On June 7^th, 2008  the San Juan Hut Systems donated a free Telluride to Moab hut trip to Bret Weitzel and his team toward his efforts to raise money for the Children's Cancer Fund of New Mexico. Brett is a cancer survivor and made the ride just eight months after having his right leg amputated following a 13-year battle with cancer. You can visit Brett's web site here and read more about his story. 

Click through here to see the article about the trip that appeared tin the Moab Times newspaper

 

One of the most common questions asked by riders is "what kind of carry system should I use?" Joe Ryan owner of the San Juan Hut Systems offers this advice.

 
You basically have 3 options, pannier bags, trailers, and backpacks.

I recommend panniers and a solid rack like those made by Old Man Mountain (see our resource tip here). Stay away from seat post racks at all costs. They just plain can't handle this terrain and will break.  We have had several calls from riders telling us their seat post rack broke and they had to leave gear in a hut. Old Man Mountain racks are available through our local shop Peak to Peak Bicycles .

 

Trailers, why bring a trailer? You shouldn't need that much stuff. That's why you signed up for a San Juan Hut Systems trip. We provide most everything you need.  Trailers also are not a good option in mud. On spring and monsoon season trips (around July 10 to about September 10) you will see a lot of mud. The mud you encounter on routes is not your typical mud; it is the super gooey stuff that will gum up a trailer in no time leaving you in a world of hurt. Trailers will also prevent you from having maximum fun on the alternate single track routes.

 

A good backpack or hydration pack is a fine option as long as you aren't carrying too much. If you can travel ultra light this is all you should need. A big heavy pack on your back however is a sure way to take the fun out of a trip. It will throw you off balance and cause you serious pain.

The weather in the San Juan's has been great!  Lots of snow melt and minimal rain.  The Durango Route has packed snow on the east side of Bolam Pass.  Riders currently have to walk 3-4 miles over snow pack to get to the Bolam Pass Hut on the first day.  Heading out on the second day, riders will experience another 3-4 miles of the same snow packed conditions before making it to the road.

Telluride Route...is beautiful.  No snow on the route and mud conditions are minimal!

The weather has been great in Colorado!  We have had very little rain and lots of snow melt!  On the Durango Route, riders will experience 4-5 miles of packed snow leading up to the first hut at Bolam Pass.  Again, this snow is packed and can be walked on.   Several groups have headed out already so the trail is easily found.  Heading down to the road from Bolam Pass Hut on day two, riders will experience 3-4 miles of the same packed snow conditions.

Telluride Route....looking great!  No snow on trail!

Jeremy and Joe have been out in the field all week.  They have indicated that the snow at Last Dollar Hut is quickly melting!  The ground is muddy, but the trail is open for riding.  Our first trip of the season went out on June 1st!

Preparing for the 2008 season has left us with little free time!  Recent improvements to the huts include the installation of Food Composting Bins, new kitchen sinks (with drains), and the Gateway Hut now has a sleeping/sitting deck!

A big thanks to all of you that entered our first photo contest. Choosing winners was not easy, but we have made our picks for the first, second, and third place winners.

3rd place goes to Cobun Keegan for this image captioned;
 
"Shafts of light fall on Steve and Ryan as they lead through the trees. "

Remember the entry deadline in May 1st for the San Juan Hut Systems Photo Contest. Don't miss your chance to win a FREE trip on the SJHS bike routes. Click here to see the entries posted on the SJHS's Flickr group so far, and add yours before the closing deadline.

Rules and entry details for the contest are posted on the San Juan Hut Systems web site on the Photo Album page.

Prizes:

First Prize: Free trip for two people on either route (based on availability)

Second Prize: Free trip for one person on either route (based on availability)

Third Prize: Ω price for one person on either route (based on availability)

www.sanjuanhuts.com

The San Juan Hut Systems Mountain Bike Routes are featured this week in a story on the Away.com web blog.

Away.com is an extension of GORP Travel.com a leading on-line outdoor travel guide service where both the Durango, and the Telluride routes are featured.


Have a look at their write up on the blog at:
http://blogs.away.com/travel_guide/2008/04/adventure-escap.html

We would love to hear about your trip! Please share the story of your adventure on any of the San Juan Hut Systems Ski Huts or Bike Routes. We love to hear about the fun had you can have out there. Plus your story might help make someone else's trip better.

Just add your story as a comment to this thread.