Monarch Crest
If you’re looking to experience some hot mountain action in
the Rockies this year, it is tough to find a
more enjoyable distance ride than the Monarch Crest Trail. This is a great place to spend a
weekend. Pack as many of your friends,
couples or singles, a lot of booze, food, into your SUV and prepare for one of
the most enjoyable camping/bike rides you’ve ever partaken in. It should be mentioned that there are some
amazing stocked trout streams and ponds near Monarch that are so very worth
casting a line into. So tell your
friends to bring a fishing pole.
Depending on your selected starting point you can ride just
a few miles of Monarch or you can enjoy a 32+ mile ride that will challenge
your mental strength, determination, and endurance. If you start off your ride at the peak of Monarch you will have the incredible
pleasure of climbing above tree line within the first 15 minutes on the
trail. From this vantage point you will
have a phenomenal view of the Rockies and
especially during early summer and fall months you will enjoy views that make
this particular ride worth putting onto the bucket list.
The trail ride my friends and I selected took us through
lush pine forests, beautiful grassy aspen tree packed meadows, and above the bareness
tree line 3 or 4 times. Additionally
from our starting point we were able to ride directly back to our
campsite. Thankfully it was downhill for
the last mile and some change.
For best results and ensuring your guarantee of completing
32+ miles, here is a list of things you should put in your pack. Of course there is the obvious necessities,
extra tires, tubes, patch kit, bike tools, extra socks, and a lot of
water. Additionally, bring a borderline
retarded amount of snacks, you’ll be at altitude, this ride can take 6-8 hours
so you will be burning a ridiculous amount of calories climbing and descending peak
after glorious peak.
Without question it is one of the best rides I’ve partaken
in during my life. If you love getting
out there and spinning your legs, this is a trip that will put a smile on your
face long before the journey is complete.
Additional tips for you riders, buy some extra padded burley bike
shorts. Because whether you’re a man or
woman, your genitals will have calices if you don’t head my suggestion and they
will have the abrasive texture of an 1800’s leather riding saddle by the time
you finish the ride. Also, have your friends who are just along
for the camping or significant other who are patiently waiting with the group
of non-riders at base camp have a few simple things ready for your
arrival. 1 Bag of Family-Size Cool Ranch
Doritos because you’re going to need the delicious salt, MSG, and carbs that
only the culinary wizards at Frito-Lay can provide. Somewhere between 5-23 cold beers for
yourself because you’re going to need them, your body will be a little
sore. Some sort of protein to be grilled
is also a necessity and a hug from your friends who made the journey with you
and of course the friends who were patient enough to wait for you while you
were gone… all after you shower off in a stream of course.
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