Hey Ladies and Gents, Luke here in Las Vegas. I looked at rides tonight and will discuss with Todd (Darth Raven) different routes for us early next week. We both have ridden many of the Southern Utah back roads and are willing to lead a few rides, both on and off road. I have several of the expanded Utah and Arizona maps that I'll bring and copies of routes Todd and I decide on. Right now here are some of the options we are looking at for day trips:
Toroweap Overlook of the Grand Canyon - about 60 miles of dirt
North Rim of the Grand Canyon Visitors Center - all road
Grovesnor Arch/Kodachrome Basin/Bryce NP - about 50 miles of good dirt road
Burr Trail - Highway to trail then about 70 miles long (first 30 paved) some sand and impassable when wet (advanced riders)
Lake Powell/ Antelope Canyon - all road and about $50 for a tour
Mammoth Caves (Lava Tubes to explore) / Duck Creek / Strawberry Point - 20+ miles of very well kept dirt road to Strawberry Point
Bryce National Park and secret waterfall swim - all Road and 1/4 mile hike to fall
This is just the start of our thinking with several launches each morning, repeating the next day so you can catch several trips. Todd and I can lead any of these, but will need help from our local brothers (Utah and AZ riders with Southern Utah experience) to take more groups.
Again, I'll bring maps and clipboards to sigh up on and will appreciate our friends bringing a white board to post departure times.
For those coming from more humid climates, a note of caution. Stay hydrated! Plan on carrying at least a gallon of water on any dirt involved ride and maybe 2 for the Toroweap Lookout run. The first sigh of dehydration is a headache out here, and then you're behind the power curve trying to drink to catch up... You don't sweat out here in the "dry heat" but you're losing water, even while you sleep as it's very common to have single to low teen humidity numbers. Many buy a simple gallon jug of water with a screw on lid for one of their boxes. The road trips will stop and have cold beverages along the way, but don't forget it is Utah.
I plan on meeting Darth Sunday night or Monday, if he's available, to map some of these out. If you have places you want us to look at, please answer here or pm me to TwoLukes. Also my phone number is (702) 682-LUKE (5853) so you can call or text me. I have a couch and spare bedroom if any are traveling through Vegas (and maybe a beverage in the frig), but Todd and I might be leaving the Sunday before to explore routes. Todd doesn't know this yet
We look forward to seeing all our Tenere friends again and meeting new ones! Luke