Road Cycling - This weekends ride - Alpine Loop (pics.)

I took along a $3 disposable camera with me on last fridays ride, I'll attach a few of the images to this thread.

The ride is called the Alpine Loop, a 54 mile ride around Mt Timpanogos, a 11,500+ mountain. The ride gains close to 4,500 vertical feet. You also have the option to take a side road to cascade springs, that will add another 1,500 vertical feet to the ride, as well as a side road to Tibble Fork Reservoir, another 800 vertical feet of climbing. If you take all options, you can extend the ride to 70+ miles, and 6,800 vertical feet of climbing.

On this ride, I opted for the standard loop ride, 54 miles, it took me close to 4hrs on the bike, I was able to avg 13.6 MPH. Not bad, at the summit of the climb, my computer showed just 7.7 MPH avg. Some of the sections reach 24%, most is a rather stiff 8%.

Picture: Mouth of the canyon. The canyon walls reach up a full mile above you.

Picture: A nice little warning. About a mile further we reach two switch backs, with an insane 24% grade.

Pic: I nice look back to AF Canyon, I am now half way up the first switch back, need air!

Pic: A little closer to the top, another view back to AF Canyon.

Pic: I am now near 7000 feet in elevation, the air was getting cold, and the leaves are starting to really change colors.

More fall colors:

Near the top, Im just a few hundred feet from the top of the loop, the look back was amazing.

The top! It's all down hill from here. My bike is leaning against the Ridge Trail sign post. A great mtn bike trail that drops down to the Tibble Fork Reservoir.

On the Provo Canyon side we find thousands upon thousands of aspen trees. It is not uncommon to see moose by the dozens around here. There are also a few black bears, but i have not yet seen one personaly.

The next stop was Sundance Ski Resort, owned by Robert Redford.

I used to spend alot of time at the ski resort on my mtn bike, they are open all year, and offer miles upon miles of lift accessible single track.

This last section of downhill is just above the ski resort. This section of road is amazing, its about a mile long, with wide sweeping turns. Its not hard to hit 50+ MPH :D

Once out of the canyon i have two options, a state highway, or a multi use bike path. I opt for the bike path. The Provo Canyon bike path has thre lanes, a runner lane, and two bike lanes. I have never had a problem on this trail, but i wont touch it on weekends. The path is around 15 miles long, and extends from Utah Lake, to the turn off at Sundance Ski Resort.

Another picture of the trail. The signs / markings on the trail are placed every 1/2 mile.

Bridal Veil falls is a mecca for ice climbers, offering 1,000 feet of ice climbing in the winter months. At one time there was a restaurant at the top of the falls, accessed by a 2 mile climb, or by the steepest tram ride in the states.

Awsome pics Joe thanks for sharing them. What was going through your mind as you rode those switch backs? Bet you sleept good after that days ride
catfish

Three years ago, an avalanche took out the tram, and gift shop at the bottom of the falls. The owner did not have any type of avalanche insurance, and lost a multi-million dollar business. Opps!

Also in this photo is the Provo River. Very low this year due to the drought. It is not uncommon to see fly fishers and white water kayak's on the river year round.

I once caught a 6 pound rainbow trout on this river, it was delicious!

Wow Joe, looks like you had a good ride. Thanks for the great pics, I just wish I had a place like that to ride near my neck of the woods.

The last pic, Mt Timpanogos! I'm about 5 miles away from the mountain right now, and still cant get it to fit in my camera lense!

Catfish, the two switch backs where killers! I could only manage to spin my lowest gear (39 x 25) at 30 rpm (standing on the pedals the whole way up! I think my speed at one time dropped down to just 3.4 MPH!

Kewlrunningz, Its a great ride, most roadies I know only attempt the loop two or three times a year. I did it back to back Thursday and Friday.

this is where a triple would be nice :-D

So very true! :)

Nice pics Joe! Looks like a great ride. The only problem I see is that I'm not in 'em. :D

Wow!

Nice pictures. Looks a lot like my commute! <g>

thanks again,
tt

Sweet pictures Joe! Lucky guy to have scenery like that.

Great pictures Joe. You are so lucky to have such a beautiful place to ride.
I'm moving to Utah as soon as I can find a job there. :D


There are also a few black bears, but i have not yet seen one personaly.
:eek: Glad to hear it. ;)


This section of road is amazing, its about a mile long, with wide sweeping turns. Its not hard to hit 50+ MPH.
You're braver than I am. I start easing on the brakes at about 38 mph.

Thats it, I'm moving to Utah!

Those pics are excellent
If and when I come to US . I'll definately put Utah on my 'places to see' list.

cheers

Originally posted by Tom_The_Bikeman
Nice pictures. Looks a lot like my commute! <g>tt

I could make this part of my commute, I live near the mouth of AF canyon, and work near the mouth of Provo canyon... 3hr commute? Not just yet.

Thanks Joe that reminds me why I've always liked Utah.
Joe
:beer:

Looks like a great place to have a BikeForums group ride. Anybody have a tow rope? Awesome pics, color me green with envy.

This trail may be closed for the winter now. The local ski resorts picked up 21" of snow (and counting!) the last few days, I would guess the loop has atleast 6" of snow on it.

I'm glad i got my ride in! :D

Fantastic pix - thanX for posting, Joe!!!!!