Park City has already been honored as a Gold Level Ride Center by the IMBA, and now our little mountain biking hamlet has yet another award to toot about, as the Park City Epic ride has been awarded an IMBA 2013 Epic. Guess that makes sense based on the name, eh?
The ride that gets a blue ribbon tagged to its singletrack is a classic loop that begins in Park City, climbs up Armstrong Trail and Pinecone Ridge, traverses on the Wasatch Crest Trail, descends to the Canyons resort, and goes back to PCMR on the Mid Mountain Trail. It’s a long, 26-mile ride that we all know is full of buffed-out singletrack, amazing views from the Crest, and some of the best downhill terrain in the state.
Other Epic rides awarded this year include Cooper’s Gap in Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania, Ollalie Ridge in Sisters, Oregon, and the Alps Trail in Davos Switzerland. The IMBA says that the intent of awarding Epic rides is to honor those trails that are singletrack adventures in a natural setting. They have to be true backcountry riding experiences that are technically and physically challenging, with more than 80 percent singletrack and at least 20 miles in length.
Here’s what the IMBA has to say about the Park City Epic:
“It’s no secret that we adore Park City — the area remains IMBA’s only gold-level Ride Center. This Epic ride serves up 26 miles of singletrack-intensive riding. Begin with a 10-mile climb up Armstrong—a one-way trail—topping out at 9,884 feet. The descent on the Wasatch Crest trail will soothe your legs and your soul, with 360-degree views of the mountainous, alpine landscape. The ride finishes off in the pine trees as you traverse the Canyons ski resort area. If 26 miles isn’t enough, several trails intersect this ride, providing multiple options to extend your day.”
Well, in case you needed another excuse to ride your bike in park City, looks like the IMBA just gave you one. How lucky are we to live in Utah where there are so many world-class trails? Pretty cool.
To check out all the other awarded trails in 2013, head on over to www.imba.com