Mountain Biking Colorado Springs, 2nd: A Guide to the Pikes Peak Region's Greatest Off-Road Bicycle Rides

Rating:
Summary: Good update
Review: If you have an old copy of this book.. well.. ya' don't really need this one. It does add some rides around Colorado Springs and Monument as well as a detailed description of the Colorado Springs bike path system and Palmer Park (thank God for Palmer Park!)..

The info on the Wet Mountain Valley.. well it does seem outdated. This area is changing rapidly and the trails are getting pretty damaged.

I road the "Ghost Town Loop" which makes a good road ride.. but it used to be a dirt road ride.. not much different except the land developers are now raping the land full bore.

And the Rainbow Trail... man.. that used to be nice.. but now it's been destroyed by the ATVs.. it'll make you want to shoot the next ATV rider you see.. except you ride a bike so you probably don't shoot things... and ATV guys do shoot things.. so you'd be at a disadvantage..

So.. if you don't own the old book.. buy this one.. it is expanded and still the "bible" for riding the region.. If you already own the old one you probably don't need the new one.. though.. it couldn't hurt... and it's cheaper than a couple of tubes.

Rating:
Summary: Strange choice of places to ride!
Review: Since this is a second edition, I thought some things would be corrected, but David Crowell must not accually ride the trails in his book. Some of the worst inaccuracies are in the Wet Mountain Valley section. Ghost town loop is paved and goes along a housing area, not ghost towns. Rainbow Trail is NOT prime trail, it's extremely rocky, gravely and not at all enjoyable to ride! Many fellow riders have likened it to riding down a creek bed - not fun. Rides like Hermit Pass and South Colony are better suited for a 4-wheel drive jeep. I wouldn't suggest riding quite a few of the trails in his book but if you do, just beware!

Rating:
Summary: Essential gear for riders in the Pike's Peak Region!
Review: This is a must if you like to mountain bike and enjoy great views. Whether you are a resident or visitor to the area, this book provides everything you'll need to know about riding the trails in the region except for the current weather conditions...also a must. From novice to expert, there is something to be found for all skill levels in the trails listed in Fat/Trax. Trails defined in this book range from the "just on a whim-'cause the weathers so nice" 45 min. ride to the "better pack some food, water, and a bed-roll" overnighter. Sized for the trail, easy to follow, and priced right, this one inspires all skill levels to saddle-up and "crank" out a most enjoyable ride.