Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Cycling Past the Winter Blues in Rabbit Valley (Video)
Neil’s latest video, “Cycling Past the Winter Blues in Rabbit Valley,” is a more emotional view of his recent bikepacking experiences. With so much going on in the world, Neil zooms out and reflects on a recent trip that stuck with him…
Neil here. This one’s pretty straightforward, a quick overnighter from about a year ago that’s really stuck with me. Why? Well, it’s simple. When the clocks change, the daylight stretches, and that spring warmth starts creeping back, it means more opportunities to be outside comfortably, for longer, and to sleep under the stars without waking up shivering.
I try to get out every spring to Grand Valley or Moab, and living in the Gunnison area makes that relatively painless. So, last year’s plan was simple: map out a long, gravel route to test the Kona Ouroboros while soaking in those early spring days. I even convinced my buddy Eric to join me, and we kicked things off from Rabbit Valley.
Some trips have significance, whether it’s their length, difficulty, or something else. For me, this trip offered something unique, a moment that just sticks with you. Life is marked by significant events, some good, some not so much. And this ride was my last trip before my daughter was born.
Sure, you can chalk it up as one last hurrah before my world flipped upside down. But really, it was just a trip that reminded me of the simple pleasures of bikepacking. The freedom of letting everything else fall away, except the responsibility of taking care of yourself. Being out on your own, with everything you need to sleep under the stars. When you get that opportunity, even if it’s just for 24 hours, you take it.
We started the ride, and though it wasn’t exactly warm or calm—it was ours. Relatively open roads, some smooth, some rough. The goal was to find a good camp spot after a quick resupply in Cisco at the Buzzard’s Belly, a spot conveniently in the middle of nowhere right on route. We grabbed some water and snacks and made our way to the Kokopelli.
After a hard day on the bike, we found a camp spot, sat back, took in the La Sal views, and slept well. The morning was cold, but the sunshine and sense of accomplishment consistent with just being out bikepacking made it all worth it. We headed back to finish our loop on the Kokopelli Trail. It was definitely a rougher day of riding, but fewer miles made it manageable. This short trip was a reminder of the long and eventful life we live.
A month later, the Beltchenko party of three became a party of four. And this trip will always be remembered by the life-changing event that was on the horizon. Bikepacking and my family are everything to me, and the ability to have one thing remind me of the importance of the other? That’s pretty special. Plus, it’s spring, hurray! Let’s go ride.
Further Reading
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