Rural Ways Rides Navajo

This is one of Valerie's favorite bike rides. And, I can see why. Ten to twelve miles of single-track along the shores of Navajo Lake. The riding is not difficult—I didn't have to unclip from start to finish—but that doesn't mean it is boring. There are roots and rocks and whoop-de-doos enough to keep one's attention, and even a few steep sections to push the heart rate up. We went to Navajo on Friday morning to goof-off a little before my next work-trip to northern Utah. The weather was fine and the trail was deserted (we saw just two other people). We bailed off the trail at the Lodge and rode the last mile on the road. We didn't feel like climbing up and around the summer cabins at the west end of the lake. When we got home, we looked in the guidebook and they said that you should ride the loop the other direction: The climb around the summer homes is less steep going that way, and you get it over-with while your legs are still warming up. We'll have to try that next time. Of course, since my last ride was in July 2010, we may need to wait until the end of 2012 for another report.