Saturday, April 24, 2010

Pony Express Trail 60 Miler


The Pony Express Trail, other wise known as "the Pony". Many stories have been written and recalled about this famous mail trail. In utah it's path is marked by the occasional stone monument and even less occasional metal marker post. Off-road enthusiasts, scouts, hikers, bikers, cattle and sheep men commonly frequent it's path. For us it was a training ride in preparation for the W.R.I.A.D. or White Rim In A Day.
We decided to begin at the top of Lookout Pass so that we could end on an uphill, as the White Rim does. It was 6:30 in the morning and about 40 degrees so as we descended the path our fingers began to hurt, then numb, then hurt as the sun later hit them. Sixteen miles later we saw the first land mark; Simpson Springs and the small outpost cabin that has been re-erected. The area was full of scouts and others visiting the remote location. Here we stopped to mess with the bikes, okay Guthrie's bike, ditch some clothing and use the facilities.
From this point on there were no more large sites, We saw only one other marker as we continued along the road, which from all estimation appeared to go on for miles and miles until reaching the mountains on the other side of the valley. One note of excitement was the herd of sheep we passed through. We were tempted to put one on out shoulders and ride away, just for some added interest, but were quickly disuaded when a very large dog, that looked to be a husky lab mixed, rapidly approached, I shielded myself behind Guthrie.

After Thirtly miles we reached our turnaround point out in the middle of nowhere and sat down for our lunch of a sandwich, Gu Gels, Gatorade and granola bars. This is the view from each direction.

From here we turned around and returned the way we came. While we enjoyed the ride out, the ride back began to get very boring, with the same scenery, same roads but no sheep this time. At mile 50 we noticed there was actually green out in the desert and decided to take one last picture.

Mile 50, I have no idea where I am or what mountain that is. 10 miles later with sore butts and dirty legs we arrived back at the car. I enjoyed doing this once but will never do this as an out-n-back again. Next time, there will be a next time, we will do a point to point.
Total Distance - 60.5 miles
Total Ride Time - 5:20
 Average Speed - 11.3 mph
Food Eaten - One Peanut Butter and Honey Sandwich, Three Gu Packs, Two Endurolyte Tablets, 1 Fruit Snaxx, 1 Granola Bar. . .
Sore Butts - 2