We understand that it can be overwhelming to try and choose where you want to ride with Chasing Epic, since we currently have eight different locations on offer.  Add in the variability with different seasons, itineraries, and skill levels, and sometimes it can be too much.  That’s why we’re putting together a series of three articles (Spring, Summer, and Fall naturally) that provide updated information on next year’s trips, with everything you need to make a decision.

Let’s get started with our Spring 2022 trips: Fruita-Moab (May 6-10th) and Squamish (May 19-23rd).

Fruita/Moab: May 6-10, 2022

Technical Level: Intermediate+

Physical Level: Intermediate+

Summary: Our trip to Fruita and Moab combines the best of both worlds when it comes to high-desert riding in the American Southwest.  We’ve put together two of our customers’ favorite locations on the same trip, since we think Moab’s The Whole Enchilada fits perfectly with three days of riding in Fruita, just 75 minutes across the UT/CO state line.  For this trip, we’ll be based in Fruita and will make the pilgrimage to Moab on Day 4.

What should you expect on this trip?  The best desert technical riding in the country.  Between Fruita and Moab, the riding is rocky, technical, tight, rowdy, and quite rugged.  We’ll spend the first three days riding technical trails that will challenge even the best Chasing Epic riders… and on the fourth day, we’ll reward you with super fun, flowy trails on 18 Road.  Don’t be mistaken, those first three days will leave you tired and sore at the end of the day!

Expected Itinerary

Day 1: Lunch Loops with Ribbon Shuttle.  We’ll start today with a 2000-foot “bump” to the top of the Ribbon, which is one of the most unique slickrock riding experiences this side of… well, anywhere.  Combine that with bucket-list tech trails like Gunny Loop, Holy Cross, and Eagles Wing, and you’re in for a day of amazing trails that will test your tech skills a few times over.  Expect 18-20 miles, 2500′ of climbing and around 4500′ of descending.

Day 2: Kokopelli Loops Point to Point.  Another tough technical day, the Kokopelli Loops also add in an element of flow on trails like Horsethief and Steve’s.  Today we’ll combine those with tech-testers Moore Fun and Mack Ridge to give you around 22 miles and close to 3000′ of climbing and descending.

Day 3: The Whole Enchilada in Moab.  We’ll head southwest from Fruita to experience one of the most unique, fun, and rowdy trails in the world.  In the spring, we can expect to be dropped off by our shuttle around Kokopelli or Hazard County (ie., not at the top of Geysir Pass), which means we’ll likely get about 3/4 of the Whole Enchilada.  Don’t worry, we’ll add in a couple of side options to still give you 25 miles (or more) of riding with about 1000′ of climbing and 6000′ of descent.

Day 4: 18 Road Laps.  Finally, time for some flow… and so flowy it is.  Trails like PBR and Kessel Run will have you grinning from ear to ear, and Zippity and Joe’s Ridge add in a bit of pucker factor with their steep drop-ins.  Today is a “choose your own adventure” when it comes to distance and climbing, but you can expect around 15-18 miles and 2500′ of climbing before we call it good.

Expected weather:  Spring in Fruita is absolutely ideal, with highs in the 70’s during the day with little chance of rain.

Recommended Bike:  It depends.  If you prefer something a bit more efficient on the climbs and “snappier” handling, then go with a trail bike like the Revel Rascal (140/130mm) or the GG Trail Pistol (150/132mm).  That said, if you’re a solid climber and want something more plush on the descents, then we’d go with a longer travel rig like the GG Smash (160/145mm) or the Revel Rail (170/165mm).

The Final Word:  For most mountain bikers, their progression isn’t complete without a trip to the high desert of Colorado and Utah… and that’s why we’ve combined these two locations into one in order to offer the best of both worlds, and what we think are the best and most fun rides in each location.  Be prepared, however- this terrain IS different, and it will be challenging.  Everything in the desert is out to get you, and it’s an inhospitable environment.  But you know what?  That’s what makes the riding so incredible- when you conquer a tech section, or when you ride a line you never thought possible, it’s so much damn fun.

Squamish, BC: May 19-23, 2022

Technical Level: Advanced to Expert

Physical Level: Intermediate+

Summary: New to the Chasing Epic lineup for 2022, we’re super excited to be heading to Squamish in mid-May.  The area is a virtual playground for mountain bikers, with terrain and tech that will challenge the best riders anywhere.  We’re also excited because Squamish allows us to offer a natural progression in riding for our long-time riders (and new ones too!) where it’s a step above trips like Brevard and Fruita/Moab, and will push riders in all the right ways.  Definitely bring your A-game for this one.

From slabs to skinnies to flow trails to steep backcountry lines… Squamish will throw it all at you.  Sometimes even on the same day!  Expect to be challenged beyond anything you’ve likely ridden before, on features you probably didn’t think were rideable.  But it’s all about progression, and you’ll leave Squamish a much better rider than when you showed up on Day 1!

Expected Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Lakes Loops.  The perfect area for showing you the ropes, Alice Lakes is on the north end of town and offers a little bit of everything.  We’ll start the day with slightly more “mild” blue trails like Pampelmousse and Leave of Absence before getting into more rowdy blacks like Entrails and Rupert.  Oh, and we’ll give you a small taste of some delectable slab riding today too.  Expect around 18-20 miles with 2500′ of climbing and descending on the day.

Day 2: Diamond Head to Valley Cliffe.  Starting with a big shuttle to the top of the Diamond Head trails, we’ve got a lot in store for today’s ride.  Today is a mix of steep natural trails, flow, and slab riding like you’ve never seen.  All told we’ll ride about 20 miles with about 2000′ of climbing and 5000′ of descent.

Day 3: Big backcountry loops.  Today it’s all about steep, rugged, and natural.  We’ll start with a big, steep climb to gain access to the trail system… it’s going to hurt a bit, but it’ll be so worth it.  Once we’re on top, we’ll choose our own adventure on trails that define steep and gnarly; it’s a mix of slabs and steep lines that were built for mountain biking.  Today’s ride will be 15-18 miles with about 3000′ of climbing and descending.

Day 4: Slabtastic tech Point to Point.  We’ll start our day over in Diamond Head again, hitting trails that we missed on Day 2 like Powersmart and Yer Sister.  Trails that will build on our tech skills and push you to the limits one last time.  The Shred Shuttle will be there to pick everyone up and head back to the Vancouver airport this afternoon to wrap things up.

Expected Weather: Spring in Squamish usually means temperate weather in the 60’s and a chance of rain most days.  Don’t worry though, the dirt gets better with moisture, and the slabs are still as grippy as ever.  But still, make sure you bring a good rain jacket and maybe some rain paints on this trip.

Recommended bike:  Squamish is all about the tech, so we recommend a full-on enduro bike for this trip.  A minimum of 140mm rear travel and 150-160mm up front is a must!

The Final Word:  Our Squamish trip is all about progression and pushing yourself, so be prepared.  This trip is most definitely for our advanced/expert riders!  You’ll be riding trails unlike you’ve ever seen before, with features and sections that you’ve only viewed on YouTube videos.  Everything in Squamish is SO well-designed and built though, that you’ll be amazed at what’s possible on a bike.   If you’ve got questions about whether your ability level is up to the challenge, don’t hesitate to shoot us an email.