Gnarly Routes

Rico, Colorado Tour

September 5-9, 2024 (5 spots available)
September 12-16, 2024 (3 spots available)
$4,500 per person

Gnarly Routes operates under permit from the United State National Forest Service - Dolores Ranger District

Rico, Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful high alpine singletrack that the state of Colorado has to offer.  Come ride these pristine trails and develop your skills to conquer some technical obstacles and difficult sections sure to challenge any rider!

Here's what to expect:

Join us on a three-day skills based ride exploring the riding in and around Rico, Colorado.  Participants will fly into and out of Durango-La Plata County Airport.

***Please note that to attend this Gnarly Routes tour, you must ride one of our rental bikes***

Tour Dates: September 5-9, 2024
September 12-16, 2024

GNAR LEVEL (1-5): 4

Gnar level takes multiple factors into consideration:  Trail proximity to camp, difficulty of trails, bail out points, elevation, temperature and the overall physical fitness level required. Gnar level is measured on a scale of 1-5. 

Scroll down for the important information and to sign up!

If attending this tour, you will fly in and out of the Durango La Plata County Airport  

Curriculum:

Overview

A general discussion of proper trail etiquette and how to ride responsibly. Reiteration that this ride is not a race, but a fun trail ride in epic terrain that provides you the chance to enjoy the time on the bike and hone riding skills on difficult terrain. A discussion of proper body position, concise control inputs, weight distribution, and the use of dedicated momentum will be covered. Each location provides unique terrain and diverse terrain and our skills focus will change a bit per location. All skill work and riding is completely optional and no riding or skill work is ever mandatory.

Morning skill work..

Main focus is on body position and inputs on controls of the motorcycle. 

-How to move appropriately on the bike to help aid braking and accelerating safely.  

-Proper body weight distribution to help change direction and lessen riding fatigue.

Afternoon skill work.

Main focus is on throttle control and the use of momentum on the trail.

-Improve power distribution to help improve traction and minimize riding mistakes.

-Using the motorcycle’s inertia and roll speed to allow the bike to move as it is intended with less wheel spin and controlled braking to reduce erratic stoping and loss of control.

Focus Points

-How to climb tricky hills and cross large roots with control.

-How to stay balanced and safe on off camber trails with proper body position and management.

-How to cross boulder fields and using weight distribution to help with traction and ways to limit wheel spin.

What's included in the tour:

1 bike (KTM 250 XC-W, KTM 300 XC-W or KTM 450 XCF-W) rental for three days of riding

1 set of Moose Racing riding gear (Pant/Jersey/Glove).

XC Gear Mako 360 bar mount

Renthal handlebar and sprockets

Enduro Engineering hand guards and protection products (radiator guards, clutch master cylinder guard, rear disc guard, skid plate and rear brake pedal tip)

Michelin StarCross 6 tires, tread pattern selected depending on the tour

Michelin Bib Mousse front and rear

Seat Concept seats

WP XPLOR forks setup by Solid Performance to rider skill level and weight

WP PDS shock setup by Solid Performance rider skill level and weight 

Gnarly Routes graphics by Bike Graphix

Trail Tech GPS units and radiator fans

Rekluse Radius or Core manual clutch system

IMS Core footpegs

Twin Air filters

Motorex lubricants

MotoMinded headlight

4 nights lodging

Transportation to and from the airport

Breakfast each morning of tour and lunch out on the trail

Dinner is separate but the group will go together

Photos from the tour

Video recap from the tour

Route planning

Fuel

Lodging  

F.A.Q.

What bikes are available?

On this tour, we will have KTM 250 XC-W, KTM 300 XC-W, and KTM 450 XCF-W motorcycles.  Bikes are first come first serve so be sure to request one when signing up.

What bike upgrades or customizations do you offer?

On this tour, riders may request a Rekluse Radius auto-clutch or run the Rekluse Core manual clutch.  

What should I bring on the tour?

On this tour, you need to bring plenty of riding gear to get you through three days of riding.  If you have specific trail snacks that you like, we suggest bringing those but will have plenty of Kate's bars in the transport vehicle. Here's a short list though so you can make sure to bring everything.

Helmet

Riding pants (3)

Riding jerseys (3)

Knee pads or knee braces

Chest protector

Gloves (2)

Socks (3)

Padded shorts (3)

Goggles (2)

Drink system (1)

Fanny Pack (your guides will carry the heavy stuff!)

Advil

Snacks

Camera (Cole will be taking plenty of photos)

Rain jacket (1)

What skill level requirements are in place?

Gnar level takes multiple factors into consideration:  Trail proximity to camp, difficulty of trails, bail out points, elevation, temperature and the overall physical fitness level required. Gnar level is measured on a scale of 1-5.

Scroll down for the important information and to sign up! 

This tour is rated for intermediate level riders and up.  The riding in Rico contains steep climbs and descents where confident braking techniques will be required. The elevation is also very high so being physically fit will make this ride much more enjoyable.

When it comes to skill levels, everyone rates themselves differently. Below is how we at Gnarly Routes categorize each skill level.

Beginner: You are new to motorcycling and not comfortable riding in challenging conditions. You have trouble with hill-climbs, rocky terrain, steep descents and standing up while riding. Beginner riders struggle with proper clutch and braking techniques especially with the terrain gets challenging. We recommend practicing for a couple of years before you sign up for a Gnarly Routes tour.

Novice: You have been riding for some time and if you were to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up in the C class. You are comfortable navigating through a variety of terrain and can make quick line changes. Long rocky hill climbs or descents are a challenge and getting the front end up and over ledges are tricky. At Gnarly Routes, we can accommodate novice riders but it will be challenging.

Intermediate: You have been riding for some time and get to ride a couple of times a month. If you were to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up for the B class. You can ride all day if necessary and welcome being challenged. You struggle in technical terrain but can get through it. This is our most common skill level that we see at Gnarly Routes.

Advanced: Most people classify themselves as advanced level riders when they are actually intermediate. You have years of riding experience and ride on a regular basis (weekly). If you were going to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up in the A class. You smile when you see a gnarly rock garden or root infested trail. You are in good shape and can ride all day.

Expert: You have years of experience and ride on a regular basis (weekly). If you were going to sign up for an Offroad race, you would sign up in the AA, Expert, or Pro class. You can ride any kind of terrain and welcome a challenge. You like steep climbs and have excellent throttle, clutch and brake control. When you ride, you rarely make mistakes and are an extremely efficient rider.

Motorcycle endorsement on license is mandatory  

To sign-up for the Gnarly Routes Rico Tour, please fill out the form below.  This does not guarantee you a spot in the tour, forms will be sorted first come first serve.  A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to confirm your spot.