Yellow Fork Mountain Bike Ride
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. at Butterfield Park; 9:30 at Trailhead
5/6/11 UPDATE: Due to weather and trail conditions, we will still ride tomorrow morning, but will likely only be able to ride in the lower, easier areas. This will be perfect for beginner riders who would love a guided mountain bike ride! Healthy Herriman will continue to monitor the trail and reschedule intermediate/advanced rides as the trails improve.
The Yellow Fork mountain bike ride was so successful last year that we’ve decided to make it a permanent part of Pedal Palooza! Only minutes from Herriman, Yellow Fork has many amazing trails to bike and explore. With beginning, intermediate and advanced courses available, youth, men and women of all experience levels are encouraged to ride.
This event is free, but participants should register so we can plan on accommodating you! Please click HERE to let us know you’re coming.
Liability waivers will need to be signed before you can hit the trail with us. Click HERE to print the form and have it filled out ahead of time.
Where and when?
Yellow Fork mountain bike riders will meet at Butterfield Park in Herriman at 9:00 to receive ride instructions and details. After that, we’ll head for the mountain! Make sure you come prepared with:
- Mountain bike in good working order
- Helmet
- Hydration (water or other drink) and other food
- Adequate clothing for the weather
- Basic bike repair kit (CO2/pump, patch kit, spare tube, tool)
- A thirst for adventure
Safety Guidelines
If you are new to mountain biking, this is a perfect way to get a little experience. Please be aware of a few safety guidelines:
- Don’t ride beyond your ability. Pushing your limits is fun, but make sure you are not being stupid.
- Stay on the established trail. We want to keep the trail in good condition, so stay on it. No bushwhacking here. If you’re not familiar with the area, it would not be very difficult to get lost. And that is just no fun.
- Stop for horses and hikers. We don’t want to spook animals, especially huge ones with humans on top. When you see equestrian riders coming, stop, and pull off the side of the trail with plenty of room for them to get by. Most horses will walk right by, others are very intimidated to pass you. Make sure you say hello, too! Mr. Ed would be proud.
- Yield to other riders coming up hill. When you’re flying down the trail, it is your responsibility to yield and watch for others coming up.
- Stay to the right on the trail. Others will pass you on your left. If you’re the fast one, call out that you are going to pass “on your left.” Make sure they know you’re coming up.
- Stay in a group as much as possible. If something happens (crash, technical difficulties, aliens, etc), it is best to have others that can help nearby.
- Independent of what Mr. Luke Wilson wants you to believe, cell service is spotty on many sections of the trail. Don’t rely on it to save you. Come prepared.
Course map and information
For this event there will be three courses marked: an easier and shorter beginner trail (suitable for younger children), an intermediate course, and a longer advanced trail. We will ride the courses just prior to May 7 to check their safety. Please note that weather and trail conditions may cause us to reroute the courses, so meeting with our group prior to riding will be important.
Download all Trails in Google Earth Files (Zip Archive)
The beginner ride is a 1 1/2 mile loop, and even younger bikers should be able to easily complete this ride.
The intermediate ride is a 6 1/2 mile loop, with about a 1200 foot climb. Approximately 3 miles up and 3 miles down.
The advanced ride is a 9 1/2 mile loop with 1800 feet of climb. About 6 miles up and 3 miles down.
