Mountain Bike: Park City. Jared Hargrave

       Tire-level view of the RTS Loop (Route 19)

      It’s a good idea to carry all of these items, just to be prepared for any bike mechanical failures such as broken chains or flat tires. I like to carry a small backpack or hip pack, but you can divide these items up into frame bags. I also bring a packable rain shell in case of cloudburst or unexpected chilly weather.

      In addition to the above mountain biking gear, it’s always a good idea to pack the Ten Essentials, a list developed by The Mountaineers. The point of this list has always been to answer two basic questions: Can you prevent emergencies and respond positively should one occur (items 1–5)? And can you safely spend a night—or more—outside (items 6–10)? Use this list as a guide and tailor it to the needs of your outing:

      1.Navigation

      2.Headlamp

      3.Sun protection

      4.First aid

      5.Knife

      6.Fire

      7.Shelter

      8.Extra food

      9.Extra water

      10.Extra clothes

      Obviously, these lists are comprehensive. Packing everything on them would be overkill on short three-to six-mile rides. If the weather is perfect and the forecast looks clear, some food, water, sunscreen, and your repair kit are all you’re likely to need. It feels great to ride without the weight of a pack on your shoulders. But if you’re setting off on a longer ride that covers many miles and most of the day, then it’s best to be self-sufficient and bring all of the above items. Being prepared is especially important if you’re alone or planning on exploring trails at higher elevations and in more remote areas.

      When you’re recreating at high elevation, drinking enough water is important, especially while mountain biking. A single water bottle on your bike frame is often not enough on long rides. The Institute of Altitude Medicine recommends drinking 1 to 1.5 liters of water daily when you’re above 5000 feet. Therefore, carrying a pack with a hydration bladder ensures that you have enough hydration for longer rides.

       E-BIKES

      Electric bikes, or e-bikes, have become very popular in recent years. In fact, e-bikes are the fastest growing category in cycling. But new technology can cause controversy. And in the mountain biking world nothing has been more controversial than e-bikes. So, what’s the problem? Basically, the trails in Park City are nonmotorized and many people consider e-bikes motorized vehicles. As I write this, e-bikes are prohibited in Park City on natural surface trails and are limited to paved bike trails. However, the ordinance allows people 65 and older, or those with mobility issues, to ride e-bikes on all trails. This ordinance may change in the near future; check with any Park City bike shop or contact Mountain Trails Foundation or Basin Recreation to find out more.

      E-bikes are allowed on some trails in this book, including all trails inside Utah State Parks (Wasatch Mountain and Jordanelle) and the High Star Ranch trail system. Until state or national laws are passed allowing e-bikes on all trails, it’s best to check with the appropriate land agency to determine if e-bikes are allowed on your chosen route.

       FAT BIKES

      Fat bikes are becoming very popular for riding in the snow. Park City is an awesome place to fat bike and many of the trails in this book can be ridden in the winter. Mountain Trails Foundation and Basin Recreation groom the trails for multiuse in certain areas.

      Perhaps the best venue for fat biking is Round Valley. All four trailheads are open in the winter, and signs point the way for the trail’s preferred use. Other fat biking areas include Willow Creek between Park City and Kimball Junction, Ecker Hill Middle School, and The Woods of Parleys Lane near Summit Park.

      Outside established, groomed areas, you can always fat bike other singletrack as long as the snow isn’t too deep or soft. Anything that’s not within a ski resort’s boundary is fair game. The Glenwild area, Rail Trail, and the East Park City trails like Lost Prospector are good options when snow conditions are primo.

       RULES OF THE TRAIL

      The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) launched its Rules of the Trail to educate mountain bikers and serve as a pro-bike advocacy tool. The trails in Park City are extremely popular and sometimes crowded, especially with hikers and other trail users like equestrians. Be courteous and follow these guidelines for responsible riding to ensure that mountain bikers keep access to trails for years to come.

       Respect the Landscape

      Respect your local trail builders and be a good steward of the physical environment. Keep singletrack single by staying on the trail. Practice Leave No Trace principles. Do not ride muddy trails because it causes rutting, widening, and maintenance headaches. Ride through standing water, not around it. Ride on (or walk) technical features, not around them.