Day 5: Onion Creek Loop

Today was our first of two days in Moab. We got an early start and headed south out of town. There was a road constuction delay and we had to wait for an escort car. The LaSalle Loop was being repaved and they had sprayed tar oil on the asphalt before putting on the second layer. We drove carefully on what might be slippery tar for mile after mile. Finally it ended and we had old asphalt to ride on, up in the mountains east of Moab.

Finally the pavement ended and we started out on a dirt road. This quickly became a Jeep road with very challenging terrain. There were lots of rocks, ledges, and for the first time, deep sand. The riding kept us in our toes and required paying attention and really using our riding skills. However the landscape was beautiful. We road down red rock canyons, had water crossings across a creek about 50 times, and riodr through very interesting terrain. Here are some pictures.

Here is a picture of me on the dirt road.

Here is Jake crossing the creek one of the many times we crossed it.

As we continued it got hot. Christian wanted to check off the box of having swam in the Colorado River. We found a spot by the river and he and Graham went for a dip. We had expected the river to be cold, but it was not. But what it was was filled with sediment.

After the dip in the Colorado it was only about 15 miles back to Moab. We showered and then headed out for an early dinner. After dinner we noticed something happening across the street at the visitors center. It was a gathering to promote and celebrate public lands, such as Arches and Canyon Lands. There were booths, live music, etc. but most importantly there was the Lorax, who kindly posed with all of us.

It was the end to a very good day of some of the best riding of the trip, as well as great scenery. We are tired and will sleep well tonight.