John and I went mountain biking again last Monday west of Grand Junction on 18 Road outside of Fruita. The spring break crowds were less than at the Kokopeli trailhead. We ran into Strangefellow and his girlfriend in the parking lot and they suggested a loop that rocked. We road some with them and then had a picnic lunch back at the vehicles. Above is some yucca along Western Zippity. Riding down Kessel's at the end was true fun (very little terror) and I can't wait to get back up there.
Me coming over the hill.
Me having a hard time showing off on such an easy section.
Typical ridgeline.

Finally

On Monday I finally got up the courage to venture over below Palmyra Peak to this double black diamond "Mountain Quail" (thanks to Kevin's encouragement). All the other lines are "double black diamond expert," so how bad could it be? It was a bit of a hike to get to it, but worth every step. I was so excited and focused on not getting nervous, that I completely forgot to re-buckle my boots after the hike. As I was exclaiming how much work it took to turn once I was off the steep section, I remembered my boots were still undone. After that, my skies were much more responsive and Kevin and I wooped it up through the powder. The picture below shows just how dorky/excited/proud I was at the top of the slope. Note the skiers continuing on to Palmyra Peak behind me.

"Mountain Quail' is the line about dead center of the photo below. It is just to the right of the rocky cliffs below the peak. The upper part is visible above the trees. The lift dropped us off to the far right of the picture. Monday was also a day of practicing little jumps. Leaving the ground has never been my desire, but it always bothers me when I don't want/can't do something, especially when others make it look so easy. The skiers I ran into along that ridge are definitely more my crowd (I wish) than the spring breakers and older Phoenix couples currently covering the mountain.

For those of you who have visited, here is an update on the couch improvements...

John and I went to Fruita, next to Grand Junction, on Monday to mountain bike. I figured since it was going to be in the 50s here, I might as well enjoy temps in the 60s in the desert just a couple hours away. The riding rocked, was challenging and fun, and I got sun for sure (a bit pink afterward). Below: Don't Fall Here!

The cacti were purple, some just starting to turn green. The air was full of juniper aroma. Mmm.
We experienced a new kind of terrain- "bike path beaten by cows when muddy." The ultimate washboard experience. I am surprised our bikes stayed in one piece. John's seat did come loose, making for a more than usual uncomfortable experience along this section of trail.
I only bit it once, trying to take a steap down-hill slowly and then obviously doing something wrong. Better than the last time I went riding!
On the way back through Fruita, we passed some completely abandoned large houses. Creapy. There is a ton of stalled building projects in this area.
I guess that is it for now. A busy week ahead. Hope you are enjoying.