Dawn Patrol
I roll up to the trailhead in the dark. The air isn't cold but it feels pleasantly cool as I step out of the truck and begin to ready my gear for the ride. The parking lot is empty and I release the hounds to their own devices before swinging a leg over my bike, hitting start on the Garmin and heading up the hill.
Per the usual, the first switchback hurts. My legs are burning as they start to warm up, but within a few minutes, I find my rhythm and settle in. The sky is starting to fade. The dark of night is being chased out by the oncoming sunrise. The grey slides toward light and deep blues begin to appear on the horizon. These soon transition toward yellow, then orange and then a deep red. A few more minutes, some more elevation gained, and I have to stop to bare witness as the sun peaks and then pops over the Zion Skyline in the east.
I smile, remount and keep pedaling.
Southern Utah is well known for it's amazing riding. It's also well known for it's amazing weather. With one small caveat, Summer.
A lot of folks believe that we have a 9 month riding season, that we basically hole up and hibernate when the temps climb into triple digits. Luckily, for us locals, we know the secret. Southern Utah is 100% a year round riding destination.
Within about 30 minutes of leaving the comfort of the AC in my truck, I'm at the top. I stop, water the dogs and take a few minutes to cool down and take in the views. The sun is above the horizon now. I can feel the warmth on my back. Looking down on the Bear Claw Poppy, I can see that I am not the only one up enjoying the best time of day.
I toss the dog bowl in the pack, drop the post and with a couple of pedals I'm headed down hill. I'm now looking into the sunrise as I let gravity do its thing pulling me and my bike back down toward the trailhead. A smile naturally stretches across my face as I let thing roll out effortlessly under me.
The key to year round riding is to revel in every sunrise. Set your alarm. Have the coffee ready and hit the trailhead by 6. Be consistent with the Dawn Patrol and you'll find yourself craving that morning time. While the masses are tucked away in their climate controlled boxes, the trails are there just for you and you get to witness the best moment of the day. The moment when the sun peaks out over the Zion Skyline and creates the most beautiful sunrises.
I scream down the downhill enjoying the breeze across my skin as the sun climbs higher in the sky. The heat is coming and I can feel it, but I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be.
I roll back to the truck, sweating but very stoked. I load up the dogs, give them some more water and hang out for a minute enjoying the morning. I got a ride in, caught the sunrise and I still have the whole day ahead of me to sit by the pool and work on my tan.
