10 Miles of Hell

[DigDug 0]

I don't want to try to make it sound worse than it is or unnecessarily scare anyone away from trying it, but there is a reason that the trail has earned the name 5 miles of hell. That's not its original name by the way. I read an interesting piece on it and it was originally called the Red Trail. The hell part came later after folks started riding it on something besides trials bikes.

There is a "Red Trail" that starts from the same location as 5MOH - different trail - same terrain but quite a bit easier than 5MOH proper.

Forward then reverse sounds like a great idea! Just thinking about most of the obstacles, I think it'd be easier in reverse as you'd be going down the rougher stuff, but the physical challenge would wear you out! I think the real kicker would be figuring out how to bring enough water!!! (I guess if someone doesn't want to do 5MOH they can meet you at the end to refuel and rewater your bike and you before you turn around - it's an easy access trail to the end)

For us guys that aren't used to doing that type of riding, I'd highly recommend doing the Moab stuff first, then attack 5MOH (or 10MOH) on the way back for two reasons: 1 - It's a completely different type of riding and the Moab stuff will let you warm up on, practice, and get used to the type of manuvers you'll need to successfully ride in San Rafael Swell. 2 - There's a decent chance that you'll do some damage to your bike (or body for that matter) on 5MOH and it would be a shame to miss out on the Moab stuff if you can't repair your machine or self.

Here's how I'd do it: Do Moab for 2 or 3 days and ideally (I know it may be impossible due to time constraints) take a day off (could do an easy dirt ride or possibly a "Jeep tour" type ride. Or do a driving tour through Arches, etc). Move to San Rafael Swell the next morning and ride the "Red Trail" that afternoon. If you're having trouble on the Red Trail, you should not even attempt 5MOH since you'll be a serious liability to the group and risk getting yourself stranded. If you like the Red Trail - get up early and do 5MOH the next morning (there are other great trails there for those that don't want to attempt 5MOH).

Just my 2 cents...

I have the utmost respect for anyone who can complete the trail on a 450 to 530 sized dual sport bike.

Don't tell me you're going to wimp out and do it on the trials bike again!!!

(It's not that much harder on an enduro - and a 4-stroke 250lb bike is just perfect for it... No way I'd be wanting to fight a 2-stroke powerband through some of that stuff - lugging is the way to go when you can't always find the clutch cause your front end is bouncing all over the place!!! )

I'd love to go - we'll have to see how the timing works out!!!

I might try and do a fall trip up there beforehand if anyone is interested... Depends on timing/schedules/etc...

[darylhunter 1]

Here's part 1 and 2 of the Legend of 5MoH article.

Good read.

http://dirtbike.off-road.com/dirtbike/ride...e/detail/332287

http://dirtbike.off-road.com/dirtbike/ride...e/detail/332288

Things have changed for sure since the article because the 5MoH trail is marked by white paint now.

[darylhunter 1]

I'd orignally been hoping to make it out there again this October, but travel schedule with work is looking to get in the way.

Pretty doubtful for me as things stand now.

[BC330 0]

Well after watching a bunch of you-tube vids... I AM ALL IN, but I should probably check with the little lady in regards to the timing. As for what bike to use? You are nuts not to ride a trials bike, yah its almost like cheating, but why bash your $8,000 dirt bike, when yhou can hop over all the big stuff and have fun doing it. No seat, I didn't much trail that your gonna need a seat for! I hope to be able to make it, this looks like its my kinda thing.

BC

[mctrails 38]

I vote for 10MoH first. It would be good warm up for Moab. I like the idea of riding the red trail first then go like hell. There are a few other trails in the area that would be nice to check out while we're there. As for bikes, I still want to do it on the 300. I'm still not as comfortable on the trials bike as I am on the 300. The trials bike wears me out too fast.

[PIERCALIF 0]

You guys did it... you scared me off...

I am one those once a week guys, lately once a month maybe, always busy always unfit, but always ready for adventure...... I got the message gym first.

I have been to coral canyon and that was handful for me, especially in the heat I almost passed out for not drinking enough water..

