Slickrock Trail Moab

CFS

Has anyone done this?

Going to Utah in September and trying to decide whether to have a go at this or whether to do Thunder Mountain instead.

Just wondering how hard It really is. Some Web sites imply possible risk of death whilst others say a beginner could get round walking the odd bit.

How would it compare, technically, to a Red or Black at a Trail centre. I can handle red but some black stuff is just too much.

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers

joesteve

Did this some years ago on a guided MTB tour. It's hard to compare to a UK trail centre as its like nothing you've ever ridden. The whole route is on very grippy rock. There are a lot of technical sections that can be walked but half of the fun is trying them two or three times and trying to nail them. It takes a bit of time to get confidence in the grip but once you do you can cycle up, down and along the side of things you wouldnt have thought possible. Our group was of mixed abilities and everyone got round it without much problem.

The whole route is marked with yellow paint spots on the ground and also by a trail of black rubber from start to finish (it eats your tyres). Make sure you take plenty of water as it is very exposed and gets very hot. The route itself is not that long (12 miles I think) but you could spend all day messing around on it. Dont know anything about Thunder Mountain but Moab is not to be missed. If you are there you should also try Porcupine ridge, a bit more challenging but a great day out.

cheers

joe

strodey

Went last year, Awesome!
It's completely different to anything here and difficult to compare but is quite technical but the rock is so grippy you should be fine, fitness wise its hot and dry but i found it i did it quicker then the guide books guide! I've heard porcupine rim is really good and loadsa singletrack.
Try you tube for vids of slickrock, it looks easier than it seems though but only the yanks manage to fall off all the time! (watch out for patches of sand they'll have you!)