After a very slow start most of our trails are now rideable. A few still have snow in a a couple of spots. The highest trails are still too snowy to ride but we've got some serious warmth today so they'll probably open by the end of the month.

I took my usual mountain biking riding trip to Utah and, for the first time, Arizona for April. That was a great way to get the season rolling. We tried the San Rafael Swell (UT) first. It was a bit early and the biking there seemed to me to be mostly done by 'local knowledge'. I've gotta get back to Price though as it seemed to have a lot of trails. Then on to Hurricane for the usual wonderful riding scene there. In addition to our old standbys we discovered some really terrific riding near Prescott AZ. Sedona had potential and tons of trails but was pretty crowded even that early in the season. On the way back we hit the jackpot at Moab. As usual, the town was hectic but we got a great spot on BLM land and boondocked right near a trailhead for several days.

Yesterday I rode Redtop which was in good early season condition. A couple of snowy spots and a bit wet in places, but great fun to get out on - especially on the new bike (Intense Tracer). I'm far from a downhill bomber but this new bike seems to make the drops easier. The hairpins don't seem quite as simple as on my old 26er (Stumpjumper FSR) but I think just need me to adjust to the new bike's geometry.