See you all in a few months

[karlaeda 0]

You guys did it... you scared me off...

I am one those once a week guys, lately once a month maybe, always busy always unfit, but always ready for adventure...... I got the message gym first.

I have been to coral canyon and that was handful for me, especially in the heat I almost passed out for not drinking enough water..

See you all in a few months :beach:

Hey Pier- we should tag along sometimes, would make an awesome team of newbies!...almost said cheer squad.

[BC330 0]

Wow, I just found this on Racer x. I hope we can all make some noise, and keep this area open. Please take a minute to go to racerxill.com and follow the links to help fight to keep Utah open.

("U.S. House Subcommittee Consider Banning Riding on 9.4 Million Acres

Hearing on Oct. 1 to focus on a ban of off-highway riding on more than 9 million acres of Utah land

Sep 23 2009 12:08PM

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PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- In a surprise move, the chairman of a U.S. House subcommittee has scheduled a hearing for next week on a proposal that would ban off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and bicycles from more than 9 million acres of public land in Utah, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

The AMA is urging all riders to contact their U.S. representatives immediately to ask them to oppose the proposal, H.R. 1925, which is the America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2009. Concerned riders can contact their federal lawmakers by going to the Rights section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and then clicking on the "Issues and Legislation" link.

While U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, who is chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands, has yet to officially announce his intention to hold the hearing, the AMA has confirmed that H.R. 1925 will be considered on Thursday, Oct. 1.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey of New York, would ban motorized recreation on 9.4 million acres of public land in Utah by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness.

The devastating proposal would impact the Moab, San Rafael Swell and Chimney Rock riding areas, among others.

"The measure is totally unreasonable and completely unacceptable," said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "Continued responsible access to public lands is a vitally important right for current and future generations.

"This is just the latest step in a massive land grab being orchestrated nationwide by anti-access forces who are seeking to eliminate responsible off-highway riding on public lands by any means necessary," Moreland said. "They want to turn all public land into their own exclusive playground.

"It's important to note that this legislation would make sweeping changes to existing riding areas despite the fact that much of the land to be classified as Wilderness is already managed by federal agencies through local processes and decisions," Moreland added. "The best management of public lands is through local input, and the fact that a member of Congress from New York is proposing closing land in a state where none of that state's own representatives support the bill makes this measure even more unfair to those who live and recreate in Utah."

In 1964, Congress approved the National Wilderness Act that essentially set the criteria for designating land for Wilderness protection. That law was to preserve land that "generally appears to have been affected primarily by the force of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticed."

The law led to a nationwide survey of public land to determine whether it should be designated as Wilderness. Since 1964, some 107 million acres nationwide have earned the designation.

"The AMA strongly supports properly designated Wilderness areas," Moreland said. "But anti-access opportunists who oppose off-highway riding are misapplying the intent of Wilderness as a means to push responsible riders off our nation's public lands. It is a disturbing trend that, if allowed to continue, may ultimately spell the demise of responsible motorized recreation on public lands. Indeed, as we speak, there are about a dozen Wilderness bills being considered on Capitol Hill that would close about 36 million acres to off-highway riding. It's patently unfair that so many appropriate off-highway riding areas are being taken away without additional new opportunities being introduced."

Earlier this year, Congress fast-tracked a bill with little public input that President Obama then signed into law to designate as Wilderness some 2 million acres in several states nationwide.

"So with the stroke of a pen, off-highway riding was banned forever, and even more public land is threatened now with closure," said Moreland.

All riders who want to take action on this matter can immediately contact their federal lawmakers by selecting the Issues and Legislation link in the Rights section of the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.)

Thanks for reading

Brent

[Crawdaddy 96]

......"U.S. House Subcommittee Consider Banning Riding on 9.4 Million Acres

Hearing on Oct. 1 to focus on a ban of off-highway riding on more than 9 million acres of Utah land.....

Saw the same posting over at D37........what B.S.

They already closed the lower/single track portion of the Porcupine Rim trail in Moab.....it's bicycles only now.......glad Doug, Mickey and I got to ride it while it was still open to motorcycles :beach: