Tips On Visiting The South Rim Of The Grand Canyon

Visiting the Grand Canyon has been on my Bucket List for the past 5 years...

The Grand Canyon is one of the 7 "Natural Wonders Of The World" ( don't forget, there are many different types of "Wonders Of The World" ), and though it happens to be in this very country, I still can't believe it took me so much time to finally see it with my own eyes.

....unfortunately, it was absolutely opposite to how I dreamed/planned to visit this world famous Natural Wonder....

 NOTE: There is a big different between "visiting" and "exploring"  the Canyon.

"Visiting" mostly implies "stop by/drive by, take a bunch of pictures, and ,may be, do some light "exploring" ( short hiking, biking around the park, camping...)

 "Exploring" ( for a small number of people ) means hiking rim-to-rim or multi-day backpacking or rafting.

Hiking rim-to-rim and getting "close and personal" was my original plan/dream. But as I happened to visit the park during one of its hottest months ( middle of June with day temperatures in high 80's ), I had absolutely no desire even to try to reach the bottom of the Canyon.

So I lowered my expectations, and settled with the idea to see the Grand Canyon like a tourist ( yeah, I still hate myself  for that :) )

So, here are a few tips:

Riding Slickrock

The Slickrock Trail is The Mountain Bike Trail that put Moab on the adventure travel map. The trail made Moab the center of the mountain biking universe, and it's one of the most unique rides I've ridden so far ( well, that and the Bonneville Salt Flats ).

Since the first time I saw a picture of a biker in Moab, it's become an iconic image associated with mountain biking for me ! I knew that one day I'd absolutely have to do that !



The best thing I loved about the trail is that it was only minutes away from downtown Moab.

I read a lot about how popular and , sometimes, overcrowded the trail becomes, but to my surprise when I got there - it was all to myself ! Not a soul in sight ( except for the sounds of 4x4's in the distance ).

The trail is 12 miles long, with lot's of ups and downs, add to this the fact that I was riding in the middle of July, during the hottest part of the day - it was pretty exhausting ! But was totally worth it !

Besides the beautiful scenery, the feeling of riding on the (Navajo) sandstone can not be described ! You have to try it yourself !

There is a lot of info about this trail, and very often it's categorized as "technical/advanced". My advice - don't get overwhelmed, just go and try it for yourself. There is a "Practice Loop" (approximately 2 miles) which is well marked, and, though challenging, can be done by anybody.

If you're visiting Moab, biking on the Slickrock Trail is one of  "must do adventures"...

Hiking, Biking, And Sightseeing Salt Lake City

After some unpleasant paddleboarding around the Great Salt Lake, I continued my way into the heart of Utah, and its capitol - Salt Lake City...

I think biking is the best way to learn about the place you're visiting. Cycling is a great way to view the spectacular landscapes, enjoy the crisp fresh air and visit numerous attractions.

The very first place I wanted to visit was Ensign Peak, one of Mormon historic sites around Salt Lake City, and Utah's most sacred mountain.

At an elevation of 5,414 feet, this mound-shaped peak is just minutes away from the Utah State Capitol.

I parked my car by Travel Information office ( which is right across from beautiful capitol building ), and biked to the park's trailhead ( the road to the park is strenuous uphill, so if you want , just drive your car to the park ).

The trail itself is relatively easy ( it's only about 1000 feet ) . Though it's about 1 mile round trip, it was my first time hiking in 80+ degree weather.

But it was totally worth it ! From the top, you have marvelous views out over the Salt Lake Valley and Great Salt Lake !


Biking downtown was a breeze ( literally, it was all downhill from the park ).

There are many beautiful churches in Salt Lake City, but Temple Square in Downtown Salt Lake City, is Utah's number one tourist attraction. On your visit to the 35 acres of Temple Square you will be able to see, feel, taste, touch and experience Mormon culture and its pioneer heritage.


You don't have to be a Mormon to enjoy this beautiful architecture !

Between biking and hiking to the top of Ensign Peak, biking around capitol building, and Temple Square it took me about 2 hours to get to know this great city...

Biking The Bonneville Salt Flats

I love reading travel blogs, and watching my fellow travelers' videos ! They give me so much inspiration, not to mention the information about new places to visit and new things to try.

I learned about the Bonneville Salt Flats from one of the travel blogs I've been following.
"Saltboarding" video looked so much fun !

