Day 1: Gemini Bridges to Metal Masher return Gemini Bridges on Mountain bikes
Time out: 4:30-5:00 hours
Miles: Maybe 25-30? who knows?
Scenery: Unbelievable
Technical difficulty: High
Cardio difficulty: Intermediate - maybe 4000 ft of climbing?
The road went straight up to the Mesa. It was sandy and rocky...hardest road I have ever ridden. I could still see the car when I fell....my only time on the ground (rocks). We stopped at the Bridges....Sandstone that was 30ft wide x 30 ft thick x 100ft long spanning a big ass hole created by water.....don't get too close to the edge!Then the Masher....a big technical climb and Teenie is on the ground 4x.....a couple I saw and they were hard.
Then we descended forever on huge nearly solid rock. I was off the bike walking a few times but barely stayed ahead of Teenie when was walking. Every foot held potential tragedy.
We lived....I have a broken wrist...
Day 2: Arches National Park on Road bikes
Time out: 3 hours
Miles: 45
Scenery: Unbelievable
Climbing: 3300 ft.
This is a beautiful out and back ride. Teenie bounced back and drove sag. We were joined by a friend of Jim/Beth, Ken. He is a good rider and just bought a place in Brevard.
The day was pleasant and lacked drama!
Day 3: Hike to the Arch
Time: 1.5 hours
Miles: 3
Climbing: 1000 ft
Technical difficulty: Easy (Life threatening as it turned out)
We got out to the trailhead about 10AM and there were old folks, fat folks and kids.....I thought, "How hard can this be?" We headed out with climb ahead and soon reached the Arch. We took pics and then Ken suggested a different way back. Beth and I ask about danger and difficulty about 4x total. The last time we ask, Ken said one of the most terrifying phrases an outdoor person can hear: "Follow me!"One minute later I was below the Arch (on a solid piece of sandstone) on 40 degree slant. If my shoes lost there grip or rolled over, it was 200 ft drop to death........no broken bones, no hospital, just death.
It was about 10 feet to safety and I was good. Then Beth, came out. She was terrified and wanted my hand. It took a second to determine if I wanted to die with her if she slipped.........but I extended my hand. It was no act of bravery. Teenie, now seeing the danger, wisely backed up and walked about half mile around and met us below.
We ended the day with a 1.5 hour spin along the Colorado River........we saw ancient Indian drawings and marveled at the 200 foot shear cliffs along the river.
When I got back from the spin, I got word my Dad had died. He was 87 and had a long illness as many of you know. Teenie and I had spent 3 days with him less than 2 weeks prior. It was a blessing but an emotional time. Probably will connect Moab to his death for a long time.
Many of you and many other friends have been there for Teenie and I...
Thanks.
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