grabbing some water, ice, and drinks for the group I rallied back up Sand Flats Road. Jo and Jean-Paul were waiting at the top. We all headed to Castle Valley Overlook then Jo and Jean-Paul took off down Kokopelli Trail to join up with Sand Flats Road. Pepe and I jammed to some tunes and enjoyed air conditioning the whole way back. We all met up back in Moab and headed to the Moab Diner for one last dinner before parting ways back to Denver. Here are my notes from the day:
- Deep sleep, love the cold.
- Eggs for breakfast, protein.
- A & D diaper cream, sunscreen, bug spray - daily ritual.
- 7000 feet of descending in 30 miles!
- Worried about Pepi keeping up.
A & D Diaper Cream - Ahhh
Body Glide Sucks!
One Last Group Photo
- More climbing, WTF!
- My ass hurts!!
- Finally at the top.
- Geyser Pass was the top of the world.
- Could see San Juans behind and Moab ahead.
- Lush green aspen forests above red Moab desert below.
- Temperature rising as we descend.
- Worried about Pepe
Paradox Valley and the San Juan Mountains from Geyser Pass
Moab Rim and Valley from Geyser Pass
- Group Split again.
- Jo and Jean-Paul hung with Pepe.
- Doug, Joni, and John rode ahead.
- Descended through 8000 feet at noon, getting very hot.
- Pepe will not make it once we get lower.
- Talked with John about blazing ahead.
- Going to time trial and get the truck.
Looking Back at the La Sals
Doug and Joni at La Sal Loop Road
Mill Creek
- Switched into race mode.
- Legs came alive, have greater purpose now.
- Caught Doug and Joni at Mill Creek.
- WTF more climbing on La Sal Loop Road!
- Finally reached Sand Flats Road.
- Caught Telluride to Moab Hut Trip group, they were lost!
- More climbing, riding strong.
- Upper Sand Flats amazing junction between forest and desert.
Sand Flats Road
Time Trialing to the Truck
- Lower Sand Flats very familiar.
- Got very hot.
- Steeper descending
- Averaging 38mph.
- Made it to Moab in 1 hour.
- Almost got run over by a teen driver!
- 104 degrees when I reached the truck.
At the Truck
- Gas tank is empty - Arg!
- Speeding up Sand Flats Road, I should be rally driver.
- Passed Doug, Joni, and John at 2:00pm.
- Met John-Paul and Jo at La Sal Loop Road.
- Smiles and cheers, mission accomplished!
- Pepe uncertain about riding in the truck.
- Castle Valley Overlook beautiful.
Jean-Paul and Pepe
Castle Valley Overlook
Pepe in the Truck
- Pepe and I followed Jo and Jean-Paul down.
- AC and music awesome!
- Made it to cars at 3:30pm.
- Met everyone at Moab Diner.
- Cheese burger and soda, so good.
- Epic Trip!
Reunited at the Moab Diner
You can see all the pictures from the day HERE
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