[BeanMan]

There's a new bike shop open in Palisade (the best end of the Grand Valley). It is called Rapid Creek Bikes and Kayaks. One of the owners was the Founder of Over The Edge Bikes in Fruita. Palisade has some great potential for bike trails, in the next year or so we hope that some new single track trails will be pioneered, with the blessing of the BLM.

Also there is good beer to be had at the local Microbrewery.

Beanman

 

[DaveA]

hidden potential

Agree. A few weeks ago we rode our bikes up to Mesa (town) via an old double track which eventialy led to a county road (48 or 49 Rd??), and then went on up from there. It seems like a good area to scout out new routes or connect old ones.

 

[BeanMan]

Dave,

I assume you were riding up Rapid Creek? There are plans to open single track in the Horse Mountain area as well as up the old Stagecoach Road.

My Wife and I have been going high to get out of the heat lately. Flowing Park to Indian Point on the Grand Mesa is a beautiful singletrack trail that is mostly flat and not too challenging. You end up with a great view. There are few mosquitoes on the side of the Grand Mesa too. When we can get enough people interested in a car shuttle we would like to continue on down from Indian point and end up at the Kannah Creek Trailhead. It is supposed to be quite technical in places and involves some route finding skills.

We've also been considering riding the Wild Rose Trail and would like to hear from others who have done it.
Chime in if you think the car shuttle/Indian Point would interest you.

Beanman

 

[DaveA]

the climb up

We went up behind the water treatment facility. The climb was on a service road (with some gates) that eventually disapeared in a cow pasture up top. We made our way to a 4-wheeler trail, then to county roads for a long drop into the town of Mesa. The signs said the road was open to horse and foot traffic, but it is a graded service road....

I am not very familiar with the name of the trails in the area.

 

[BeanMan]

That would be starting up Rapid Creek. The only time vehicles are allowed up there (accounting for the double track) is during the rifle hunting seasons. There are also two reservoirs, Cabin and Palisade #3 which have service roads leading to them. You most likely started out up Rapid Creek and turned left. A good conditioning ride is to turn off into Cottonwood Creek and ride the service road up to Cabin Reservoir, which is the town of Palisades' drinking wter supply. the road is graded and it's not a real mtn bike ride but you wil have the place to yourself. Be careful about letting your dogs run and stay together. We've heard of a Mountain Lion being seen up that road.

Bean

 

[DaveA]

There is certianly more to check out up there. Our route was more of a combo ride than a true MTB ride. We wanted to connect up to the top of the Mesa, West Bench trail, etc, and come down Lands End road, which we did. It turned out to be a 90 mile ride from downtown GJ. We did see plenty of fresh Mtn lion and bear signs on the way up - I will bring plenty of dogs next time for my decoys.

 

[TJ.]

Wild Rose

Dave,

I assume you were riding up Rapid Creek? There are plans to open single track in the Horse Mountain area as well as up the old Stagecoach Road.

My Wife and I have been going high to get out of the heat lately. Flowing Park to Indian Point on the Grand Mesa is a beautiful singletrack trail that is mostly flat and not too challenging. You end up with a great view. There are few mosquitoes on the side of the Grand Mesa too. When we can get enough people interested in a car shuttle we would like to continue on down from Indian point and end up at the Kannah Creek Trailhead. It is supposed to be quite technical in places and involves some route finding skills.

We've also been considering riding the Wild Rose Trail and would like to hear from others who have done it.
Chime in if you think the car shuttle/Indian Point would interest you.

Beanman

Wild Rose is best done from the parking area up Lands End Road to the switchback trail and back to wild rose.
Coal Creek Trail is a fun one too. It is long, and very technical in places. (exposure) If you are into big rides, park at the bottom of Kannah Creek, ride pavement to Lands End, up Lands End Rd to the top, and over to Carson Lake and drop Kannah Creek back to the parking area. Start early to beat the afternoon thunder showers. This would work for The Coal Creek trail also.

TJ

 

[BeanMan]

In reply to a private message: I am not affiliated with the new bike shop in Palisade, however, I am very excited by the prospect of having the shop there and the potential they can create for making more trails. Fact is I'm a Farmer.

Cheers,

BeanMan

 

[tigra]

I'm tempted to try the Palisade trails, but I'm not familiar with the area too well.
GPS routes/waypoints anyone?

 

[TJ.]

What?

In reply to a private message: I am not affiliated with the new bike shop in Palisade, however, I am very excited by the prospect of having the shop there and the potential they can create for making more trails. Fact is I'm a Farmer.

Cheers,

BeanMan

I think someone is threatened that there is another new bikeshop in the valley. Sounds funny.

TJ

 

[jonny boy]

Palisade Brewery

Yes the beer is quite good at the Palisade Brewery, friendly place.

 

[Scary Mc]

What is this about Rondo being a cofounder of OTE? That's not on the OTE history page....

 

[NoahColorado]

I'm really excited for the new bike shop and more trails in Palisade. The more the merrier. There is a lot of potential for killer rides out there with incredible scenery. I wonder what bike brands they are going to carry at the new shop...

 

[Winans]

Rapid Creek Cycles

Fisher, Marin, Mongoose, Transition, Niner are what we carry.

Hmm, Rondo not noted on the OTE History page ... there is a LOT that is not noted... if that is where one goes for accurate history, I would be wary. Past is past though, and working on something new in Palisade.

The area is gorgeous, and trails are excellent in a number of areas. There is plenty of trail work to be done of course, but significant opportunity exists. The relationship to the Mesa and the Bookcliffs offers up some excellent cool weather riding and big cross country loops and descent rides. Come play!

Scott Winans
Rapid Creek Cycles