K-Trail is even MORE Amazing!

[Mindless Mayhem]

Like many of you, K-trail has been my favorite local ride for a while, Epic Fail and I rode it yesterday and had no idea of the extraordinary experience that awaited us.

We ran into Kevin and Eric just finishing up the NEW Tech Loop. Getting to be part of the inaugrual ride on a new loop is cool, but the trail itself was even more amazing. This loop is just short of a mile and has so many tech spots and rock features that we could have stopped and played around the multiple lines for most of the afternoon! Go check out the Tech Loop - you'll be glad you did!!!

Lots of hard work went into this new section of trail - thanks much to Kevin, Eric and others who helped build it. It's amazing and we loved it. Mucho props for investing so much time and resources into continuing to improve this trail. It brings a LOT of enjoyment to all who ride it!

Unfortunately, we didn't get video or pics. Who else has discovered this loop and can post vid/pics?

[Bituman]

Yep, agreed. I rode this system yesterday morning with a friend. Started from Cloud View parking lot. We rode Lost Gold Mine, Cougar, K-trail, Vortex, and then managed to get lost on Quartz Ridge. Rode a total of 17 miles. Have not yet ridden Gila Monster, I assume that is where the new loop must be. Anybody looking for something different should give this system a try. By the way, the scenery is pretty spectacular.

Bob

[Chaseco]

Where does the tech loop start?

[Bituman]

Can't help you on tech loop location. But here is the trail map posted by Gila Monster, which has been a great resource for me as I've ridden there the past two weeks. Maybe he or someone else can describe the location on this map.

Bob

[ewilly]

Hi Guys, The Tech Loop is at the SE corner of the K-trail after the man drop and before the Chris's Rock. There is a sign post that you will come to running clockwise and the exit is about 100ft West. It can be ridden either direction but CCW is going to be the most manageable. There is an easy route for most all obstacles with white dots on some rocks indicating recommended lines! There is still the possibility for some more advanced lines if desired.

It is a beautiful area and this .7mi route probably has more tech than the other 15miles. Enjoy and ride at your own risk.
Mindless Mayhem - It was great meeting you and your son out there.

[Chaseco]

Ok, when did the sign go up? I was out there thursday and didn't see it.

[Chaseco]

Great I'll check it out tomorrow.

[ewilly]

Yep - we put it up yesterday when we opened the trail and Mr. Mayhem arrived as we were mounting up for the first ride thru!

[big0mike]

Sounds like this trail may have just moved up a slot or two on the "must do" list...

[GilaMonster]

Originally Posted by Bituman

Can't help you on tech loop location. But here is the trail map posted by Gila Monster, which has been a great resource for me as I've ridden there the past two weeks. Maybe he or someone else can describe the location on this map.

Bob

Yeah...about the map...I need to post an update that includes the new Tech Loop and the very-very-soon-to-be-completed Gila Monster XC Loop...for those of you who have ridden what was built og Gila Monster prior to my breaking my wrist this summer, I think you'll enjoy the continued ride.

I'll get to work on the map tomorrow.

P

[CamberPro29er]

I rode the Tech Loop on Sat when the trail builders where putting up the sign. It was a lot fun following the white dots.

[Chaseco]

I'm thinking of going out there tomorrow morning around 8 if anyone is interested.

[Chaseco]

Sounds good

[GilaMonster]

Chase, I can meet you out there at Apache Land at 8.

[GilaMonster]

Eric, you and Kevin did a remarkable job on the Tech. THANKS!!

[ewilly]

Thanks Phil and thanks for your help the previous week! We plan to name the rock at the bottom of the wash GilaRock in your honor! We added to the entry/exit so it would be easier.
Hopefully the rain last night washed some of the loose DG etc. off the trail. Let me know how it was today! I may go out Tues or Wed morn.

The next couple weeks are busy but would like to help you with Gila section when I can.

Thanks for the feedback camber. There is some refining to do and also several lines that can be developed for the Beginner and Advanced.

Regards,

[surfndav]

I rode this trail system yesterday, including the new "Tech" trail. Overall this is a great system that has been purposefully built to be fun for mountain bikes, by that standard it is a resounding success. I rode from the Cloud View lot, Lost Gold Mine to K Trail, Tech Loop, Back to K, Vortex, K Trail again, and back to the parking lot. 10 miles of smiles. Most of the trail is marked well, but near the end I saw a sign with an arrow saying "parking lot" and "Trail ends in 500 ft" that was about a mile from the parking lot, so don't know what that was about.

One other thing, many here in the Phoenix Valley when you call anything "TECH" think of trails like you find at South Mountain, Holbert, Geronimo and so on. I liked the "Tech Loop" but some will be disappointed with the level of tech on this section of trail. I only bring this up so that many of the gnar junkies of the area aren't heading out with 7+ inch travel bikes and hoping to use all that travel. I had a great time and cleaned everything with ease on my 4" XC bike. I feel bad writing this because I had a great time and it may sound like a negative criticism but I just want to be realistic about it.

Thanks to those who put in all the effort to make this a great new place for us to ride, I will be back.

[ewilly]

I agree 100% that the tech is definitely relative to the immediate trails and the hardcore gnar riders would be disappointed!

THX for the feedback.

[freeskier46]

surfndav,
I believe the "parking lot" & "Trail ends in 500 ft" sign are directed towards the Apache Land parking area, see GilaMonster's map in the previous post. Most people have been starting from this location lately. Glad you had fun out there, fun lines abound!!

[Bituman]

I second what Surfndav said about how great these trails were designed specifically for MTB fun. Here's a pic of my friend Kevin coming out of one of the many wash crossings on the K-trail. Great job on these trails guys.

Bob

[Chaseco]

So I rode the tech loop on Monday, then today I rode it again but i didn't see a couple obstacles that were there Monday. Is there different loops inside the tech loop?

[ewilly]

No not yet! You were probably just going to fast and missed them! There are some additional harder lines to come.

[Douger-1]

Ok am I blind? Just rode out there today and couldnt find this tech loop. Parked at Apache Land, rode up Couger to Lost Gold Mine to K-trail and never saw it. Is it near that wooden bridge thats out there? Near micro moab? I have no idea. Thx.

[cramey]

I was just out there today. If you keep cruzing on k-trail, you will eventually ride right by a sign that says "tech loop". Here is my gps track. I believe the tech loop is the christmas tree looking thing at the bottom right.

K trail w/ goodies by chris1ramey at Garmin Connect - Details

[Chaseco]

Its right after the big wash on the south end.