Sometimes Wheelbrothers or cycling enthusiasts living in Texas go participate in rides around the United States (or the world for that matter). When we get a great experience we love to share them with you, so here is one of those from John who recently went on a trip to Utah.
By John Hutchinson
From left, Zander (son), author, and Evan (son-in-law) at Bridal Veil Falls, along Provo River Parkway
On May 5, I made a trip to visit my parents who live in Alpine, Utah, (about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake) and decided to take advantage of the chance to take in a local ride. After consulting with my son and son-in-law we decided to attempt a ride over the Alpine Loop.
The Alpine Loop is a mountain pass that connects Provo Canyon from the south with American Fork Canyon to the north. It is typically incorporated as one of the climbs in the queen’s stage of the Tour of Utah. The pass itself is closed to car traffic during the winter due to road conditions, and normally opens around Memorial day. So although the pass was not opened to vehicles, we hoped to catch it early enough to avoid car traffic, and late enough to avoid icy road conditions.
A friend of mine had recommended that we rent bikes from the Bike Peddler, a local bike shop in American Fork ( bikepeddlerutah.com ). Parrish Pontious, the store manager, hooked us up with a Specialized Roubaix, and a Tarmac expert and took great care of us
We rode from Orem to the mouth of Provo Canyon where we picked up the hiking and biking trail, Provo River Parkway. (parking is available at the trail head). The trail begins at about 4,500 feet altitude, and has an average grade of 3% for about 6 miles, until you reach Vivian Park. From the park you have to venture out onto Highway 189 (a.k.a. Provo Canyon Road: nasty traffic, but wide shoulder) for about another mile until you cross over the highway and head toward Robert Redford’s Sundance ski resort on Highway 92 (a.k.a. Alpine Scenic Highway), and then on toward BYU’s Aspen Grove Family and Conference Center.
The road from the turnoff to Aspen Grove is 4 miles, and is the steepest part of the climb averaging 7%, but with some portions reaching up to 13%. After hitting Aspen grove, we passed the Forest Service entrance to the Alpine Loop, and entered the closed stretch of road. The next 4.5 miles to the summit averages 5%, with a handful of lazy switchbacks.
At the Alpine Loop summit 8,060 ft altitude
Our timing was perfect, the road was clear of snow and ice, but littered in a few spots with pine cones and a few felled trees that appeared to have been moved by cyclists who preceded us. The summit is at 8060 feet, and we spent a few minutes there enjoying the accomplishment before turning around for the exhilirating ride down.
Overall, the ride was great, but the scenery was spectacular. The pictures just don’t do justice to the majestic views of the mountain terrain. If you are ever in the Salt Lake area, I highly recommend this ride.
