Sept 6, 2008 Mike Carr, Rob Woolf, John Bissell and I rode Monarch Crest Trail/Rainbow Trail loop utilizing our own automobile shuttle to cover the gap from Poncha Springs to Monarch Pass.  The ride of roughly 35 miles and 2,600′ feet packs a tremendous amount of beautiful natural scenery and variable terrain into what is in reality a low effort given the long distance and lack of any major vertical climbs (e.g., no single hill climbs probably exceeds 200′).

Monarch Crest/Rainbow Trail start

However, there is trouble in paradise.  Where to begin.  First, the nifty shuttle that for a fee whisks riders from Poncha Springs gas station up to Monarch Pass summit three times daily on weekends at 8 am, 10 pm, and noon.  The current shuttle capacity per time slot is just over 40 riders for a grand total of 130 riders per day.  The day we did the ride all three shuttle time slots where at capacity days in advance.  The shuttle is not inherently evil - it meets a need.  Yet, it lowers the barrier to entry for those who would otherwise skip the ride due to the extra logistics of running their own shuttle.

Second, for reasons already illuminated this is a very popular ride.  Our group estimated conservatively that over 250 people did the ride that day.

Third, short sections of the trail, some up to a half-mile in length, have developed into broad loose challenging ‘v’ shaped runnels.

Fourth, recreational riders with poor equipment and skills abound.  I can’t recall any other time when I saw so many riders in sneakers on jalopies (e.g., one with an unleashed dog to boot).  Lastly, riders of all abilities displayed less then stellar trail etiquette on occasion.

Bottom line don’t bother to do the ride if it’s a weekend and you’re a serious rider with other options.  If you have to cow to the weekend scene I advise the following:

  1. Lower your expectations.  No matter the start time, shuttle option, solo or in a group, or how sweet the rider your going to have to share the trail like it or not.
  2. Communicate.  Ask other riders if they would like to pass or if you can pass.  Try to do so with a kind heart.  Due to the crowds your not going to be setting any time records, so why not make some friends along the way instead of enemies.
  3. Stop to smell the roses.  It’s really easy on this ride to get into head down mode.  Take a few breaks with your group, especially early in the high altitude buffed out trail sections, to enjoy your surroundings.