This is truly an epic ride that is not for a newbie or someone not able to stay in the saddle most of the day. The trail is about 26 miles long and starts high above Palm Springs at the 4000 ft level. . There is about 6000 ft of descending but also 2000 ft of climbing. It is all rough desert with no services, no water, no food and no easy out once you pass the upper loop turn off. There are lots of cactus, rocks and the trail follows the desert terrain up and down across hundreds of dry washes. You need lots of water, food and several tubes just in case. A spare hanger is a good idea. We will shuttle up from our meet point and should be riding by 9:30. Plan to be out most of the day so don't tell your spouse you will see her/him for lunch. The only time to do this ride is in cool weather in the winter so now is the time. This is a cross country ride so don't bring a big heavy DH with a single front ring (if you do you will probably need to be able to afford helicopter flying time for a rescue). For maps and a full description go to

http://www.mountainbikebill.com/PalmCanyon.htm

For a little taste of the fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6GaDNlfO_8 

or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu0BvlQL56o 

Be sure and change the impage quality to 1080 at the bottom right of the player if your computer can handle it.

Since this is a holiday weekend I am going to schedule the ride for Sunday and Monday as well. Once I get a second day with someone I will cancel the 3rd day as I don't think I can do this ride 3 days in a row.

Take I-10 to Gene Autry Trail (hwy 111) offramp and head south toward Palm Springs. The offramp had been re-opened on Jan. 29 when we did the ride last. Gene Autry Trail takes you directly to the Von's shopping center. Keep in mind there are 2 Von's. The other one is clear down by the road we take up to the top so don't go to that one.