So, while in Utah, I made the Bonneville Salt Flats one of "must-see places" to visit.


The famous Bonneville Speedway is located in the western portion of the flats, near Wendover. It is perfectly flat and has a thick crust of salty soil. It looks like a frozen lake bed covered with snow. No vegetation grows in that area.

There is NOTHING to see...just miles and miles of endless salt...

The Bonneville Salt Flats is one of the most unique natural features in Utah. If you travel in this state, make sure you make the Bonneville Salt Flats your travel destination.

Go for a bike ride, or take your car for a spin ! Unbelievable feeling !

Motorcycle trial riding

Last year I wrote about Danny MacAskill, his unbelievable trial bike riding skills and a short amateur Youtube video that made him famous.

If you think that was incredible, wait till you see the video below:

Mountain Biking Tiger Mt

It's been a long time since I took my mountain bike on a trail. Since the last time I went biking on Devil's Gulch in Leavenworth, I've been mostly riding on Interurban trail next to my house.

But today, I decided to check out a few trails on Tiger Mt.




Tiger Mountain is one of Seattle's most popular mountain biking destinations. Its close proximity to Seattle, good parking facilities, and a variety of trail difficulties draw the masses.

Unfortunately, what used to be a great FREE trailhead for hikers and mountain bikers before, now requires a Discover Pass to park your car.

Though, trails vary in difficulty, and I had my trusted Mountain Biking Washington guide book, I decided to take it easy, and just go for a moderate run along the main logging road ( Tiger Mountain Road ).

Unlike Devil's Gulch, trails on Tiger Mt are not the most picturesque, but as I've mentioned above, the area has its advantages : it's close to Seattle, plenty of parking, and trails are great for riders of all levels.

For more information, check out the book below, or visit Evergreen Mountain Biking Alliance web site...

Indoor Mountain Biking

After my last mountain biking trip, I haven't taken my mountain bike "off rode" again. Part of it because it was just not that exciting enough for me. Another part was the hassle of driving, finding a trail, a long, slow slog up the mountain, sharing the trail with other ( not happy to see you ) users...it was just not worth the time and effort.

But what are the options ?

Sure we have Stevens Bike Park now, and Whistler is just 3 hours away ( at least there you won't have to "work for your stoke" by riding your bike up the mountain ). But those are closed during winter.

You can hit Colonnade Bike Park during wet season, but even that it pretty small and cramped up.

I wish it was some place close by, big enough to fit a variety of obstacles, warm and open year round...Like Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park in Cleveland.

The park is in an abandoned WWII-era parachute factory, and features a diverse collection of wooden ramps, drops, jumps, bowls, teeters, and skinnies. Over the past seven years the park has become an off-season destination for many North American mountain bikers.

As a matter of fact, it's become so popular that recently, Ray Petro ( the owner ) opened a second 110,000 square feet location on the outskirts of Milwaukee.

Both parks have bi-level XC loops ( so you can cruise around without getting wet and muddy ), all the jumps and drop you can take, and whenever you are ready to catch some air there’s also a foam pit on hand for when you’re finally ready to give that 360 a go.

Visit Mt. Rainier Video That Really Inspires To Visit

I'm not sure who's in charge of marketing at Mt Rainier National Park, but I know they've been doing a pretty bad job inspiring people to visit this one of the most beautiful and unique parks in US.

I think the video below really brings up all the excitement, adventure, and discovery that you can find at Mt Rainier.

"It's more than experience. It's a way of life"

Winter Mountain Biking

Most mountain bike trails around PNW remain snow-free year-round...

But we all know, everything looks more beautiful and majestic when covered with snow....

State Of Washington Bicycle Law That Doesn't Make Sense Even to A Judge

On October 26th the City of Pacific Municipal Court Judge L. Stephen Rochon was surprised to find out that there was a law that prohibits "Too many people on a bicycle"

RCW 46.61.760
Riding on bicycles.


(1) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.

(2) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

[1965 ex.s. c 155 § 81.]

Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule -- IRLJ 6.2.

This law punishes cyclists with a hefty $103 fine !

It took Judge L. Stephen Rochon literally a few minutes just to imagine how many people on a bicycle would be "too many". I bet he was thinking of circus or some Red Bull bike stunt. But even that didn't spark he imagination, so he asked the "counselor/prosecutor" who was even dumber ( as it turned out later ) and had absolutely no idea about bike laws or anything that had to do with bike safety.

