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Bill Bikes My bicycling expeditions and jaunts |
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Road Trip Utah: Virgin River
25 April 2022
After driving from Santa Rosa to Barstow, the next day Old Grumble-Face and the Ogre reached St George in the extreme southwestern corner of Utah with plenty of time for a ride.I already knew about the Virgin River Trail, and my motel was only a mile or two away from the southern trailhead, so that seemed like a good route for stretching my legs. The VRT is a nicely paved multi-use path along the Virgin River, sometimes at the edge of homes and businesses, sometimes seemingly in somewhat more remote terrain, but never far from civilization.
During the first part of my ride I encountered dozens of bicyclists. Somewhat surprisingly, nearly all of them were aboard electric bikes. I was beginning to wonder if I had arrived in the middle of some kind of e-bike jamboree. About that time I ran into non-electric local rider Andy (although one of his mountain bikes is e-assist) and we pedaled up the trail together and conversed until he turned onto a side trail to head for home.
Anyway, thanks to Andy for the chat and congrats to St George for such fine bicycling infrastructure.
→ Local news about the VRT (Opens in new window/tab)
By the Man O War trailhead across the river from Bloomington Park.
Plenty of signs along the way.
Old Grumble-Face only made one wrong turn.
Looks like some Utah terrain.
Crossing the Santa Clara River, which is a tributary of the Virgin River, which is a tributary of the Colorado River. I'll be seeing the Colorado soon, but not today.
There's the Virgin River.
The warning seemed like it might be slightly overly cautious.
I ran into local rider Andy.
We rode along together for quite a while, and he filled me in on local riding, including—when I asked—his theories on why practically every bike on the trail was electric.
Eventually Andy turned up this side trail while I continued straight ahead.
Okay, now the warning makes a little more sense.
Old Grumble-Face with helmet firmly in place poses bravely beneath the dangerous threat of tumbling boulders.
Looking back down the trail.
A long section of boardwalk.
This was a Boy Scout's Eagle project. Very nice.
Ah! You know I can't resist any opportunity for a grumbly reflectie!
For the most part the trail was in excellent condition, very well maintained. This was the only graffiti I noticed.
Also missing in action: No sign of homeless encampments.
The Virgin River at the end of the Virgin River Trail by South Country Way in St George.
Time to turn around, head back toward the motel, and find something to eat.
← Back to "Introduction" ::: ::: Continue to "Zion National Park" →
Date: 25 April 2022
Time: 3:00 - 5:30
Weather: 80° F, mostly sunny
Route: Virgin River Trail, St George, Utah
Distance: 27 miles
Bike: Ogre
Riders: Solo
Comments? Questions? Suggestions? I'd like to hear from you.
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