Three Days and Two Nights

I love Moab. It is one of the most wondrous places in Utah (I'd say Earth but I have not really been so many places on Earth). We used to go to Moab much more than we do now. Mostly because we discovered mountain biking in St. George and the winters have been much, much nicer there the last couple of years. None the less, we spent three glorious days and two nights in Moab. And it was fan-tas-tic!
We rolled into town and parked at Lion's Park just south of the Colorado River. We got our stuff together and headed back North up the path (or old highway) to the Bar M area. Bar M is so much more now than it was just a couple of years ago. It used to just be an area we passed through, but now it is a destination of its own. We rode Lazy to EZ E, but first hit the new North 40 Loop. Crossed the dirt road and started on Deadman's Ridge to Bar B. It took us a moment to remember how these two trails connected. That means it has been way too long. Everything was perfect. We saw a surprising number young riders out with their parents. It was so cool to see that.
Then we continued on to Sovereign. (Surprised, I am sure.) Sovereign was ideal. I felt so good all day. I am still loving the1X10 set up on my Superfly. Not once did I feel I needed a lower gear. I was climbing well and finished the day spent but still strong.
Day 2: Porcupine Rim! This was a treat because we did not think it would be ridable. There was one icy section in shaded spot, but the rest was clear and as dry as we could have asked. I chose my Hi-Fi for this trail. I know I am a bit of a pansy, but the full suspension makes the descent so smooth. My legs felt the previous days nearly  five hours of effort on the climb to the trailhead and beginning ascent. I started to think maybe the Hi-Fi was not the right choice. It did not disappoint once we started to top out and head back down. Everything felt good. I had my Moab flow going. It was delightful.
We grabbed a quick bite at the hotel and headed out to Pipe Dream. We had some friends raving about this trail as we were doing 24 Hours of Moab. So it was on our "must hit" list this time.It met our expectations. We parked at the Hidden Valley Trail Head and did an out and back. I opted for my Superfly again. The sign suggested a "No Dab" challenge defining a "dab" as putting a foot down. I took on the challenge and fell short in both directions. Three dabs out (heading North) and one on the way back (heading South). Next time for sure.
Day 3: Amasa Back w/ Pothole Arch. This is a classic Holley ride. I sacrificed my Superfly for the day to Chris who broke a spoke and slit a tire on Pipe Dream. So he stole my rear wheel and I was on my Hi-Fi again in order to avoid Moab inflated prices. I felt sluggish going up the trail, but smooth on the descents. The trail to and from Pothole Arch just flowed. And then we rallied back down to the trailhead.
Then we headed back to Pipe Dream. This time we parked on the road off of Kane Creek and did an out and back in the opposite direction. This will likely become our standard protocol for this trail. I came so close to being dab-free on the way out, but lost focus. It is always on some piddly little something that I messed up. Then ended up putting a foot down a couple of more times. I shared with Chris my distress and showed him the challenge. It was on, last chance, heading back to the car. I tried to stay focused. I would get nervous the closer we got. Chris yelled out in frustration as he put a foot down. We got closer and closer. Yep. I was dab-free. Last time. Heading North.
We had 12 plus hours of riding in us and called it. We packed up and headed home. The weather could have been warmer, but it definitely could have been colder. We missed some base jumpers, which was disappointing. But all in all a absolutely amazing weekend. Topped off with a late Thanksgiving celebration with my in-laws on Sunday. I am incredibly grateful for all that I have.