By Mike Sweeney

MOAB -- Figure how much water you need to carry on a 23-mile bike trip. Then double that amount, just to be safe.

The relentless sun in a cloudless August sky, pushing temperatures to 106 degrees in the southern Utah redrock desert, can mean dehydration or even death to those who don't make proper plans.

A biking trip, such as the offroad journey to Gemini Bridges, photographed below, has its hazards. The week before these photographs were taken, a teen-ager died of exposure after taking a wrong turn on the Porcupine Rim trail and wandering in the wilderness. And there are always scrapes and sunburns, as well as sore muscles, to consider.

Fortunately, Moab is the center of the universe for mountain biking, and many bike shops and fellow trail riders will help visitors have a safe and pleasant trip. Maps are available of many trails, and guides can be hired. The pleasures of biking through the weird, wind- and water-carved Navajo sandstone rock formations are worth the time and trouble.

Gemini Bridges are twin arches of red sandstone, separated by a crack in the earth about 3 feet wide. A 14-mile bike trail from Highway 313 to Highway 191 passes near the top of the bridges. At the end of the trail, bikers can ride 9 miles along 191 into town.

Sound like fun? Good. Just be careful out there.

Photos by Mike Sweeney

A fork in the road on the Gemini Bridges trail.

A biker can stand on top of the Gemini Bridges and look through their openings to the valley floor.

Rental bikes can be had for $30 to $40 per day. Full suspension is helpful.

MS
MS

September 1998
October 1998

January 1999
February 1999
March 1999
April 1999
September 1999
October 1999
November 1999
December 1999

January 2000
February 2000
March 2000
April 2000
May 2000
June 2000
July 2000
August 2000