By Frank and Connie Venaglia - Capo’s CornerRed River is a wonderful place to enjoy riding a Mountain Bike. The area offers many trails with stunning views, abundant wild life usually hidden from motorized vehicles, crisp mountain air and meandering streams, old abandoned mines and cabins, along with the beauty of the Southern Rockies. Trails range from single track experienced rides to plush and wide mellow mountain road rides. Area trails accommodate both the beginners and expert rider.
Red River Ski Area
The Red River Ski area offers chair lift rides to the top of the mountain with racks available for your bike. The view is breathtaking! The trails on the back side of the ski area are fun intermediate rides. However, all the trail rides down are challenging with steep terrain that is rocky in spots. Also be prepared to jump a log. All trails down are recommended for expert riders only. Helmets are mandatory.
Try some of these local favorite trails:
Pioneer Canyon
Pioneer Canyon ride is one of my favorites. The Red River Mountain Bike Club has maintained around two miles of single track that parallels Pioneer Creek across from the road. I like to climb up the road around 600 vertical feet and blast down the single track. Pioneer Canyon is rich with mining history with over 16 mines along the road and trail. A map with information on locations and a brief history of each mine can be picked up at the Red River Chamber of Commerce or Capo’s restaurant.
For the aggressive riders, continuing up past the first water crossing will offer a rewarding challenge.
The Old Red River Pass
The ride up to the top of old Red River pass is a little under two miles on a dirt road that is smooth and well maintained. The view is spectacular with a panorama of Red River and the Upper Red River Valley, as well as many major mountain peaks. Continuing on the old pass road will take you into the Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area.
4th of July Canyon
At the top of the old Red River pass is the turnoff toward the 4th of July Canyon ride. Turn right (clearly marked) and with a little more climbing it will take you down through Foster Park and into 4th of July Canyon. It is a little over 4 miles down through the canyon, and then you will have around 7 miles to travel back to Red River on Highway 578.
Wild Rivers
Wild Rivers ride is on the high desert and travels along the Rio Grande Gorge. This ride is great for all ability level riders. The single track trail is relatively level and well maintained. One of the best trails to ride is about six miles long and starts at the Wild Rivers Ranger Station parking lot. Trail maps can be picked up there at the ranger station. The views are spectacular, especially looking down into the gorge where the Red River meets the Rio Grande.
Some Basics For A Safe, Fun Ride:
The best rides start with a good plan. Consider whether the ride matches your physical ability, making sure not to overextend yourself. Start riding slowly to warm up and stretch muscles often during the ride. Start back before getting tired because the trip back takes strength and endurance. If you get tired, stop and rest. This prevents making harmful mistakes. Riding with a friend is always a good idea and can enhance the trip while increasing your safety.
What you wear and carry with you can make all the difference, especially when it’s needed. Start with a snug fitting, well ventilated helmet. Dress in layers in snug fitting pants that will not catch on the bike seat. Having a water resistant wind breaker will keep you prepared for rapid weather changes. Light riding gloves will keep you more comfortable. Water can be carried conveniently in a water bottle mounted on the bike. Maps of the area and a high energy snack can be stuffed in pockets. Carry a whistle, spare inner tube, patch kit, tire levers, mini-tire pump, allen keys, adjustable wrench or a multi-bike tool with a chain tool, towelettes and bandaids in a seat pack fitting under the seat or in a fanny pack.
Ride on designated trails only and always ride in control. Yield right of way to slower trail users, hikers and horseback riders. Respect the environment and always stay on the trail. Respect trail closures and No Trespassing signs. Be sure and check on trail closings due to fire restrictions that might be in effect.
BUSINESSES