Patrick off-trail on a shortcut

Patrick and I had hoped to mountain bike in Canyonlands or Moab, but things just didn’t work out.  We had also planned to visit the Moniz family in Boulder, but upon descending from the summit of Independence Monument, I learned from Mike Moniz that he and his family were in Winter Park for the Labor Day weekend. Mike also informed me that it was prime time for mountain biking in Winter Park and he invited us to join him there.

Mike and his thirteen-year-old son Matt are mountaineering celebrities.  Last year the two set the US State Highpointing speed record, reaching the summits of all 50 states in just 43 days.  For his efforts, Matt was named National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year.” You will soon be able to see a short film chronicling their adventure.  It is expected to debut at the 2012 Telluride Film Festival.

But I digress – back to Winter Park. The official elevation of Winter Park is 9040 feet, however altitudes within the corporate limits of this Rocky Mountain ski town range from 9000 to over 12,000 feet.  Outside downtown, trails abound, providing seasonal service to hikers, trail runners, skiers, snowmobilers, and yes mountain bikers.

Rest Break in the Woods

Patrick’s bike had spent most of the last month and last 5000 miles secured to the rack atop his car.  He was therefore thrilled to have this opportunity and was anxious to put his bike and his skills to the test on real mountain terrain.  I was thrilled too, but I had one problem – no bike.  Fortunately, Mike was kind enough to provide me a loaner, and with a little tune-up, I was ready to roll.

We had a gorgeous late summer afternoon to explore the trails near the Moniz home, and Mike served as guide for our party of seven.  The terrain was varied and provided quite a workout for us all, particularly those like me, who are used to living just above sea level.  The thin air above 9000 feet clearly impacted my lungs, and I was noticeably winded after the first five minutes.  I was forced to exercise a bit of cardio moderation to temper my initial zealousness and enthusiasm.

Bill trying to catch his breath

Many of the winding and rocky trails we biked required technical skills as they cut narrow paths through the pines and aspens.  My loaner bike didn’t always respond as quickly as I would have liked to the necessary gear changes (and sometimes not at all), making it quite challenging to keep my balance through what at some points looked more like an obstacle course than a bike trail.

After struggling through the tougher uphill sections in amongst the pines, we emerged first onto wider dirt logging roads then onto macadam, where the downhill slope and sure surface allowed us to experience the adrenaline rush of fast spinning wheels beneath our seats.

Ever the explorer, Mike led the group through virgin meadows and perceived shortcuts that he himself had not travelled before.  In all we covered about thirteen miles in two hours under the bright sun and a brilliant blue Colorado Rocky Mountain sky.

Out in the Open

Afterwards, our group cleaned up and we all partook in a late lunch in the quaint environs of downtown Winter Park.  While I may not be rushing out to buy my own mountain bike any time soon, I sure did enjoy the experience. Like my earlier climbing trip to Fremont Canyon which was not on the original itinerary, biking with Mike Moniz and crew in Winter Park was an unexpected and thoroughly enjoyable addition to the trip.

For a 30-second video, click here.