After reading the police report ( written by another bike hating/racist police officer Roger Gale ) both of them went into discussing "the safety concern" of my child bike seat.

According to Gales' report "the bike seat was taped to the frame". This REALLY escalated their concern, as my bike seat was "modified". The prosecutor "objected" saying that : " ...if I "modify" safety features on my BMW..." at which point I thought: " God, you're a fucking moron".

I was getting REALLY pissed off. Trying to stay calm, I stated that :

THERE IS NO SPECIFIC SAFETY STANDARD GOVERNING CHILD SEATS AS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT OF SALE IN USA (!).

Just because it's sold at Wall Mart or Amazon doesn't make it a standard.

I couldn't believe they kept debating about something they had absolutely no fucking idea.

But the worse is yet to come !

"I'm giving you a break this time..." Really ? Me? A break ? FUCK YOU !

"BUT I CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT THE NEXT TIME WE'LL HAVE THE SAME DISPOSITION"

So, if I commit a murder, can you give me a break the first time, and then just play by the ear ?

The fine itself wasn't a concern for me at all. The reason I showed up at court wasn't to reduce/dismiss the ticket.

I WANTED THE ANSWERS !

Can I and my son continue enjoying farther/son time riding OUR bike or not.
If not, then why ?
Will local police continue harassing bicyclists for "minor infractions" ?
How do we deal with it ? ( when I mentioned officer's aggressiveness, the judge said: " They are city's employees, we have nothing to do with them". )

But the main question remains:

WHAT THE FUCK IS RCW 46.61.760 (2) ???

P.S: After the "incident" it took me a lot of effort to talk my son into going biking with me again. We learned our lesson: we walk our bike to Interurban Trail, I wear a helmet, he dismounts the bike before crossing a street ( to make sure there are no police cars around )....He's only 4 y.o but already knows "not to fuck with Mother Law"

Washington Police Brutality and RCW 46.61.760

I sincerely believe that in this world there are a lot more good people than bad. Unfortunately it's not true when it comes to police officers.

How come that as soon as you get a little bit of power you feel that you absolutely must abuse it ? Were you bullied by other kids in school? Not happy with your job ? Not getting "respect" you think you "deserve" ? Or you just want to be The Big Man ?

It's not a surprise that nowadays police departments deal more in harassment than actual protecting and serving. Well, they still serve - tickets for a panoply of misdemeanors to collect money for the police department and the city, a legit racket cloaked in the shining metal of the badge.

The other day I was riding my bike with my son from my house to a nearby school's play ground. According to Google Map:

0.3 miles/2 min ride/7 min walk !

But first, let me tell you something about my new "invention".

Have you ever ridden a bike with one of those child bike seats in the back ?

I used to have a p.o.s cheap ass Bell Bicycle Child Carrier that I bought from Amazon for $45. Not only was it a pain in the ass to use ( hard to install, even harder to keep it up ), it was super uncomfortable for my son, he couldn't see shit, not to mention that you can forget about having father-to-son-heart-to-heart conversations while enjoying a ride together.

So, I started looking for a better alternative. I found 2 child bike seats that looked very interesting:

First was iBert Safe-T-Seat



Honestly, even for me it looked a bit "extreme". Flying myself over handle bars a few times, this seat reminded me of "child catapult". Besides, there were no reviews, and product didn't have any age/weight/height dimensions.

TYKE TOTER Front Mount Child Bicycle Seat on the other hand, looked like my child could enjoy the view while carrying a "meaningful conversation"

Instead, I came up with my own idea. I just took my son's bike seat off, and installed it on my bike fame.


We've been riding together on this bike the whole summer, mostly on Interurban Trail from Pacific to Kent. While crossing a few streets, we've encountered many patrol police cars before. And not a single one has ever stopped to tell me .... anything.

This time it was different....

Like I mentioned above, we were on our way to the school's playground...0.3 miles from my house...when a cop pulled over saying that "because it didn't have a seat, we couldn't ride that way".

I was trying to explain to him that there was a seat, and my son was wearing a helmet.

That's when the cop got out of the car to tell me that I'm "not in fucking Russia, and have to follow HIS rules" and that ".... if I tell you that you can't ride your fucking bike, you shouldn't argue with me and do what I say".

According to RCW 46.61.760

RCW 46.61.760
Riding on bicycles.


