In the fall of 2015, I did a really cool bit of MTB jaunting through Utah and Colorado.  I did some high quality solo riding, meet up with some old friends, made some new ones and rode some bucket list quality trails that are already on my Top … list.  Riding in the aspens during the brief window that they are turning has been on my list for a long time.   So when a slow-down in my work schedule along with a tip-off on the aspens turning coincided I pulled the trigger.  I packed my truck with camping gear, two bikes, fly-fishing gear, every map and guide book of the regions I owned along with a cooler full of enough San Diego microbrew cans, bottles and growlers to keep half a dozen people chilling for a week .   After stuffing my laptop and GPS with tracks and waypoints I headed out.   I had some general ideas but my schedule was not set more than 2 days out and it was all subject to change.   This was a very loosey goosey vacation.   Just have a great time, see beautiful country and ride good stuff.  This trip really did turn out to be something I am going to be talking about for years to come.  Words and photos do not properly articulate in a meaningful way just what a life enriching experience each one these places were.  Here is what my on-the-fly itinerary turned out to be.

Day 1: A long drive to the San Rafael Swell in Utah.
Day 2: The Good Water Canyon Rim Trail, Utah
Day 3 Winter Park, Colorado
Day 4 Vail Pass Summit to Minturn via the Bowman Shortcut Trail and the Two Elks Trail
Day 5 Twin Lakes, (Colorado and Continental Divide Trail segments)
Day 6 Monarch Crest, Silver Creek and Rainbo Trails, An IMBA EPIC
Day 7 Flyfishing on the Arkansa river for a rest day
Day 8 The 401 Trail in Crested Butte
Day 9 The Doctor Park Trail in Crested Butte
Day 10 A long day of driving home