Parleys Canyon Riders: THE BIG LOOP

First off, have you ever noticed that the name of the club is called the Parley’s Canyon Riders (PCRs) but we NEVER ride Parley’s canyon??

Anyway, THE BIG LOOP lived up to its name. (Woody is calling it the THE DAM BIG LOOP) We laughed, we cried (well almost), it was a roller coaster of emotions. We left the base of Big Cottonwood at the crack of 5:50 despite the scheduled time of 5:30 as three members got lost getting to the start line. Hummmmmm. Not a great omen that played out in the first 30 minutes as Prez Hale flatted twice, or was it three times - the story seems to change by the day. (Remedial lessons in changing a tire will be offered by yours truly for a nominal fee) Regardless, we all met up at the top of Guardsman Pass, what a relief it is to finally get to the top of that climb! One person who does not need to be called-out (Woody) grabbed a lift from a passing truck part way up Guardsman so he was feeling pretty good at the top.

We then pointed the bikes downhill and the group splintered with 6 of 7 getting to the Maverick Station - where the crap Hale went I have no idea. The group stayed splintered in non-warring factions until Coalville where mass quantities (say it like a Cone Head) of breakfast food was consumed. I, for one had a great meal, and then regretted it for the next hour or two. Kim the Tow Truck then pulled the group to Henefer at a constant 22 mph, kinda like a human metronome- it was awesome. Woody, of course, stopped for a picture, and was never able to hook back on until we got into town.

At this point legs were starting to feel fatigued as the temperature rose into the 90’s during the climb up the Hogback and then the drop into East Canyon Resort. Ice, cold drinks and food were bought and quickly consumed before the last push up the back side of Big Mountain. Never an easy climb, and certainly not with 90 miles in your legs and the temp at 95 degrees. Now as I was last up the climb, I have to recount the rest of this from the whispering of others. First, it seems that WOODY and Joey called for rides home and were met at the top of Little Mountain. Putz's. Second, GQ called an audible and instead of going over Little Mtn dropped down to I-15 and rode the freeway (mad man) to the Millcreek area.

It was billed as an epic ride and it was. At the end my Garmin read 108.4 Mies with 9,035' of climbing. Now say it with me in the voice of Gladiator - ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!

What a great day, thank you all.

Best

King of Tarts