(1) A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.

(2) No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

[1965 ex.s. c 155 § 81.]

Notes:
Rules of court: Monetary penalty schedule -- IRLJ 6.2.

I got a $103 ticket for "Too many people on a bicycle" ( that's what it says on the ticket) , plus another $25 for riding without a helmet.

I understand it's the law, and that I'm a "fucking foreigner", but did he really have to be that way in front of a child ?




This picture was taken literally 5 minutes before the incident. We both look happy to spend some quality time together. On the walk back home ( "If you even think about riding this fucking bike back home, I'll arrest you"- the cop said), my son was crying and couldn't understand why "that man was angry at us".

I've learned how to deal with injustice in this life, I've realized that sometimes for a "small man" there is nothing you can do about stuff like that. But as a farther, I'm really concerned about the world my son will be living in.

According to CBS News, Washington is just one of 20 police departments nationwide that the Justice Department has investigated for civil rights violations in the last year - more than any time in history.

Mountain Biking Devil's Gulch in Leavenworth

What I love about Leavenworth is that it's truly an ultimate adventure travel destination. There is literally nothing you can't do here any time of the year. No matter how often I come here I always find something new to do/see...

This time I came here for a mountain bike ride on Washington's one of the most popular mountain biking trails - Devils Gulch.

As usual I'm not providing any details as directions/trail description can be easily found online.

I just want to notice that this is definitely not a "beginner friendly" trail. Riding 11 miles, roughly 4200' ft uphill is a killer ! The best way to ride these trails is using a shuttle system, leaving one car at the bottom and driving the other to the top. Also, because parts of the trail skirt along the edge of drop offs, this trail is probably best left to the advanced bike riders.




Though, they say that 90% of Devils Gulch Trail users are mountain bikers, this is a multiuse trail; hikers, horseback riders, and even dirt bikers are seen here.

According to many sources, the Devils Gulch Trail is one of the top — if not the top — mountain bike rides in Washington. And I guess if you do this trail as a downhill ride only, it might be pretty awesome. But for me it was the last time I pushed my bike uphill. To hell with that "mountain biking crap"...I'll be waiting for Stevens Pass Bike Park to be open or go back to Duthie Hill

New Mountain Bike Park is Coming To Redmond

Are the rumors true : Washington is the next mountain biking mecca of US ?


Whistler, up north, is still considered the No. 1 lift accessed downhill bike park in the world; there are a couple of bike parks in Utah and Oregon, but I don't think if any of those states offer the quality of natural setting that Washington has.

The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park has already gained popularity among riders all around NW; the development of Stevens Pass Bike Park is in full swing; and now the City of Redmond Parks and Recreation Department is making some serious headway into the development of a new mountain bike park.

Redmond Bike Park is a project of the City of Redmond, Parks and Recreation Department. The general goals of the project are to provide local riders of all ages and skill levels with a facility designed and built specifically for practicing and developing riding skills in a safe and controlled environment.

The design consists of five dirt-jump style trails for BMX and mountain bike riders. There will be a progression of trails from beginner to advanced, including a pump track that can be ridden by people of all skill levels. The City will lead three weekend volunteer work parties throughout the summer on June 18-19, July 16-17 and August13-14 to build the bike park. The City anticipates that with these three large work parties, and some smaller work parties in-between, that the bike park will open on August 20, 2011.

The construction of the project will require community members to volunteer their time to help build and maintain the bike park. Visit their web site and find out how you can help make Washington #1 mountain biking destination in US.



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Bike To Work ...with a stripper on your trailer

My bad. They are not strippers or even exotic dancers. As they say themselves: " Just because you have high heels and you're on a pole, it doesn't mean you're doing anything raunchy."

Let me introduce you- POLERIDERS, trained professionals on a mission "to promote bicycle safety, raise awareness of the immense potential of pedal power and to bring pole dancing to the streets where dancing belongs".


Till recently, I thought that the coolest bike jobs were bike messenger and bike guide. But working as a pole rider sounds way cooler !

As the name implies, Pole Riders, dance on poles attached to specially-designed cargo bikes.
Don't get it wrong. It's all legal. The cops can't really do anything - he is riding his bike and she's ...exercising.

So, next time you are in NYC, skip Hustler, and rent your own stripcycle. This way you'll combine "adult entertainment" with a few hours of sightseeing.







