Mountain Biking, My Way!

This post is dedicated to one of our favorite Senior Rippers, Charlie Dixon, from Buck Hill Falls, PA, who passed away this week from complications due to Covid-19. Charlie always lived life to its fullest, with a smile on his face, and an encouraging word. We will miss him dearly.

Good fortune blew a small group of “Rippers” to the base of Powder Mountain Ski Area on a warm Sunday afternoon.  Our intention was to mountain bike, but the parking lot was deserted. Two loose dogs led us to an open door where fortunately their owner knew enough to point us up a newly paved road. We landed on top of the mountain where we recognized the two story restaurant from a previous ski visit. Luckily the door to the restaurant was unlocked and open for business. The lads behind the counter greeted us with a smile and assured us that yes, there were awesome trails just a bit deeper into Powder’s many acres.  “Just look for the silver rocks and you’ll know where to start!”

Ski areas can look a bit forlorn out of season and Powder was no exception. Every other house was either for rent or half built. We forged onwards and were rewarded with a view of endless mountains and a parking lot in the distance. Sure enough, an assortment of boulders adorned in tin foil was tucked into the corner. A buff young family had just loaded themselves back into their car but they took the time to assure us that the Brim Trail was a favorite of their children, the perfect place for some timid mountain biking rippers to start.

Let me give you a bit of background about my relationship with mountain biking, I have an “up and down” relationship with riding bikes on single track.  I’ve often compared mountain biking to urban cycling. There’s potential trouble around every corner. The beauty of cruising through gorgeous terrain must constantly be weighed against the potential of falling. After breaking my arm while skiing two years ago, I considered retiring permanently from the sport. Thus, this ride was an attempt to put my toes back onto the pedals.

Off we went through a forest of aspen. The air was crisp and the shadows were long. The trail spread out before us like a ribbon encircling the mountain. There were fields to flow through and an occasional stream bed to cross, but nothing requiring technical expertise or bravery. In fact, we covered the 7 miles so quickly that we were left looking for more.

Lucky for us, we came across a pair of regulars to the area who urged us to extend our ride to the next ridge. Their only request was not to let a soul in Park City know how great the riding was at Powder. We jumped in behind them and were wowed by the view of Cache Valley to the north. Even better, the adventure ended on a sublime note, a superb view of the sun sinking behind the mountains and the Great Salt Lake.

So put aside your fears and consider getting out on a mountain bike your own way, ride on Rippers!