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You won't do that at Colonnade

Last month I wrote a post about my first visit to I-5 Colonnade Mountain Bike Park in Seattle. As I wrote in the post, the park is not for a "regular Joe mountain biker" who goes riding his bike once/twice a month on a popular single track trail and calls it "mountain biking".

Honestly, after watching the video below, I am sort of embarrassed to say that "I mountain bike". That's why I just use the word "biking" to describe my experience. I suggest you do the same ( unless you can go toe-to-toe with those kids...)

What is trials riding/biking ?

Last year, a short video shot by an amateur videographer made the sensation on Youtube not just among bike riders, but everybody who came across it (it’s currently been viewed by over 21 million people).

It takes more than just skills to give such extraordinary bike performance. It takes creativity, talent, persistence and dedication ( he actually quit his job as a mechanic to pursue his dream of riding full time ).

This year, Edinburgh native Danny MacAskill , was noticed by Red Bull ( fat cats of extreme sports ) who created a new video called " “Way Back Home,” that follows Danny from Edinburgh in the U.K. to his hometown, Dunvegan, in the Isle of Skyle.



While watching the video, I couldn't stop admiring Danny's skills, beautiful landscape and music, also, was wondering what kind of bike would allow to do something like that.

That's when I first heard about trials biking/riding. During my visit to Colonnade Bike Park in Seattle, I saw an elevated structure section ( called Zeb's Grotto ), but just couldn't figure out what it was for. Watching Danny's video was my introduction to a new street/mountain biking discipline.

Bike RVing/bike campers

When I wrote " RVing just got a whole new meaning " post, I thought those inventions ( camper bike, bike motorhome, bike trailer house ) were very creative, amusing and somewhat practical. Though, if you read the post, you'll realize that motorhome and bike trailer house were created out of necessity rather than for recreational purposes.

But reading a post on Daylife, I've realized that very soon we will see those " bike campers " all around us ( and they won't be paddled by homeless and poor people).

The mini travel trailer study by German producer Dethleffs weighs 80 kg and includes a bed and a small kitchen and is the most eco-friendly camper.

Though, on the picture, the bike is electric assist comfort bike, I am sure it can be towed behind a human powered mountain/road bike.

In my opinion, this is a brilliant idea ...when you find yourself in a desperate, "Apocalypses" situation : no money, lost your job, your home....( well, only if you bought it before all that happened to you).

For recreational purposes ? I can't even picture myself biking with that camper behind on city roads. Can you ?

The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park videos

Since my first visit to the Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park in Issaquah, I haven't done a whole lot of mountain biking. Somehow, after that park, "mountain biking" anywhere else, just doesn't feel like... " mountain biking".

The videos below got me stoked again, and now I can't wait to go back for more jumps and drop-offs. Jump and freeride lines in the park range the full spectrum from beginner ( the Luna lines) to intermediate (a trail called 2Hi) to advanced (Paramount, DWR and others), allowing novices to start off small and experts to hit it big from the get-go.

To improve your skills and build confidence, try "the progressive drops" in the center of the park.

If you haven’t yet visited the park, it’s time you came and checked out the spectacle.

Biking Lake Wilderness and the Cedar River Trails

I go biking along Interurban trail almost every other week. Sometimes for fun , others for a good work out. But I was growing tired of the same route, same scenery, same level of difficulty. I wanted to try something new.

I wrote before about great mountain biking trails in Black Diamond. Just 5 miles away in Maple Valley there is another great spot for both mountain and leisure biking.

Lake Wilderness Park is a large regional park with lots of prime shoreline, preserved forestland, and meandering pathways. I used it as my starting point. From here you can take a short gravel trail to the Cedar River trail.





If you are an avid cyclist, you've probably biked along the Cedar River Trail. It's a long ride from Maple Valley to Renton ( it was for me ). The trail follows the Cedar River and offers a few great spots to take a lunch break.

or

From Lake Wilderness Park you can take a long gravel trail that goes to...
Well, honestly, I am not exactly sure where it goes. According to the map, it looks like the trail goes to Lake Sawyer area. But it might be Henry's Ridge.

But it sure was fun ! The trail ends ( for me ) with old railroad tracks. Along the "main" trail there are many smaller trails that branch off, but they are all linked together ( so it's very unlikely that you'll get lost ).





If you've ridden these trails before, please let me know about the name and any other additional information for our readers.